Free Testing for MCGA Members

The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) is offering its members free diagnostic testing for each of the following crop pests in canola: clubroot, blackleg and glyphosate-resistant kochia. Testing will be done by the Pest Surveillance Initiative (PSI) lab in Winnipeg. It is the hope of MCGA that getting tested will help growers maximize their net income on the farm.

There is a step-by-step process for collecting samples and submitting to PSI for testing, along with claiming a member code from MCGA. Please visit www.mbpestlab.ca for complete details of this special offer from MCGA.

Clubroot has been found in Manitoba and can cause significant economic yield losses as spore levels multiply. PSI uses DNA testing that can detect low levels of clubroot, before symptoms may be visible.

Blackleg is a serious disease of canola and yield losses can occur when disease isolates in the field overcome the genetic resistance of the variety grown. Testing will identify the race of blackleg in the field, so that canola varieties with resistance gene(s) to that race can be selected.

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia is an emerging threat in Manitoba canola fields. Kochia is a prolific seed producer and very competitive with the crop. PSI uses a DNA-based test for GR kochia that analyzes green material to test for resistance. Growers should manage resistant plants before seed is set and spread.

Please visit with your Shur-Gro agronomist for more information about these canola pests and advice on management strategies.