Brassica napus (Argentine type) and Brassica campestris (Polish type). A member of the mustard family.

Varieties grown in California in 1989 and 1990 were Legend, Moneta and Westar, all spring types.

Canola is the name for edible oilseed rape. It contains less than 2% erucic acid in the oil and less than 3 mg/g of glucosinolates in the meal. Both substances, present in large amounts in conventional rapeseed, are toxic to humans and animals. The canola plant resembles a turnip plant in the fall (without the large root). When the plant acquires 6 to 8 leaves and reaches a height of 5 to 6 inches , it has adequate root reserves for surviving winter dormancy (24°F). In late winter, the plant develops new leaf growth and begins to show a single stalk. Mustard-yellow flowers soon appear. In June, the plant has tan stems and seed pods, and is 4 to 6 feet tall. Seed pods are two inches long with 15 to 20 seeds per pod.

Marketing. Imports supply the bulk of the market demand for canola in the U.S. In 1988 this demand was 300 million pounds. In 1989, producers in the United States planted 65,000 acres of canola. There is currently one processor in California, California Oils Corporation in Richmond, Calif. As of 1990, there were three other canola processors in the U.S. and Canada: Canola Processors (Central Soya), Chatanooga, Tennessee; ADM, Windsor, Ontario; and ADM, Velva, North Dakota. A local elevator will be needed to ship to the processor.

There is also the potential for significant growth of exports to Japan for canola harvested in June.

Most Canola production is cash sales at the market. Processors offer forward contracts. The Winnipeg Commodity Exchange in Canada provides futures contracts for 20 metric tons (882, 50 lb bushels). In 1989, the Cargill Soybean processing plant (Memphis, Tennessee) offered two different acreage contract options to producers. All pricing relates to the Winnipeg Commodity Exchanto, Manitoba, and is listed daily in the Wall Street Journal (listings are in Canadian dollars and metric tons). September, November, January, March, and June are the contract months. The Chicago Board of Trades soybean oil meal futures are the basis for canola meal.

The cost of canola production is similar to that of wheat plus $20 to $30 per acre more for seed and nitrogen fertilizer. Canola is more profitable when its harvest price rises to $5.50 per bushel or when wheat drops below $3.00 per bushel. The $5.50 to $3.00 range allows for a breakeven relationship. Spot prices for canola at Canola Processors in 1990 were: April 2/$5.99; April 15/$6.08; May 1/$6.65; May 15/$6.48; June 1/$6.17; July 3/$6.49.

Current production and yield. Canada produces 15% of the world's canola. The European Economic Community produces 17%. Canola is the major oil crop in these areas and in Asia. The United States produces 1%, centered in Minnesota and North Dakota (20,000 acres, 1989). Average yield is 40 bushels per acre (2,000 pounds per acre). Soils that produce the highest yields for wheat will do the same for canola.

Use. Ancient civilizations in Asia and Europe used rapeseed as fuel oil and later, as cooking oil. The plant was also used for livestock feed. During World War II, the oil was found to cling to water and its importance increased as a lubricant for marine vessels.

In California, rapeseed and mustards have long been used as a cover, or green manure, crop for orchards and vineyards. In 1956, the first edible rapeseed oil extract was developed in Canada. Like soybean, canola has both a high protein (28%) and high oil content (40%). When the oil is crushed out, a high quality and highly palatable feed concentrate of 37% protein remains. Canola oil is a superior cooking and baking oil. It can be used as a salad oil of bland flavor, light color, and delicate aroma, or as a frying and fonduing oil. When used in baking, it helps to blend ingredients. Proctor and Gamble, Inc. markets canola oil under the brand name Puritan Oil. Both species of canola produce seed high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Climatic requirements. Canola is adapted to handle the cool extremes of the temperate zones. The crop emerges at an optimum temperature of 50°F, with a low of 41°F. Minimum temperature for growth is 30°F. In Michigan, the crop has been produced without snow covers, but they are suggested for winter annual varieties.

Propagation and care. To avoid contamination, do not plant canola near wild mustard crops, whose seed contains high levels of erucic acid. If summerfallow is practiced, plant canola after the fallow with a cereal crop following the canola crop. A firm, level, weed free, and moist seedbed is ideal. Seedlings cannot compete with the winter weeds that germinate after fall rains. If early fall rains do not occur, a dry seedbed is acceptable. Seeding should occur about the same time as wheat, from early November to early December. Sow no more than an inch deep at 5 to 10 pounds per acre (B. napus) or 4 to 5 pounds per acre (B. campestris). Space rows at 6 to 12 inches. Canola requires 25 pounds of nitrogen at planting after summerfallow with 30 lbs per acre applied as a top dressing. After a cereal crop, double these amounts. For phosphorus, 50 pounds per acre should be used if broadcast and 25 pounds per acre if supplied with the seed. Fertilizers containing sulphur should be used where legumes respond to sulphur.

One of the most serious problems affecting canola production is contamination with weedy mustard relatives, since the oil and protein quality may be lost and crop values plummet. It is especially important to plant high quality seed free from outcrossing to weedy mustards and non-canola rapeseed. Canola breeders are generating new varieties resistant to Glyphosate so that weedy Brassicas can be controlled within canola fields.

Diseases affecting canola include white rust-downy mildew complex (seen in CA where shepherd's purse is a weed), sclerotinia stem rot, and blackleg. Blackleg is the most serious of these, however, canola strains have been developed with a higher tolerance for this disease. To avoid disease in general, use a rotation program that separates canola crops by at least two cereal crops. Management of water and fertilizers influence lodging, canopy, and disease incidence.

Harvest and postharvest practices. Canola dries from bottom to top, requiring close monitoring and excellent management due to its susceptibility to shattering when mature. Most farmers direct harvest when the moisture content reaches 8 to 10% if they are using a standard combine. Set cutting height just below the seed pods, with the reel set high and far back and the reel speed matching the ground speed. Stop leaks with duct tape or caulking.

Almost all of California's commercial acreage in 1990-91 was sprayed with Spodnam DC to prevent shattering. The crop was direct combined.

Canola can be swathed first and then direct threshed with a combine. Windrow canola at 35% moisture, when the crop is greenish-brown with firm seeds. The reel speed and forward movement should be the same, with the cutter bar set just below the level of the seed pods. Once the crop is 35% moisture, it will reach maturity in 4 to 6 days, so windrowing should not be delayed. Rapeseed is ready to be picked up and threshed when the seed contains 10.5 to 8% moisture. Adjust pick up speed and forward travel to eliminate tearing the swath. Reduce combine cylinder speeds to F(2,3) of that used for cereals. Open concaves to reduce the breakage of the stems and pods. The seeds are lightweight, so fan speeds should be reduced and fan louvers partially closed to shake the seed out of the chaff. The top sieve or chaffer should be slightly open with the lower sieve nearly closed. Always consider wind speed and direction, making frequent adjustments.

Store canola in tight bins. Inspect the bins often to prevent heating and spoilage. The small seed prevents air flow, so thin layers are needed to dry wet seed. It might also be helpful to blow air through the bins. After harvesting, chop all of the field residue finely and spread it uniformly over the field to avoid a toxic effect on any following crops. Soybean has been found to have better yields when planted after canola.

Pest and weed problems. Many insects affect canola crops in Canada, Europe and other areas. These insects include the flea beetle (a shiny, black beetle about F(1,2) inch long), diamond back moth larvae (pale yellow to light green insects about F(1,2) inch long), and aphids. If insecticides are used, apply in a manner that will minimize damage to bees, which are present in large numbers when canola is in bloom.

Aphid populations should be monitored closely after flowering since there are restrictions on the use of some aphicides as the crop nears harvest. Aphid honeydew from heavy infestation can affect harvesting and combine performance.

Since rape seedlings are unable to compete with weeds, a good plan for weed control is crucial. At this time (Fall 1991), Treflan is the only herbicide registered for use in the United States. Tillage, establishment of a good stand, and weed control in previous crops are all good practices for prevention. Mechanical cultivation will kill or cover many crop plants and is not feasible.

Ameri-Can Pedigreed Seed Co., 7664 Moore Road, Memphis, TN 38119.

Bonis and Company Ltd., Box 217, Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 524.

Cenalta Seeds, #111, 8702-48 Avenue, Edmonton, Alta, T6E 5L1.

Canam Seed Co. Inc., P.O. Box 5236, Grand Forks, ND 58206.

Canola, Inc., P.O. Box 5645, Minneapolis, MN 55440.

Kaystar Seed, Division of Kaystar Corp., 702 3rd Street SW, Huron, SD 57350.

Northern Sales Co. Ltd., 5th Floor-200 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3X2.

SeedTec International Inc., Woodland, California 95695.

Albright, Letha. "Canola: Promising Alternative Oil Crop." Missouri Farm. Missouri Farm Publishing Inc. Clark, Missouri. Volume 6, No. 4. July/Aug 1989, pp. 40-41.

Ameri-Can Pedigreed Seed Co. The Canola Report. Ameri-Can Pedigreed Seed Co. Memphis, TN. Volume 1, Numbers 3, 4; Volume 2, Numbers 1, 2. 1989-90.

Frank, Robert. "Canola Market and Outlook." MidAmerica Farmer Gower. SJS Pub. Co. Perryville, Mo. July 12, 1990, p. 16.

Frank, Robert. "Canola Showing Alternative Potential." Downstate Farmer. Robert Peach. Columbia, IL. April 1989, p. 12.

Knowles, P.F., and T.E. Kearney, "Rapeseed Production in California." Professor, Agronomy and Range Science Department, UC Davis and Farm Advisor, Yolo County respectively, 9 pp.

MidAmerica Farmer Grower. SJS Pub. Co. Perryville, Mo. July 12, 1990.

Oplinger, E.S., L.L. Hardman, E.T. Gritton, T.D. Doll, and K.A. Kelling. "Canola (Rapeseed)." Alternative Field Crops Manual. Departments of Agronomy and Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, 7 pp.

United States Canola Association, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.

Compiled by Tonya Nelson, Small Farm Center, UC Davis.

Reviewed by Tom Kearney, 10/91

Reviewed by Steve Temple, 10/91

11/16/91