Canola crop faces real risk

摘要

Better seasons and better oil prices have seen canola plantings soar — and with them a dramatic increase in the risk from blackleg infection in the national crop. Southern cropping region canola growers are being urged to implement pre-sowing management strategies to prevent significant disease-inflicted crop losses this coming season. And to avoid risking the canola industry's long-term future. The risk of blackleg infection in crops and potential for yield losses this year is severe due to the increased area sown to canola in 2011 and the prediction of another large planting in 2012 due to favourable oilseed prices. Blackleg is the most severe canola disease in Australia because it survives on canola stubble, which means last season's expansive crop has heightened the risk.