OMAFRA's new Canola and Edible Bean Specialist says there are advantages to seeding canola early.
Meghan Moran says those advantages include high yield and mitigating pest issues.
Moran suggests ideal planting date in Ontario are typically late April, early May.
She recommends beginning seeding at 3 or 4 degrees celsius soil temperature if soil conditions are fit and the temperatures are expected to rise.
Moran points out late seeding may mean there's not enough moisture to seed at the recommended one half to one inch depth.
While spring frost can be an issue, Moran says seeding late in May can lead to flowering during the hot weather of late June and July - creating temperature stress that can have a huge impact on yield.
The OMAFRA specialist also suggests good stand establishment and rapid, early growth of canola is ideal for mitigating issues caused by insect pests.
