As canola acres expand, researchers are reminding growers that disease identification is becoming increasingly important. Manitoba Canola Growers Association Agronomy Specialist Lindsay Brooks said several diseases share similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis critical. “Verticillium gets confused for blackleg a lot and even sclerotinia,” Brooks said. “Knowing which disease is on your farm is important because they all have very different management options.” Brooks said researchers are still learning about verticillium stripe, which has become a significant concern in Manitoba. On-farm research projects are underway to better understand the disease and develop management recommendations.
