The three-way power of Clearfield canola
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The trouble with weeds is that they’re so adaptable. Controlling tough weeds, including herbicide-resistant weeds, is definitely becoming more challenging as they find ways to survive. Easy solutions, like one-and-done glyphosate applications, aren’t so easy anymore and farmers need to think harder when it comes to effective weed control.
This is particularly true in canola production. Almost every acre of canola grown in Canada is seeded to a herbicide tolerant system and, as with any crop, those hybrids can volunteer in subsequent years. Indeed, Roundup Ready® and LibertyLink® canola account for the majority of volunteer canola found in Western Canada, which – when you think about it – is a serious control challenge since both are resistant to non-selective herbicides.
On top of that, canola rotations tend to be fairly tight so it’s not at all uncommon to find multiple biotypes of volunteer canola in one field. And while controlling volunteer canola in a canola crop is a challenge, cleavers, kochia, thistle, lamb’s quarters and many more tough-to-control weeds are no less challenging.
So how does Brevant® Clearfield® canola fit in? There are three ways. First, Clearfield canola hybrids are tolerant to herbicides with a different mode of action (Group 2) than Roundup Ready and Liberty Link canola hybrids. Second, Clearfield canola backs up this weed control power with high-yielding genetics and flexible agronomic traits. And third, Clearfield canola gives you access to premium identity preserved (IP) marketing options for high-quality Omega-9 oil.
Genetics you can count on
If you haven’t looked at Clearfield canola in a while, then maybe it’s time to take another look. Brevant seeds Clearfield canola hybrids offer high-yielding genetics with more flexible agronomic traits, such as resistance to blackleg and clubroot, as well as options for harvest.
For example, new B2030MN is a full season, high yielding Clearfield canola hybrid with good early growth, clubroot and blackleg resistance as well as options for harvest. B2030MN also belongs to our Brevant seeds Nexera® canola trait lineup which offers a direct line into premium IP markets. That's a lot of agronomic power and market opportunity in just one canola hybrid.
Another benefit is Clearfield canola’s convenient and effective one pass, in-crop weed control system – the only canola production system that controls flushing weeds. Ares™ SN herbicide can be safely applied from the two- to seven-leaf stage for greater flexibility in application timing, freeing you up to take care of other farm work.
With high yield potential, flexible agronomic traits and an efficient weed control system, you can find a Clearfield canola hybrid that works best for your farm’s specific agronomic needs.
It’s all about the premiums
The demand for identity preserved canola products is strong and growing, particularly in the healthy snack and natural food sectors. Clearfield canola hybrids give you access to this premium IP market.
Brevant seeds Clearfield canola programs offer significant basis premiums, complementary on-farm pickup, year-round delivery options and a guarantee to take all of your production.
If you prefer the flexibility of not having a contract, you can grow, segregate and market Brevant seeds Clearfield canola on your own and still achieve premiums that come with IP canola. Both Viterra and Bunge are serving this market for growers.
Effective weed control and resistance management
A key strategy in the management of herbicide resistant weeds is to rotate herbicide modes of action and use herbicide mixes. This helps to keep resistant weed populations in check while also helping to delay the onset of new resistance.
The majority of canola acres are seeded with Group 9 and Group 10 herbicide systems, but the Clearfield canola weed control system utilizes Group 2 chemistry to control a wide range of weeds, including volunteer canola from other systems as well as Group 1 resistant wild oats, which is western Canada’s most extensive resistant weed problem.
Specifically, that Group 2 chemistry is Ares SN herbicide, a one-pass, post-emergence, selective herbicide that is the standard for weed control in Clearfield canola.*
Rotational tool. As a Group 2, Ares SN is the perfect resistance management tool for a field where Group 1 herbicides were used the previous year. Brevant seeds Clearfield canola paired with Ares SN is also a great choice to follow Group 2-treated pulse or soybean crops, to minimize any carryover concerns.
Key weeds managed. Ares SN is highly effective and offers a wide application window for control of over 20 broadleaf and grass weeds, including flushing weeds, in one pass, including:
- Wild oats
- Volunteer cereals
- Volunteer canola (non-Clearfield)
- Chickweed
- Cleavers
- Lamb’s quarters
- Redroot pigweed
*Note: Ares SN herbicide is registered for use only in the Prairie provinces. Amity™ WDG herbicide is the recommended herbicide for Clearfield canola in the Peace River region.
A powerful pair
While yield potential is usually the main consideration when it comes to choosing a canola hybrid to grow, weed control and managing herbicide resistance is a close second.
With Brevant seeds Clearfield canola hybrids and Ares SN herbicide, growers have powerful tools to achieve high yields, reliable weed control, and access to premium markets all while mitigating the risks associated with fluctuating canola markets.