The heat and uneven rainfall cause issues for canola. “If you’ve got canola blooming, we will start seeing what we call heat blasting; that’s where they won’t pollinate really,” said Kristie Sundeen, field agronomist, Pioneer. “They’ll bloom, the flowers will be there, but there won’t be a pod that actually forms at that location.” As temps moderate, especially overnight, Sundeen becomes more optimistic about the crop. Harvest preparation is also on the chore list. “Are you going to plan to desiccate or are you going to let it ripen on its own? It’s just putting together a game plan.” In northeast North Dakota, there has been more moisture. Sundeen said early-season stress and root rot could determine if the canola stands well going into fall.
