Blackleg in canola

The canola growing season is right around the corner. As you start to think about a disease management plan, be especially mindful of blackleg because of its potential to cause significant damage and severe losses.

According to pathologists at North Dakota State University, blackleg is widespread within the state and commonly causes 5-20% yield loss, and under severe conditions, can cause 50% yield loss or more. This disease can be a big threat to your bottom line, so prepare early. Consider these tips before you plant:

1. Monitor the weather closely. Blackleg thrives in warm, wet environments. Temperatures between 55-70° F and relative humidity higher than 80% are conducive conditions for the spread of blackleg spores.
2. Know your fields’ disease history. The pathogen that causes blackleg can overwinter on canola seed and residue and can reappear on next season’s crop. If your field experienced blackleg in 2020, it may have higher levels of inoculum and be at a higher risk of infection this upcoming season.
3. Scout early to prevent yield loss. Symptoms of blackleg appear as light brown, round or irregular-shaped legions on the plant’s leaves, stem and pods. The most significant economic damages are from infections that occur from the seedling stage to the fourth and sixth-leaf growth stages, so it’s essential to scout for these symptoms early and asses your disease management plan.
4. Proactively apply a fungicide. The most effective time to apply a fungicide for canola is typically between the 2 and 4-leaf growth stage. Applying a fungicide with multiple modes of action, like Miravis® Neo fungicide, helps control blackleg, powdery mildew and other canola diseases for healthier crops and higher potential yield.

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