Back Forty Year End Issue

SARDA

Back FortY Mission: To Facilitate the

transfer of unbiased ideas and information between research institutions, industry and agriuclutural producers.

YEAR END ISSUE

December, 2018

Another Successful Year at SARDA Ag Research

by Shelleen Gerbig

It seems like yesterday that I was writing an article for 2017 year end. The 2018 year flew by. To make it easier, I will talk about the year in phases based on major activities.

The first phase I will call obligations. During this phase, we establish the majority of the trials and projects we will work on for the next year, report to our membership, confirm the Board of Directors and plan the extension program.

In 2018, we participated in 70 trials and monitored and surveyed for Bertha Army Worms, Diamond Back Moths, Wheat Midge, Pea Leaf Weevil, cutworms, wireworms, clubroot, and blackleg in canola. The trials included

projects in the final year of their protocols, some just beginning, and some partway through their terms. We did trials that were SARDA specific, in partnership with Farming Smarter and Vegreville, and in partnership with other research associations in Alberta. Several industry trials

Setting out wireworm baits

IN THIS ISSUE Another Successful Year

1

Wheat Midge Forecast

6

Health, safety rules in force on farms and ranches

11

Coming Events

12

Research Summaries

14

Working in Cold Weather

17

Clubroot.ca

19

Monitoring Stored Grain

21

Page 2 December, 2018 2 Continued from page 1

were also completed. Results are reported online at www. sarda.ca, when the reports are completed. This is also the time of year that staff pursue individual training, network with other agricultural personnel and explore new research and agronomic practices.

In January, the associationappointed accountant prepared a complete financial audit, which was made available and approved at the required Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the end of February. Once the Board of Directors was established for the year, the budget was set, equipment purchases planned, and direction given to the staff who are tasked with the execution of the association’s goals. This is also the time of year that staff completed numerous grant reports, wrote reports for our partners, wrote new project proposals, and negotiated with clients old and new for services and trials in 2018. SARDA said hello to Amber FennellDrouin, a welcome addition to the SARDA staff as an administrative assistant, and goodbye and thank you to Dr. Kabal Gill, who retired, and Dr. Khalil Ahmed, who moved on in August to work for another research association.

At the AGM, David Spiess, Doug Macaulay, Francois Catellier, and Darcy Boisvert presented on the improved soil information viewer, the Agriculture Opportunity Fund, the Northern Alberta

SARDA’s Students – (from left to right) Dave Cloutier, Joseph Sylvain, Robyn Simoneau, Josh Sylvain, Tyler Yoder and Suzanne Boulet.

Hemp Production Initiative, and SARDA’s Variety Trials, respectively, in addition to the required association business.

Extension goals were also established. It was reaffirmed that SARDA would hold the AGM and Extension Event, hold the annual Field School, and continue with the newsletters and MailChimp initiative. In 2018, SARDA distributed more than 20,000 newsletters, and sent out 60,000 e-mails on subjects of interest to agricultural producers and their industry representatives. In addition to the emails and newsletters, SARDA staff maintained their newly designed website, and was rewarded with in excess of 20,000 hits.

The Field School and grand opening of SARDA’s new storage building was a highlight in 2018 for SARDA staff and

producers. The event hosted 77 participants who enjoyed tours of the trial sites, a BBQ steak supper, and entertainment.

We were fortunate that the weather cooperated. Other events SARDA co-hosted and participated in included the Footprints tours, the 2018 Clubroot Meeting Road Show (7 events throughout the Peace Region), EFP Workshops, Shelterbelt Workshops, Buttercup and Burdock Workshops, Soil Health workshops, the Classroom Agriculture Program, a Weed Control Workshop, Crop Seedling and Weed ID Sessions for municipal Weed Inspectors in the Peace Region, SARDA Variety Trial Crop Walks, Producer Commission Events, and numerous program updates for SARDA partners.

The second phase of the year I will call Trial Establishment. During this

December, 2018 Page 3 to producer’s requests for information on protein levels in the new wheat varieties in SARDA’s local variety trials, SARDA staff were able to source funds to purchase a protein tester Robyn Simoneau and Tyler Yoder preparing seed and designed packages for seeding. a trial to look at different ways to period of time, SARDA’s possibly increase focus is on establishing the protein levels with applications committed projects according of nitrogen in different forms to trial protocols. The summer and at different levels of growth students, under the direction throughout the season. This trial of Darcy Boisvert and Khalil was established at 2 locations Ahmed, joined the crew and in the Peace Region and will be were responsible for preparing continued in 2019 and 2020. In the seed and fertilizer packages, addition to the protein levels, calibrating the seeders, site SARDA will also be monitoring preparations and seeding the economic implications of the trials. All activities were the different treatments. Look documented and plot labels for test results at www.sarda. prepared. Plots are measured ca, which will posted as soon as and the sites were mowed to they are available. ensure all plots are equivalent size, treatments were labeled Another interesting trial this and signs were installed. Data year is the deep banding of collection began with plant counts, plant counts, and more plant counts. During the season, in-plot applications of herbicide, nutrients, fungicides, plant growth regulators, and insecticides were also completed as indicated in trial protocols. SARDA’s students did a great job in 2018. A big shout out to Suzanne Boulet, Joseph Sylvain, Dave Cloutier, Robyn Simoneau, Josh Sylvain, and Tyler Yoder, our student staff in 2018.

Each year brings new and interesting trials to SARDA’s workload. In 2018, in response

immobile nutrients project.

Because producers may be limited by equipment capacities in the amount of nutrients they are able to apply at seeding time, SARDA, Vegreville, and Farming Smarter designed a trial that looked at the deep-banding of the immobile nutrients at 3 times the recommended rate once every three years versus yearly applications at the recommended rate. The other nutrients, Nitrogen and Sulphur, were applied at the yearly recommended rate and will be applied yearly based on recommendations of annual soil tests. The immobile nutrients include phosphorus, potassium, and copper.

The hail simulation trial’s field portion was completed in 2018.

The next step will be to analyze the results, evaluate the economics of the different trials, and determine if any trends or conclusions can be drawn.

This project was replicated in Lethbridge and Vegreville,

One of many plant counts

December, 2018

Page 4 4 Continued from page 3

Trial site maintenance

for three years. All the data from the three locations will be analyzed. The report will be posted on the website as soon as it is available.

SARDA works with many new crops for the area, evaluating their ability to be assimilated

into local production, testing agronomic methods, evaluating the economics of producing these crops locally, and determining how they could be added into a typical crop rotation of the area. In 2018, SARDA participated in numerous trials of unusual crops including faba bean, soybean, industrial hemp, forages for feed and seed, and quinoa.

We looked at fertility, fungicide treatments, fertility application timings, crop rotations, varieties, and disease management. Industry trials often test new treatments and products and although we are unable to disclose all the results, there are always things to learn from these.

The third phase of the year I will call project completion.

This phase begins with the disappearance of the summer staff who return to school

and SARDA’s full-time staff takes full responsibility for the activities required. The plots are harvested, samples dried and processed. Some projects require the samples to be sent on for further testing, so these are packaged and sent out.

All harvest data is recorded, analyzed and forwarded to the heads of the trials if we are partnering with others on the trial. Protocols are scrutinized to ensure all contracted services are completed and invoices are prepared and distributed. Reports are prepared and posted as they are completed. Equipment is maintained, repaired and evaluated as to whether it will complete its expected life for the replacement plan. It is also during this time that staff plan to attend training events to enhance their own knowledge and organize producer events.

Meanwhile, initial program planning and budget preparation for 2019 begins. The project completion phase often moves seamlessly into the obligations phase with no definitive break.

Planning for the biannual Trade Show began late in 2018. Plan

December, 2018 on attending the show which will be held on March 14, 15 and 16, 2019. In addition to the 200 booths of the Trade Show, SARDA is also planning an exhibitor appreciation night, a farmer appreciation event and the farm safety pavilion. This is a huge endeavor for the small SARDA crew, but planning is well underway and we are on course to meet the deadlines we have set for Registrations and advertising.

SARDA is a non-profit organization that is producer directed and operates in the south Peace Region of Alberta including the Municipalities of Greenview and Smoky River, Big Lakes County, Northern Sunrise County and the County of Grande Prairie. Our mission is to facilitate the transfer of unbiased ideas and information between research institutions, industry and agricultural producers. We challenge anyone who is interested in agriculture to subscribe to the email notification program through www.sarda.ca . On

Page 5 this website you will also find, important program information, quick links to reports and information on challenges facing agriculture, articles on SARDA activities, and coming events as well as the numerous ways you can contact us.

SARDA staff loves to talk to people about agriculture and the work we do.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Harvesting plots in 2019

Page 6 December, 2018 6 

Wheat Midge Forecast 2019

by Scott Meers, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

Individual fields or small pockets of wheat midge may still exist so it is important to remain vigilant. The midge population in central Alberta east of Edmonton is also lower.

In both the Peace and central Alberta this may be partially due the use of midge tolerant wheat.

Wheat midge in both areas will remain a concern in individual fields, especially if there is late seeding and higher than average rainfall in the spring.

Areas west and south of Edmonton have also seen individual fields with midge numbers at levels of concern as far south as Red Deer County.

The population remains low in southern Alberta and the only midge found was associated with irrigated fields.

Over the past several years the field to field variation has been very considerable throughout the province. Individual fields throughout Alberta may have economic levels of midge.

The wheat midge forecast for 2019 shows an overall low level of wheat midge across Alberta.

There is very little risk of midge

in the Peace Region, with the lowest level of midge found in the survey since the outbreak in 2013.

Each producer needs to assess their risk based on indicators specific to their farm. Specifically, producers should pay attention to midge downgrading in their wheat samples and use this as an indication of midge risk in their fields.

This forecast is not intended to take the place of individual field monitoring. The forecast

December, 2018 for Alberta shows areas of risk for midge damage in 2019. It is important to note that over such a wide range, populations in individual fields can be and often are highly variable. Producers should plan to monitor their fields when the midge adults are flying and their wheat is in the susceptible stage. In all areas of the province growers are urged to monitor their wheat fields from wheat head emergence to anthesis for the presence of midge adults. Regular field scouting on multiple nights in succession is important in understanding the population in a particular field..

Although a number of factors influence the overwintering survival of the midge, the survey and map provide a general picture of existing densities and the potential for infestation in 2017. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and moisture will ultimately determine the extent and timing of midge emergence during the growing season. Temperature and wind also play critical roles in egg laying activities of the female wheat midge. The level of damage from wheat midge is determined by the synchrony of wheat midge emergence and wheat and the number

Page 7 of wheat midge present. Look for the results of our wheat midge pheromone trapping in June and July to help track the emergence of adult midge.

Parasitism of midge larvae by a small wasp species (Macroglens penetrans) has been important in keeping wheat midge populations below the economic threshold in many areas. These beneficial wasps tend to thrive in warm, dry conditions.

Parasite populations increase and decrease with changes in the midge population and are very important in moderating population levels in Alberta.

It is important to understand that once midge has established in an area it unlikely to ever completely disappear.

Low lying and moist areas in a field provide a refuge, enabling the population to survive even when conditions are not favorable in the rest of the field.

These low population levels, however, also help sustain a population of natural enemies.

Management tools for dealing with midge Crop Rotations

Avoid continuous wheat cropping because this practice favours the build-up of midge populations. When wheat midge populations are high in the soil of a particular field, it is best to switch from wheat to crops that are not susceptible to midge, such as oilseeds and pulse crops. Cereals crops such as barley, oats and annual canary grass can also be grown with little or no risk of damage.

Seeding dates

Research trials with early and later seeding dates have had variable results in reducing

December, 2018

Page 8 8 Continued from page 7

midge damage, depending on variety and wheat classes.

Tests with traditional spring wheat varieties showed that early seeding of early maturing varieties resulted in greatly reduced midge damage. These early maturing varieties tended to grow through the susceptible stage before the wheat midge emerged from the soil.

However, recent tests with newer spring wheat, CPS and durum varieties showed late seeding resulted in the least amount of damage from the midge. This result appears to be related to the fact that the new, higher yielding spring wheat, CPS and durum varieties head out over a longer time and therefore remain susceptible longer. For these varieties, the susceptible stage and midge presence in the field coincided, so early seeding does not appear to be a viable, non-chemical control option.

Another complicating factor in the more recent trials is that the testing was done during “el Nino� years, with unique environmental conditions.

Further testing will be required before any reliable recommendations can be made. Early seeding of early maturing spring wheat varieties may still be a useful method for non-chemical management of midge populations.

Soil type was another variable identified when considering seeding dates in cultural control. Days to heading was, on average, five to six days

longer on heavy textured soil than on light-textured soil, therefore extending the time the wheat was susceptible to midge damage. More detailed information is available at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website. (Research Letters at http://res2.agr.ca/ saskatoon/)

Chemical control: Yield considerations An insecticide application is recommended when there is at least one adult midge for every four or five wheat heads.

At this level of infestation, wheat yields will be reduced by approximately 15 per cent if the midge is not controlled. Higher midge densities will reduce yields even further.

Grade considerations The Canadian Grain Commission’s changes to grading tolerances have prompted the re-evaluation of the economic threshold for wheat midge to maintain optimum grades. In areas where growing conditions are favourable to the production of No. 1 grade wheat, chemical control may be required when midge populations reach one adult midge for every eight to ten wheat heads during the susceptible stage.

Cygon, Lagon, Lorsban 4E, Nufos and Pyrinex, are registered for the control of wheat midge in wheat in Canada. An insecticide application is recommended if the action threshold has been reached before the crop has flowered. The timing of the application will vary with the insecticide being used. Consult the specific recommendations for the product being used.

All insecticides should be applied in the evening when female midge are most active at the top of the crop canopy.

However, early morning applications may also produce acceptable results.

Note: Application during the advanced stages of flowering is discouraged because plants in this growth stage are no longer

Lorsban 4E, Nufos and Pyrinex should not be used within 60 days of harvest. Do not re-enter the treated field for at least 48 hours.

December, 2018 Page 9 susceptible to attack, and any larvae already inside the florets are unlikely to be affected by an insecticide. At these stages, the insecticide will have a negative impact on midge parasites.

Cygon and Lagon applied with ground or aerial equipment provide contact control of adults and some residual control. They do not control eggs. Application should be made within 24 hours of reaching the action threshold - while the adults are still active.

If adult midge persist, a second application may be required, provided the crop has not started to flower.

Lorsban 4E, Nufos and Pyrinex control adults and eggs.

Because these insecticides control eggs, they do not have to be applied within 24 hours of having reached the action threshold as is the case with Cygon and Lagon. In fact, application should be delayed up to four days after the recommended action threshold has been reached. This strategy allows a maximum number of wheat heads to emerge, resulting in increased protection.

Wheat Midge: Monitoring Protocol Host Plants: All conventional wheat varieties are susceptible to wheat midge, but some are more seriously affected than others. Midge tolerant wheat varieties are now available as a varietal blend (90% of one variety that is midge tolerant and 10% of another variety that is midge susceptible). Although the midge also attacks other members of the grass family,

including barley, couch grass, intermediate wheat grass and rye, infestations on these plants are usually not serious enough to warrant control.

Identification, Life Cycle and Damage: Adult The female midge is a tiny, fragile fly about 3 mm long with a salmon pink body. The male is smaller. The head is light brown with two large black eyes. Legs are light brown and antennae are dark brown.

Wings are dusky and fringed with hairs. Adult midges emerge from the pupal stage in the soil over a 5-6 week period, from mid-June to mid-July. This is about the time when the wheat heads are emerging from the sheath and beginning to flower.

During the day, the midge remains within the humid crop canopy. During warm (>15°C), calm (wind speed is less than 10 km/h) evenings, the female midges lay eggs on the wheat kernels singly or in groups of 3-5. Egg laying takes place just prior to or at anthesis, over their 4 or 5 day lifespan.

Eggs: The tiny, orange-coloured eggs are barely visible to the human eye. Plants are most vulnerable to attack if the eggs are laid during the time the heads are about one-half emerged from the boot to half-flowering.

Larvae: Eggs hatch in 5-7 days and the larvae move to the surface of the developing kernels and feed for 2-3 weeks. The newly hatched larvae are white; the mature larvae are oval-shaped

and are orange-red in colour.

Larval feeding will cause the kernels to shrivel. A few kernels may be aborted entirely. Others will not fully develop and will be so small and light. Damage will not be visible unless the developing kernels are inspected. The mature larvae remain in the wheat head, enclosed in a transparent skin, until activated by rain or damp weather conditions. Then, these larvae drop to the soil surface, burrow down into the soil (up to 10 cm down) and pass the winter in a resting stage enclosed in cocoons which are smaller than canola seeds Field Inspection for Adults: Inspections should be carried out in the evening (preferably after 8:30 pm.) when the female midges are most active. On warm (at least 15ÂşC), calm evenings, the midge can be observed in the field, laying their eggs on the wheat heads.

Midge populations can be estimated by counting the number of adults present on 4 or 5 wheat heads. Inspect the field daily in at least 3 or 4 locations during the evening.

Soil Sampling for Monitoring of Overwintering Populations Monitoring of overwintering populations can be conducted in fall after the wheat has been harvested. To obtain soil cores, a metal tube, with an inside diameter of 2.54 cm, is inserted into the soil to a depth of 15 cm and the resulting core, which has a surface area of 5.06 cm2, is the basic sampling unit. Five cores will be taken at random at three locations within the field. Cores will be placed in individual plastic bags and

Page 10 December, 2018 10 Continued from page 9

stored at 2oC until they could be processed. The cores will be processed by wet sieving as described by Doane et al.

(1987), and cocoons, larvae, and pupae counted. The larvae will be dissected to determine if they are parasitized.

Reference: Doane, J.F., O. Olfert & M.K. Mukerji. 1986. Extraction precision of sieving and brine floatation for removal of wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), cocoons and larvae from soil. J. Economic Entomology 80: 268-271.

Economic Thresholds: To maintain optimum grade: 1 adult midge per 8 to 10 wheat heads during the susceptible stage.

For yield only: 1 adult midge per 4 to 5 heads.

At this level of infestation, wheat yields will be reduced by approximately 15% if the midge is not controlled. Inspect the developing kernels for the

presence of larvae and the larval damage.

How the survey was done The 2018 fall survey included wheat growing areas throughout Alberta. In total 315 samples were taken from 63 counties.

The survey involves taking soil samples from wheat fields after harvest using a standard soil probe. Larval cocoons are washed out of the soil using a specialized series of screens.

Larvae are counted, and then dissected to determine if they are parasitized. The midge density displayed on the forecast map is based on viable (live, non-parasitized) midge larvae.

Who helped The wheat midge survey was conducted by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry with assistance from: • Battle River Research Group • Chinook Applied Research Association • Farming Smarter • Lakeland Applied Research Association

•

• • • • • •

Mackenzie Applied Research Association Northern Peace Applied Research Association Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association County of Two Hills Parkland County MD Wainwright Mountain View County

Our map was produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon SK. A special thank you to David Giffen for building the map.

Thank you to the many producers for permission to survey their fields. If you are interested in taking part in the Alberta 2019 wheat midge survey contact Shelley Barkley.

Updates of current conditions and wheat midge emergence will be available through the AgInfo Centre (310 FARM) during the 2019 growing season and at the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network.

December, 2018

Page 11

Health, safety rules in force on farms and ranches Media release,Nov 30, 2018

Farm and ranch workers now have similar health and safety requirements as workers in other industries and other provinces.

The first year health and safety rules applied to the sector – the overall injury rate decreased 21 per cent and the serious injury rate decreased 23 per cent.

On Dec. 1, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code will apply to farms and ranches that employ waged, non-family workers. The code contains technical health and safety rules and now includes new rules specifically for farms and ranches.

for their hard work and for helping find the right balance.”

“Our government has the backs of working people and we value the contributions of Alberta’s farm and ranch communities. We have worked collaboratively with farmers, ranchers and workers to make changes that ensure workers in Alberta benefit from the same protections as workers in other provinces.”

Christina Gray, Minister of Labour “All workers have a right to return home safely each day. I am confident the new rules will ensure farm and ranch workers are better protected, just like their peers in other provinces. I want to thank Alberta producers

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry The new rules were created through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders during the past two years.

The rules reflect the need to protect health and safety while preserving the unique way of life on farms and ranches.

Alberta farmers and ranchers created AgSafe Alberta, an industry-led, non-government health and safety association.

AgSafe has developed programming and additional resources to help farmers and ranchers implement the new rules.

Healthier, safer farms and ranches By comparing data from 2017 to 2016 – the first year health and safety rules applied to the sector – the overall injury rate

decreased 21 per cent and the serious injury rate decreased 23 per cent.

Quick facts About 4,100 farms and ranches in Alberta employ waged, nonfamily workers.

Family members and volunteers are exempt from the OHS rules. Neighbours can still provide support to neighbours and kids can still do chores on the farm as they have always done.

Eligible producers can apply for grants to help offset the costs of implementing the new rules. Up to $6 million is available during the next three years through the Farm Health and Safety Producer Grant program.

OHS officers are currently visiting farms and ranches to respond to complaints or investigate serious incidents or fatalities.

December, 2018

Page 12-13

Event Name

Location

Making the Grade

Land Sciences Building Olds College, Olds Alberta

Time

Date

Cost

Comments

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

December 18

$100

To register click below https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/makingthe-grade-tickets-50412580385

Hedging Edge

Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Red Deer, Alberta

9:30 am

December 19 & 20

$350

To register click below https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ hedging-edge-commodity-marketing-course-registration-50664177920?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Holistic Management Course

Ag-Plex, High Prairie, Alberta

9:30 am

January 17-19 & January 24-26

$1,650

Call 780-835-6799 for more information or to register.

Farm Tech 2019

Rycroft

TBA

January 29 - 31

$500

To register, click below https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ereg/ index.php?eventid=382307&

Shelterbelt Workshop

St. Isidore Cultural Centre, St. Isidore, Alberta

6:30 - 9:30 pm

February 6

FREE

Call 780-322-3831 to register

Bumblebee House Building Workshop

Northern Sunrise County

6:30 - 10:00 pm

February 7

FREE

Call 780-322-3831 to register

SARDA Annual General Meeting

TBA

8:30 am - 3:30 am

February 21

FREE

For more information call 780-837-2900

SARDA Ag Research Agricultural Trade Show

Falher, Alberta

TBA

March 14, 15 and 16

FREE

For more information call 780-837-2900

Page 14 December, 2018 14

Research Summaries from peer reviewed publications of 2018

Crop rotations compared with continuous canola and wheat for crop production and fertilizer use over 6 years Kabal S. Gill 1 Can. J. Plant Sci. 00: 1–11 (0000) dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjps2017-0292 Accepted 30 April 2018.

Local economic, logistic, soil, and weather conditions have made appropriate rotations vary from one area to another.

Seed yield and fertilizer use in rotations were compared with continuous cropping for 6 yr in the southeast Peace region of Alberta, Canada. Canola (C) (Brassica napus L.), wheat (W) (Triticum aestivum L.), pea (P) (Pisum sativum L.), barley (B) (Hordeum vulgare L.), and flax (F) (Linum usitatissimum L.) were grown in 12 treatments [i.e., continuous canola (CC) and wheat (WW)] and rotations of W–C, P–W–W, C–W–W, C–C–W, P–C–W, C–P–W, W–B–C, B–W–C, F–W–C, and F–C–W. Canola yield increased with 1 or 2 yr breaks from canola.

Within rotations, there was a trend to lower canola yield on canola stubble compared with other crop stubbles. Wheat yield was generally lower in WW than in rotations. Among rotations, wheat yield tended to be greater on pea stubble compared with canola, wheat, barley, and flax stubbles.

Averaged over 2010–2015, the canola yield benefit from rotations was 0.632 Mg ha−1 (19.4%) over CC and the wheat yield benefit from rotations was 0.313 Mg ha−1 (7.2%) over WW. Nitrogen saving was observed when pea was included in rotation.

Advanced Agronomic Practices to Maximize Feed Barley Yield, Quality, and Standability in Alberta, Canada. I. Responses to Plant Density, a Plant Growth Regulator, and Foliar Fungicides L. A. Perrott,* S. M. Strydhorst, L. M. Hall, R. C. Yang, D. Pauly, K. S. Gill, and R. Bowness Published in Agron. J. 110:1447– 1457 (2018) doi:10.2134/agronj

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield has increased at a slower rate than other major crops in Alberta, and barley area has declined over the last two decades. Improved agronomic management may increase grain yield and address other production constraints such as lodging, disease, and quality limitations. Field experiments were conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2016 at four rainfed sites and one irrigated site in Alberta, Canada, to evaluate the effects of plant density (targeting 240 or 355 plants m–2), the plant growth regulator chlormequat chloride (CCC; 2-chloroethyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride), foliar fungicide application (at flag leaf, 2 wk later, or at both application [dual] timings), four rates of post-emergence N, and the interaction of these factors on ‘Amisk’ feed barley.

There was no post-emergence

December, 2018 Page 15 N interaction with the other agronomic practices tested in this study. The CCC did not markedly reduce height or lodging, but increased grain yield by 2%. Test weight increased by 0.5 kg hL–1 with CCC at 240 plants m–2.

Foliar fungicides resulted in an average yield increase of 3% in the low disease conditions encountered in the study.

Dual fungicide applications increased yield over single applications at the 355 plants m–2 density only. Combined, the most intensive agronomic practices (355 plants m–2, CCC, and dual fungicide applications) provided a 7% grain yield increase compared to the low intensity control.

Core Ideas • Chlormequat chloride did not markedly reduce height or lodging, but yield increased by 2% across environments • Chlormequat chloride improved barley quality through increased test weight in moderate stands (240 plants m–2) • Foliar fungicides increased grain yield by 3% across environments, which overall had low disease pressure • Dual fungicide applications increased yield more than single applications only at the higher density (355 plants m–2) • Greatest grain yield was achieved by 355 plants m–2, a growth regulator, and dual fungicide applications.

Advanced Agronomic Practices to Maximize Feed Barley Yield, Quality, and Standability in Alberta, Canada. II. Responses to Supplemental PostEmergence Nitrogen L. A. Perrott,* S. M. Strydhorst, L. M. Hall, R. C. Yang, D. Pauly, K. S. Gill, and R. Bowness Published in Agron. J. 110:1458– 1466 (2018) doi:10.2134/ agronj2017.12.0684

Small yield gains and decreasing feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) acreage in Alberta may be addressed with agronomic solutions. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016 at 3 irrigated and 11 rain-fed environments in Alberta, Canada, to determine the effects of supplemental post-emergence N on ‘Amisk’ feed barley growth, grain yield, and grain quality. At the time of seeding, urea N was applied at rates suitable for targeting average yield potential in each environment. Just prior to BBCH 30 (beginning of stem elongation), this was supplemented with additional 0, 34, and 68 kg N ha–1 in the form of undiluted urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), and 34 kg N ha–1 with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). In most environments, grain yield, grain N yield (grain yield × percentage grain N), and grain protein increased with post-emergence N rate.

The largest positive grain yield responses (up to 19%) usually occurred in environments

with more than 300 mm of growing season precipitation.

Grain yield and grain N yield were significantly reduced when post-emergence N was applied in high temperatures with low precipitation. Postemergence N increased height, but did not markedly change lodging or days to maturity. The grain quality parameters of test weight, starch, and fiber had minor responses to post-emergence N application. The addition of NBPT to postemergence N had little effect on any response variables. Supplemental post-emergence N provided an agronomic solution for increasing feed barley grain yield, but consistent increases were limited to irrigated or high precipitation environments.

Core Ideas • Agronomic solutions such as supplemental postemergence N may increase yield of feed-barley grain.

• Grain yield, grain N yield, and grain protein generally increased as post-emergence N rate increased.

• Largest grain yield increases occurred in environments with >300 mm of growing season precipitation.

• Yields decreased when N was applied as urea ammonium nitrate in hot and low-precipitation conditions • There were no adverse negative effects to maturity, lodging, or grain quality in ‘Amisk’ feed barley.

December, 2018

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Potential of Spring Barley, Oat and Triticale Intercrops with Field Peas for Forage Production, Nutrition Quality and Beef Cattle Diet Kabal S. Gill1 & Akim T. Omokanye2

Journal of Agricultural Science; Vol. 10, No. 4; 2018ISSN 19169752 E-ISSN 1916-9760

1. SARDA Ag Research, Falher, Alberta, Canada 2. Peace Country Beef & Forage Association, Animal Science Building, Grande Prairie Regional College, Fairview,Alberta, Canada Online Published: March 15, 2018 Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) monocrops and their intercrops with two forage varieties (40-10 and Tucker) and one seed variety (Cooper) peas (Pisum sativum L.) were evaluated for forage production, nutrition quality and suitability in the beef cattle diet. Pea + cereal intercrops were compared to respective cereal monocrops in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Plant height of

cereals tended to be reduced in intercrops compared to respective monocrops. Taller 40-10 forage type pea tended to cause lodging in 2009 and 2011, not observed with other pea varieties. Fresh forage of pea + cereal intercrops had higher moisture than respective cereal monocrops. Fourteen of the 18 intercrops had less dry matter yield (DMY) than respective cereal monocrops.

Shorter Tucker pea had less negative impact on DMY than taller 40-10 pea. Treatments with barley had lower DMY than respective oat and triticale systems. Intercrops improved forage crude protein (CP) content over the respective monocrops, which was enough to overcome the DMY penalty and produce more CP yield than their monocrops. The forage Ca and Mg contents were improved by intercrops over their monocrops, and they were greater with 40-10 pea than other pea varieties and with barley than oat or triticale. The forage P content also tended to be higher in intercrops than corresponding monocrops, without a consistent effect of cereal type or pea variety. The forage K and S contents were not consistently influenced by the cereal types, pea varieties or intercrops. Forage Na content

was greater from oat than respective barley and triticale treatments. The monocrops and intercrops had similar forage Cu content, and treatments with barley had more Cu than with oat or triticale. Forage Zn content tended to be intercrops > monocrops; and barley > triticale > oat. Treatments had no influence on the forage Fe and Mn contents. Levels of acid (ADF) and neutral (NDF) detergent fibres in the forage were similar for the corresponding intercrops and monocrops, and greater for oat than barley or triticale treatments. Some of the intercrops improved total digestible nutrients (TDN) content in forage over their monocrops. Monocrop of oat had less TDN than barley or triticale. Drought reduced the ADF, NDF and TDN contents.

The forage NEL, NEM and NEG as well as RFV and NFC showed similar trend as the TDN. Overall, the tested pea + cereal intercrops did not increase DMY over the respective monocrops, but they indicated several nutritional quality benefits.

These improvements present opportunities to substitute some grain or supplements in the beef cattle diet with better quality forage by intercrops.

December, 2018

Page 17

Working in Cold Weather December 5th Newsletter

Farming and ranching chores and duties don’t stop when there is snow, and cooler temperatures. Winter conditions bring additional hazards to watch out for. Use the buddy system or at least make sure someone knows where you are working and when to expect you back.

When is it too cold to work outside? The wind chill factor plays a big role in whether you should skip working outside in cold weather. A harsh wind chill can make conditions too dangerous for prolonged work. Be mindful of any health conditions you may have that could make working in extreme conditions riskier. Environment Canada has a windchill chart to evaluate exposure times.

Taking indoor breaks is a key component of working in cold weather safely. During breaks, be sure to check your body for signs of cold stress. Sip a warm, sweet beverage to help re-energize the body, and eat a warm, high-calorie snack or meal. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Dress appropriately for the conditions, wearing at least three layers of clothing to ward off the chill. Start with a base layer against skin. Then

add an insulating layer in the middle, and a wind and water resistant outer layer that has a bit of ventilation. Never wear cotton in cold or wet weather.

It absorbs moisture and dries slowly. Synthetic fabrics, wool and silk are all safer options.

Choose loose-fitting layers to avoid circulation issues. Wear protection for your face and mouth as well, if needed. A hat and gloves are a must to protect skin and prevent heat from escaping. A good pair of insulated, waterproof boots will do the trick for your feet.

Cold stress happens when the external temperature drives down skin temperature and eventually body temperature.

The most common coldinduced illness and injuries involve hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

• Hypothermia happens when you lose body heat faster than you can replace it. We often think of hypothermia occurring in extreme cold, but it can also happen on a nice, cool day if you become wet from sweat, rain or other water exposure. Shivering is an early warning sign, but when body temperature continues to fall, shivering will stop. Keep a

lookout for loss of coordination and for disorientation in yourself and others. If you experience these symptoms, seek shelter, remove wet clothing, take steps to warm up, and call a medical professional.

• Frostbite happens when skin or underlying tissue freezes.

Watch your extremities for gray or white patches on reddened skin, numbness or a feeling of firmness or hardness. If you suspect you have frostbite, seek shelter, remove wet clothing and get medical attention. Do not try to rewarm frostbitten areas by placing them in, for example, warm water — more damage could occur.

• Trench foot, also called immersion, happens with continuous exposure to wet and cold conditions. The body essentially will shut down circulation in the feet, and tissue will begin to die. Trench foot can even occur on a nice 60-degree day because, wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry ones. Redness, swelling, numbness and blisters could all be signs of trench foot.

Seek shelter, remove wet socks or boots and carefully dry your feet.

December, 2018 Page 18 18 Wind Chill

Exposure Risk

Health Concerns

What to Do

0 to -9

LOW RISK

•

Slight increase in discomfort

• •

Dress warmly Stay dry

-10 tp -27

MODERATE RISK

• •

uncomfotable risk of hypothermia, frostbite if outside for long periods without adequate protection

•

dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant wewar a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf and insulated waterproof footwear stay dry keep active

• • •

-28 to -39

-40 to -47

-48 to -54

HIGH RISK

exposed skin can freeze in 10-30 minutes

•

•

VERY HIGH RISK

•

exposed skin can freeze in 5-10 minutes

•

SEVERE RISK

•

exposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes

•

High risk of frostnip or frostbite: cdheck face and extremities for numbness or whiteness High risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold

•

Very high risk of frostbite: check face and extremities frequently for numbness or whiteness Very highrisk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adeuate clothing or shelter from wind and cold

•

Sever risk of frostbite: check face and extremities frequently for numbness or whiteness Severe risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adeuate clothing or shelter from wind and cold

•

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• • •

-55 and colder

EXTREME RISK: exposed skin can freeze in less than 2 minutes

DANGER! Outdoor conditions are hazardous

Dress in layers of warm clothing with an outer layer that is wind-resistant.

Cover exposed skin wear a har, mittens, or insuated gloves, neck tube or face mask and insulated waterproff footwear stay dry keep active Dress in layers of warm clothing with an outer layer that is wind-resistant Cover all exposed skin Wear a har, mittens or insulated glovves, a scarf, neck tube or face mask and insulated waterproof footwear Stay dry keep active Be Careful. Dress in layers of warm clothing with an outer layer that is windresistant Cover all exposed skin Wear a har, mittens or insulated glovves, a scarf, neck tube or face mask and insulated waterproof footwear Be ready to cut short or cancel outdoor activities Stay dry keep active

Stay indoors

December, 2018

Page 19

Clubroot.ca excerpt from www.clubroot.ca

Since the clubroot pathogen and primary disease symptoms all occur underground, it is crucial to scout fields throughout the season and pull up roots to look for symptoms Clubroot is spread by the movement of soil containing soil-borne resting spores. Soil transport occurs mainly on farm machinery.

Clubroot surveys in Alberta have found that almost all new infestations begin near the field access, which indicates that contaminated equipment is the predominant spread mechanism.

Any vector that moves soil will move this disease. Wind and water erosion, recreational vehicles, livestock, manure, hay, seed potatoes, common (uncleaned and untreated) seed, exploration/construction equipment, and even footwear may also move this pathogen.

Heavily infested soil requires significantly less soil to initiate infection than lightly infested soil.

But in general, those vectors that move the greatest amount of soil are the greatest risk. Therefore, any soil transfer from an infested field should be viewed as a risk The best approach to managing clubroot is to be proactive. If you are a grower or landowner, ask those coming onto your land about the sanitation measures they use to prevent the spread of clubroot..

These are some strategies that may help prevent the movement of this pathogen: 1. Practice good sanitation

Any individual who contacts agricultural soil should consider the risks of moving P. brassicae. to restrict the movement of possibly contaminated material. The equipment cleaning procedure involves knocking or scraping off soil lumps and sweeping off loose soil. The level of sanitation should be based on the level of perceived risk.

2. Restrict access to fields if risk of transfer of infested soil is perceived.

3. Earth-tag on seed from infested fields could introduce resting spores to clean fields.

4. Avoid the use of straw bales and manure from infested or suspicious areas. Clubroot spores are reported to survive through the digestive tracts of livestock.

5. Planting clubroot-resistant varieties on fields with no history of this disease can be useful when clubroot is in your community. This strategy relies on the genetic resistance to greatly reduce disease development/ establishment compared to susceptible varieties if clubroot is inadvertently introduced to the field.

6. Use direct seeding and other soil conservation practices to reduce erosion. Resting spores move readily in soil transported by wind or water erosion and overland flow.

7. Rotations. Crop rotations help prevent the build-up of clubroot resting spores (called inoculum). Growers in clubroot-infested areas should grow clubroot resistant canola varieties, and have a break of AT LEAST 2 YEARS between canola crops, in order to prevent clubroot spore numbers from increasing in the soil. This break may need to be longer if the level of spores is at unmanageable levels, or if you have new pathotypes appearing which can’t be controlled, or if you want to deplete spore levels even further, every year helps.

8. It’s imperative to control volunteer canola and host weeds during the non-canola years.

Clubroot resistant (CR) canola varieties are key tools used to delay clubroot establishment and manage clubroot disease on the farm. However, to prevent rapid genetic shifts in clubroot populations and subsequent loss of effective resistance in CR varieties, this valuable resource must be used judiciously in an integrated management approach, which includes practicing a diverse crop rotation with at least two years between canola crops, effectively managing weeds, sanitizing equipment and minimizing soil

December, 2018 Page 20 20 

Classification

Resistant (R)

Intermediate (I)

Susecptible (S)

Less than 30% infection compared to

Between 30 and 50% infection

More than 50% infection

susceptible checks in disease tests.

compared to susceptible checks

compared to a susceptible

in disease tests

check.

What this means

(R) varieties are not immune, but highly restrict the development of clubroot symptoms in fields with low to moderate disease pressure from resting spores in the soil.

This (I) rating will mostly be used for adding rating labels to the base (R) label in multiple resistance gene varieties to specify moderate resistance against certain new strains.

If there is no CR label on a variety, assume it is susceptible to clubroot. An (S) label could be added to a base (R) label to specify susceptibility to certain strains that aren’t common.

What to expect

Under heavy pressure in severely infested fields, an (R) variety can show significant root galling, but may develop fewer and smaller galls than a susceptible variety. Under these heavy pressure situations and frequent use of CR varieties, clubroot populations rapidly evolve to strains that overcome the resistance.

Although intermediate resistance may restrict the development of clubroot symptoms for the corresponding strains, the spore concentration in the soil will be increased.

An extreme buildup of spores can occur very quickly when susceptible varieties are grown in short rotation on slightly infested fields.

To delay this shift in clubroot strains and loss of CR variety efficacy, CR varieties should not be grown in short rotations in infested fields.

Varieties with additional (l) labels can provide marginally better disease protection on fields with presence of new corresponding strains, but should not be grown in fields where resistance to predominant strains has been widely defeated.

Susceptible varieties should not be grown in clubrootinfested fields, or those at risk of becoming infested soon.

Management tips

Page 21

December, 2018

Monitoring Stored Grain Excerpts from the Canadian Grain Commission website and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

Stored grain is susceptible to spoiling by heating, insects, and mold damage. The most important consideration affecting grain storage is the condition when stored. Moisture and temperature are the two most important, easily monitored, factors affecting grain in storage.

Contaminants such as weed seeds, green seeds and straw can also affect the amount of spoilage in stored grain.

Dry grain has a lower risk of spoilage than wet or tough grain but it is not risk free. Grains often maintain a higher rate of respiration or “sweating� during the first six weeks of storage.

Respiration produces additional heat and moisture which can lead to heat damaged, spoiled seed. During this period, regular monitoring is required. Canola and peas are very susceptible to this phenomenon. Aeration and careful bin monitoring can help reduce spoilage as it lowers the temperature and evens moisture contents. For canola to be stored for more than five months, it is recommended that moisture content be less than 8% going into the bin.

When grain is first stored, the moisture content is fairly uniform throughout the bin.

With time, localized high moisture zones develop due to changes in outdoor temperatures. High moisture zones are created and spoilage can occur. High moisture, warm grain zones are

The harvest is complete, and the grain is stored.

Is it time to relax?

22December,

2018

Page 22 Prevent crusting by cooling grain to within 15°F of average outdoor temperatures Cooling grain by 10°F doubles its allowable storage time are effective and simple ways of preventing pest development:

conducive to the propagation of insects, and molds that further contribute to spoilage, and the loss of quality in stored grain.

Insect pests in stored grain need certain living conditions to feed, reproduce and survive.

In some cases you may have unwittingly provided an ideal living environment for insects even before grain is stored.

The following measures

1. It is important to pick up any spilled or spoiled grain around the farm yard as it can sustain populations of insect that could migrate into the bins.

2. Cleaning the bins between lots is very important to remove potential small populations of insects.

Sweep the bins carefully or better yet vacuum them out between crops.

3. If insect pests have been a problem previously, there are insecticides that can

be safely used if label directions are carefully followed. Diatomaceous earth products are available that can be used in the bins prior to use or they can be added in with the grain at the time of binning.

4. Do vegetation control around bins. Tall grass and weeds can harbor insect and disease pests.

5. Grain that is binned warm or tough is especially prone to stored grain pest. Aeration to cool grain is good however it is very important to monitor the condition of stored grain regularly.

With the natural phenomena of convection currents in the bin, warm moist spots in the stored grain are not unusual. These warm spots are ideal for the breeding and feeding of insect pests.

One of the best ways to prevent insect infestations is to monitor bin-stored grain every two weeks to detect early signs of deterioration or infestation.

There are several devices you can use to sample grain and check for insects.

As there is pressure world wide to reduce the use of pesticides associated with food, quality methods are necessary to achieve minimal, effective and judicious use of pesticides.

Trapping to determine the presence of insect pests in

December, 2018

Page 23 Continued from page 21 stored grains is a simple and cost effective way to monitor for infestations and identify insect pests so that you can make decisions about insect control.

Pit-fall traps are one variety of traps that have been developed for use in food.

These are two types of traps: Pheromone-baited pit-fall traps and pheromone baited probe pit -fall trap. These traps are embedded in the grain at the top of the pile , near the center.

When grain becomes cooler, the insects tend to migrate to this area of the bulk. These traps should be placed in the grain as early as possible and removed every 1014 days to inspect for the presence of insects.Once the grain temperature is below +15° C, monitoring can be reduced to monthly. Suppliers of pesticides should be able

insert the remaining traps in a radius approximately one metre from the centre.

to supply probe traps. Use the following number of traps for different bin sizes: • • •

1 to 2 traps for bins that hold less than 25 tonnes (900 bushels) 2 to 3 traps for bins that hold 25 to 50 tonnes (900 to 1800 bushels) 3 to 5 traps for bins that hold more than 50 tonnes (1800 bushels). Place the first trap in the centre and insert the remaining traps in a radius approximately one metre from the centre.

Place the first trap in the centre and insert the remaining traps in a radius approximately one metre from the centre. Place the first trap in the centre and

If it is not possible to install and monitor traps, for example, when bins have limited access, probing, sampling and sieving grain are also effective ways to monitor grain. A torpedo style probe can be used to sample grain to various depths. Grain tier probes can also be used effectively as long as you have access to the complete bulk.

Samples collected should be sieved and the results of both trays inspected for insects.

The heat and light from a 60-100 watt bulb will cause mobile insects to move making detection easier. Look for kernel damage and holes in the grain.

Have any insects discovered identified so that the best control methods can be used. Treatments of aeration, moving and turning the grain or fumigation and insecticides should be started immediately.

December, 2018

Page 24 24

SARDA Box 90

@sardaagresearch

Falher, Alberta T0H 1M0 Phone: 780-837-2900 Fax: 780-837-8223 Email: manager@sarda.ca www.sarda.ca

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