On-farm seed loss does not differ between windrowed and direct-harvested canola

Abstract

Seed loss in canola (Brassica napus) leads to considerable loss of revenue and dispersal of seeds into the soil seedbank. The resulting volunteer canola can create weed problems in subsequent crops and result in further yield loss. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare canola seed loss and seedbank addition from windrowing and direct-harvesting operations on commercial farms in western Canada. A total of 16 directharvested and 19 windrowed canola fields were surveyed in central and southern Saskatchewan during 2010, 2011 and 2012. Shattered seeds from these fields were sampled within 3 wk after harvest of the crop using a vacuum cleaner. There were no differences in seed yield, loss or seedbank addition of canola between windrowing and direct-harvesting operations. There was a difference in 1000-seed weight between the harvest methods and seeds of the direct-harvested canola were larger in size. This may suggest that direct-harvesting can be considered as a viable option to harvest canola in western Canada.