AgSolutions Advisor November 2016 The importance of testing pulse seed. Testing cereal seed prior to planting as part of an integrated management strategy. Written by: Russ Trischuk Introduction One of the first things to consider at the end or beginning of the season, is testing the quality of your seed. Understanding where the seed stands in terms of germination, vigour and disease allows you to make more informed management decisions to achieve higher yields. Growers often consider management practices related to the seed as optional, but starting with the best possible seed helps to ensure that you’ll be satisfied with the end results. It’s time for seed testing to be thought of as mandatory. Another important consideration is, what do I need to do to achieve an optimal plant stand? To reach your target, there are two important tests that need to be done: a germination test and a kernel weight test. The germination test tells you how many seeds are actually going to produce viable plants. A kernel weight test is essential for calculating seeding rate and is particularly important for field peas because of the broad range in seed size. This variation can be the difference between an optimal plant stand and one that falls short of what’s needed for early-season competiveness. Once you have these two pieces of information you can accurately calculate your seeding rate to reach your desired plant stand count. Regional considerations Because of the cool, wet conditions we saw this fall, growers have been seeing decreased seed quality due to sprouting and increased disease levels. Growers should be aware that testing seed in the fall is a good practice, however seed being used for the following year should be re-tested in the spring to ensure that germination and vigour observed in the fall has been maintained. It’s also a common misconception that as the weather warms up it’s no longer necessary to rely on seed treatments. When in actuality, most diseases are most active and are more virulent at 15 to 20°C making them just as detrimental as they are at cooler temperatures. Using a seed treatment under all conditions is an investment that should be made on every field, every year regardless of conditions. Consequences The decisions you make at seeding affect the potential of your crop for the rest of the season and you only have one chance to get it right. There is no opportunity to go back in and re-spray like you can with herbicides or fungicides. Seed-borne diseases can be controlled or suppressed with the use of a systemic seed treatment but without it, there is little chance of managing many of these diseases after pulses have emerged. Understanding your on-seed disease levels can help you identify potential problems, providing a valuable opportunity to avoid
Transcript
AgSolutions AdvisorNovember 2016
The importance of testing pulse seed. Testing cereal seed prior to planting as part of an integrated management strategy. Written by: Russ Trischuk
Introduction
One of the first things to consider at the end or beginning of the season, is testing the quality of your seed. Understanding where the seed stands in terms of germination, vigour and disease allows you to make more informed management decisions to achieve higher yields. Growers often consider management practices related to the seed as optional, but starting with the best possible seed helps to ensure that you’ll be satisfied with the end results. It’s time for seed testing to be thought of as mandatory.
Another important consideration is, what do I need to do to achieve an optimal plant stand? To reach your target, there are two important tests that need to be done: a germination test and a kernel weight test. The germination test tells you how many seeds are actually going to produce viable plants. A kernel weight test is essential for calculating seeding rate and is particularly important for field peas because of the broad range in seed size. This variation can be the difference between an optimal plant stand and one that falls short of what’s needed for early-season competiveness. Once you have these two pieces of information you can accurately calculate your seeding rate to reach your desired plant stand count.
Regional considerations
Because of the cool, wet conditions we saw this fall, growers have been seeing decreased seed quality due to sprouting and increased disease levels. Growers should be aware that testing seed in the fall is a good practice, however seed being used for the following year should be re-tested in the spring to ensure that germination and vigour observed in the fall has been maintained. It’s also a common misconception that as the weather warms up it’s no longer necessary to rely on seed treatments. When in actuality, most diseases are most active and are more virulent at 15 to 20°C making them just as detrimental as they are at cooler temperatures. Using a seed treatment under all conditions is an investment that should be made on every field, every year regardless of conditions.
Consequences
The decisions you make at seeding affect the potential of your crop for the rest of the season and you only have one chance to get it right. There is no opportunity to go back in and re-spray like you can with herbicides or fungicides. Seed-borne diseases can be controlled or suppressed with the use of a systemic seed treatment but without it, there is little chance of managing many of these diseases after pulses have emerged. Understanding your on-seed disease levels can help you identify potential problems, providing a valuable opportunity to avoid
them. And while germination tests are important, they only represent the best case scenario. Vigour tests are conducted under more realistic field conditions and give you a better idea of how many plants will come out of the ground when conditions are less than ideal. Testing your seed is a relatively inexpensive investment compared to the value of the information you gain, especially since you only get one chance at seeding.
Best practices
So what should you be looking for in your seed? Choose seed with high germination rates (>90%), high seedling vigour (don’t use seed below 90% if possible) and low seed-borne disease levels (Figure 1). Remember not to focus solely on your disease results because vigour rate is also very important. It’s better to use seed with slightly higher disease levels and a high vigour rate than seed with lower disease and a low vigour rate.
Germination testing
• Measure of the percentage of seeds in a seed lot capable of germination under the best possible conditions
Vigour testing
• Determines the proportion of seeds that will be vigorous enough to germinate and survive the stresses associated with emergence
Disease testing
• Certified seed only has to meet standards for germination and doesn’t have to meet minimum disease standards, but planting clean seed avoids introduction of disease
• Correct diagnosis is key because diseases often occur as a complex so it’s impossible to identify the diseases without proper testing
Seed cleaning
• Removes disease or damaged seed for improved quality
Seed treatment
• Protects against early season seed- and soil-borne diseases, increases germination and emergence consistency, enhances vigour, maintains root health and helps the crop withstand minor stresses (BASF AgCelence® Seed Treatments)
• Choose a seed treatment that offers multiple modes of action and systemic movement throughout the seedling
Figure 1. Disease threshold guidelines for on-seed pulse diseases. Source: Adapted from guidelines provided by Discovery Seed Labs.
Expert opinion
With the wet weather and cool temperatures we saw this season, Holly Gelech from BioVision Seed Labs says the pathology lab was very busy. The high levels of moisture created an extremely dense canopy cover, meaning growers were seeing high disease levels. This is why it’s imperative for growers to test their seed in the fall to understand what their baseline seed quality is. Holly recommends a test that includes germination, the cool stress test (vigour test) and a fungal scan. Germination has been a benchmark test for decades but the full fungal scan has only been in the marketplace for approximately 5 years. Traditionally, growers would test seed for a specific disease that may be a problem in their field but now with a full fungal scan, growers can really pin-point the potential for seed-borne disease development in their seed lot. Of the samples sent to BioVision in 2015, 50% of pea samples from Saskatchewan and 35% of pea samples from Alberta contained ascochyta. For lentils, 30% of the samples that came in contained botrytis and anthracnose. Holly stressed that while we can’t control the weather, we can gain insight into seed-borne disease presence with accurate testing and start the growing season off right with effective seed treatments.
Future innovations
We’re continuously conducting research to improve our seed solutions to help you achieve successful crop establishment. The Saskatchewan Flax Council and the Flax Council of Canada are looking at the impact of Insure® Pulse treatment on seeding rate in flax. And so far they’ve discovered that Insure Pulse reduces the seeding rate for flax by protecting the seed. BASF is conducting studies on the unique active ingredient Xemium®, looking at the impact on early season above ground disease control. Early results show that because Xemium moves to the growing parts of the plant, it slows down disease impact by 1-2 weeks.
Breaking down inoculants to build up pulses. Inoculant best management practices for pulses in Western Canada. Written by: Paula Halabicki
The relationship
The use of inoculants is a vital part of any integrated management strategy for the successful establishment and improved yield potential of pulse crops. Inoculants enhance the unique and mutually beneficial relationship between pulse (legume) crops and nitrogen-fixing bacteria called rhizobia. The legume works together with the rhizobia to make nitrogen available for use by the plant. These rhizobia are located in nodules on the plant’s roots and convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, a form that can be readily taken up by the crop. In return, the plant provides the rhizobia with energy, water and nutrients.
The process
Shortly after a legume germinates, the roots emit chemicals called flavonoids that attract rhizobia. The rhizobia are able to enter the root hairs and penetrate further into the root through an infection thread. The rhizobia then multiply rapidly within the root and the plant responds by forming specialized structures called nodules. This process is called nodulation and it can take three to four weeks after seed germination before nodules are evident on the roots. The amount of nitrogen fixed depends on a number of factors including the health and type of crop and the amount of nitrogen already available in the soil. Under ideal conditions, pulses can fix as much as 50-80% of their total required nitrogen.
The right rhizobia
Canadian soils typically lack sufficient numbers of the appropriate rhizobial species to optimize the nitrogen fixation process. Soils with a history of pulses may contain residual rhizobia which can potentially produce nitrogen-fixing nodules. However, these populations can be inefficient fixers of nitrogen, slow to colonize roots and can be diminished by environmental stresses. That’s where inoculants come in. It’s highly recommended that growers inoculate every time they plant to maximize yield and protein potential in their pulse crops. But not just any inoculant will do. Not all species and strains of beneficial rhizobia are the same in their efficiency for nodule formation and nitrogen fixation. For example, a rhizobial species capable of nodulation in lentil and pea crops will unlikely be capable of nodulation in chickpeas (Table 1). And even some strains of the same species are specialized to different crops. Matching the rhizobial strain to the host crop and the crop’s growing conditions is critical for an increased number and weight of nitrogen-fixing nodules, more stimulated root growth and an overall increase in ultimate yield potential.
Table 1. Crop-specific rhizobial species. Source: Government of Saskatchewan.
Soybeans are a relatively new crop in Western Canada, which means they’re often grown on what’s called virgin ground. New soybean land lacks the specific rhizobia needed for successful nodulation and the rhizobial populations that are present will likely be depleted. This is slightly different for peas and lentils since these are more common crops in Western Canada and the associated rhizobium is native to Canadian soils. Studies have shown that on virgin soybean land or land that has been negatively affected by environmental stress (like extreme winter temperatures or high saturation), double inoculation can be used to avoid yield losses from depleted nitrogen levels mid-season. Double inoculation can be achieved by using a liquid inoculant on seed and then a granular inoculant in furrow. This practice ensures that adequate inoculation occurs throughout the season, acts as insurance for a healthy rhizobial population and can potentially result in a two to three bushel per acre yield increase (Figure 1). The benefits of double inoculation will likely decline the longer soybeans are in rotation, however it is an effective practice when dealing with new land or tough growing conditions.
Figure 1. Yield benefits of double inoculation. Source: Grower run trial Steinbach, MB 2011.
Inoculants are available in several different formulations – liquid, peat and granular. Liquid and peat-based formulations are typically applied directly to the seed as it’s being treated, augered or as the seed tank is being filled. Granular formulations contain specific numbers of rhizobia on a peat-based or clay-based granule. The product is usually metered directly in furrow with the seed, allowing for very accurate measurement and application. Growers should choose a formulation based on what will work best with their operation. It’s important to consider the compatibility of the seed treatments and fertilizers being used, as they can potentially interfere with the survivability of the inoculant in question.
Storage and application
Rhizobia are living organisms; this can’t be stressed enough. This means that all inoculants have a shelf-life and specific storage and handling requirements. Growers should always refer to the label for specific product requirements, but in general, inoculants should be stored in a cool, dry, consistent environment, out of direct sunlight and should not be frozen. Once liquid or peat products have been applied to the seed, the rhizobial populations will continually decrease and should therefore be planted as soon as possible to ensure the highest rhizobial loads. When applying inoculants in furrow, don’t overload the tank with product because as you drive it will settle and potentially bridge during application. Finally, remember that application requirements vary and depend on a variety of different factors. A Manitoba producer familiar with growing and inoculating soybeans will have different requirements than a Saskatchewan producer growing peas.
Checking for nodulation
So how can you tell if nodulation was successful? Nodule formation can begin approximately two weeks after the crop emerges but it usually takes three to four weeks under most growing conditions. The number of nodules and the rate of fixation increases as the plant matures and normally reaches a maximum at the mid-flowering stage, coinciding with the stage at which the plant needs the most nitrogen. Check for nodules at the:
• Third trifoliate or V3 stage for soybeans
• Mid-flower stage for peas
• Mid-flower stage for lentils
Carefully dig up plants from several different areas of the field and gently brush or wash the soil from the roots to look for nodules. The nodules are delicately attached to the roots and can easily fall off if the plant is pulled out of the ground or handled roughly. There should be about 8 to 20 large, healthy nodules per plant, and when sliced open, should be bright pink to bright red in colour to indicate that they’re actively fixing nitrogen (Figure 2). This unique colour is due to the presence of a substance called leghemoglobin, an iron-containing pigment necessary for fixation. If the inside of the nodule is brown, white or green, the nodule is not effective.
Figure 2. Nodule health and effectiveness based on colour and size. Source: BASF/BU
Future innovations
BASF offers a wide range of soybean inoculants which are Biostacked® with two beneficial biologicals: a nitrogen-fixing rhizobium and a bacterium that acts as a biofungicide. Biofungicides are made up of one or more living, beneficial microorganisms that act as the active ingredients to combat plant pathogens. Research shows that the inoculants with a biofungicide component can suppress seedling diseases, create a more uniform plant stand and improve nutrient uptake. BASF is currently working on a research product called Nodulator® DUO for peas and lentils, which will be Biostacked with beneficial biologicals similar to what are in our soybean inoculants.
Use a seed treatment to give pulses the head start they need to thrive. Incorporating a seed treatment as part of a best management strategy for successful crop establishment in pulses. Written by: Russ Trischuk
Introduction
The steady rise in pulse acres across Western Canada, (which often occurs as a result of tightened rotations) wet weather and reduced tillage practices, have forced growers to face an increase in seedling disease pressure. Pulses are typically seeded early in the season when soil temperatures are still cool and moisture is high, resulting in conditions conducive for seed and seedling disease development. Although seeding early poses a greater threat for seed and seedling disease, the increase in yield potential as a result justifies the risk. Achieving a good, consistently emerged stand is key to a successful crop and using a seed treatment gives your pulses the strong, healthy start they need to take on the agronomic challenges of the season.
The 2015 growing season ended dry and the beginning of the 2016 season started out the same way in Western Canada. Because of this, it was tempting to assume that disease pressure in pulse fields would be low this year. However, wet weather persisted for most of summer and into the fall which added to the disease pressure across most of the prairie regions (Figure 1). In addition to the onset of disease-inducing conditions and as a result of string pulse prices, more and more growers pushed the limit with their rotations and started growing
pulses in non-traditional regions to try and take advantage of the strong commodity prices. All these factors make it extremely essential to use a systemic seed treatment that can protect the entire seedling during the critical growth stages, and ensure that your crop gets off to the start it requires.
Regional considerations
Because of the cool, wet conditions this fall, growers have been seeing decreased seed quality due to sprouting and increased disease levels. Growers should be aware that conducting a germination test in the fall is a good practice, however seed being used for the following year should be re-tested in the spring to ensure that germination and vigour observed in the fall has been maintained. It’s also a common misconception that as the weather warms up it’s no longer necessary to rely on seed treatments. When in actuality, most diseases are most active and are more virulent at 15 to 20°C making them just as detrimental as they are at cooler temperatures. Using a seed treatment under all conditions is an investment that should be made on every field, every year regardless of conditions.
Consequences
Increased pulse acres, at the expense of rotation, maintain a level of crop residue that leads to higher levels of inoculum in the soil. Minimum or no-till practices do conserve nutrients and moisture, and should still be practiced. However, this practice also adds to the soil inoculum levels, so seed and seedling disease management practices should be followed. Fusarium, rhizoctonia and pythium are some of the most common
Figure 1: 7-day precipitation map for the Prairie region, July 13-19 – Environment Canada 2016
soil-borne diseases in Western Canada because they’re not selective in the crops they attack. And it’s because they are so ubiquitous in the soil that the use of seed treatments becomes necessary, regardless of whether the seed had low disease levels when it was tested. Soil-borne diseases are often forgotten but they actually cause some of the biggest economic losses due to poor stand establishment. Even if you have a good rotation, it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of infection from soil-borne pathogens, however it does significantly reduce the risk. Poor plant stand establishment results in lingering consequences for the rest of the season, including variable plant stages at herbicide and fungicide timing that lead to a reduction in efficacy. Using a seed treatment as part of your best management program will lead to a more consistent plant stand which increases the effectiveness of the other crop protection products you use throughout the year.
Best practices
So what should you be looking for in your seed? Choose seed with high germination rates (>90%), high seedling vigour (don’t use seed below 90% if possible) and low seed-borne disease levels. Remember not to focus solely on your disease results because vigour rate is also very important. It’s better to use seed with slightly higher disease levels and a high vigour rate than seed with lower disease and a low vigour rate.
Germination testing
• Measure of the percentage of seeds in a seed lot capable of germination under the best possible conditions
Vigour testing
• Determines the proportion of seeds that will be vigorous enough to germinate and survive the stresses associated with emergence
Disease testing
• Certified seed only has to meet standards for germination and doesn’t have to meet minimum disease standards, but planting clean seed avoids introduction of disease
• Correct diagnosis is key because diseases often occur as a complex so it’s impossible to identify the diseases without proper testing
Seed cleaning
• Removes disease or damaged seed for improved quality
Seed treatment
• Protects against early season seed- and soil-borne diseases, increases germination and emergence consistency, enhances vigour, maintains root health and helps the crop withstand minor stresses (BASF AgCelence® Seed Treatments)
• Choose a seed treatment that offers multiple modes of action and systemic movement throughout the seedling
Expert opinion
With the wet weather and cool temperatures we saw this season, Holly Gelech from BioVision Seed Labs says the pathology lab was very busy. The high levels of moisture created an extremely dense canopy cover, meaning growers were seeing high disease levels. This is why it’s imperative for growers to test their seed in the fall to understand what their baseline seed quality is. Holly recommends a test that includes germination, the cool stress test (vigour test) and a fungal scan. Germination has been a benchmark test for decades but the full fungal scan has only been in the marketplace for approximately 5 years. Traditionally, growers would test seed for a specific disease that may be a problem in their field but now with a full fungal scan, growers can really pin-point the potential for seed-borne disease development in their seed lot. Of the samples sent to BioVision in 2015, 50% of pea samples from Saskatchewan and 35% of pea samples from Alberta contained ascochyta. For lentils,
30% of the samples that came in contained botrytis and anthracnose. Holly stressed that while we can’t control the weather, we can gain insight into seed-borne disease presence with accurate testing and start the season off right with effective seed treatments.
Future innovations
We’re continuously conducting research to improve our seed solutions to help you achieve successful crop establishment. The Saskatchewan Flax Council and the Flax Council of Canada are looking at the impact of Insure® Pulse fungicide seed treatment on seeding rate in flax. And so far they’ve discovered that Insure Pulse has the potential to allow growers to lower their seeding rate for flax by protecting the seed from seed and soil-borne disease that typically reduce emergence rates by up to 50%. BASF is also conducting studies on the unique active ingredient Xemium®, looking at the impact on early season, above ground disease control. Early results show that because Xemium moves to the aerial parts of the plant, a reduction in early season, above ground disease can be observed.
Effective IPM starts on the seed. Why seed treatments are an essential part of your IPM strategy. Written by: Russell Trischuk
Because crops are vulnerable to disease at germination and establishment, seed treatments are a key component of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) plan. When used with a combination of cultural best practices and smart production strategies, seed treatments not only help manage key seed and seedling diseases, they also contribute to better plant stand and the future health of your soils.
Seedling disease life cycle
Seedling diseases can come from infected seed, crop residues or other infected seedlings.
2nd infected seedling
Infected seed Infected plant
Spores infect healthy mature plant
Forms spores and dies
Trash and inoculum in soil
Dies
Contact with healthy seedling
Infected seedling Infect healthy seedlings
Dies
Soil microbes can be good
Many different microorganisms live in your soil – some good for your crop, some less so. They’re naturally occurring fungi that feed on crop residue and help to break them down. However, our monoculture systems have led to the proliferation of pathogens that can harm our crops, hence the need to manage them.
While reduced tillage has many benefits, it works in the pathogens’ favour by keeping crop residues intact and near the surface. Plus, it leads to lower temperatures and higher moisture levels within the soil, contributing to the proliferation of disease and undermining the crop’s ability to germinate. As more operations move towards reduced-till or no-till practices, disease pressure will continue to build up in the soil, maintaining its steady rise over the last few decades.
Setting up your seeds for success
Because pulse crops are seeded earlier in the season than most crops, they germinate under cold, wet conditions that can lead to seed rots, seedling blights and root rots. Wet soils favour the development of disease, while cold temperatures weaken the crop’s ability to germinate, emerge and fend off infection.
A fungicide seed treatment targets key seed- and soil-borne diseases, allowing for more consistent germination and even emergence. This leads to better staging, helping you manage disease and perform other production activities later in the season. Using a preventative measure such as a seed treatment can save you from using more expensive additional in-crop inputs that wouldn’t necessarily be needed.
Contrary to popular belief, pathogens are actually more aggressive at higher temperatures around 18 to 20°C – so long as it’s damp. So whether you’re seeding in the cold, wet conditions of May or the warmer, damp conditions of early June, using a seed treatment is key to giving your crop the best possible start.
Stress factors for root rot in peas and lentils
Stress Factors Why?
Wet ConditionsWet feet stresses plants and reduces rhizobial activity. Root rot fungi need water to germinate and infect roots
Cool Temperatures Early in the SeasonSlow plant growth and slow nitrogen availability from organic matter
Shortened Rotations Increase level of pathogens in soil
Heavy Textured Soils More prone to waterlogging and soil compaction
Soil Compaction Root growth impeded and less aeration
Nutrient Deficiency Slows seedling growth and weakens plant
Source: Root rot in pea and lentil in Western Canada. Retrieved from http://pulse.ab.ca/images/uploads/page_files/Root_Rot_in_Pea_and_Lentil.pdf
Thinking beyond the current season
IPM stresses disease prevention – and that extends beyond your current crop and your current season. Because certified seed is not tested for disease, planting diseased seed can introduce new pathogens into fields or build up levels of existing ones. It’s no different from planting weed seeds. Moreover, this inoculum can last up to several years, affecting your follow crops.
Don’t forget that diseases can be soil-borne too. They survive on organic matter in the soil or on crop residue, leading to infection when another suitable host crop is available. Some diseases such as Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and Sclerotinia spp. have a wide host-crop range. So while crop rotations can help break down crop residue and dissipate other diseases, rotating into a non-pulse crop won’t necessarily help when it comes to soil-borne diseases with little host-crop specificities. Look out for crossover diseases between crops – some more aggressive than others. Blackleg, alternaria, pythium and fusarium are all compatible with canola as a host-crop, but they’re equally compatible with pulses. Rhizoctonia may be geared towards cereals, but they can still impact your pulse crop with high enough inoculum levels.
Crop residues take an average of 3 years to break down, so ubiquitous diseases can be an issue even in 1-in-4 year rotations. This is where seed treatments come in. Not only do they manage diseases on the seed and in the seed, they can also protect against diseases in the soil and on crop residue, making it an ideal strategy for minimum and no-till fields where crop residue need more time to break down.
Disease risks associated with various crop rotations in the northern Great Plains
*FHB, fusarium head blight Source: Krupinksy et al., 2002 (adapted from other sources)
Managing resistance
In general, the more a single mode of action is used, the higher the chance of meeting a resistant strain. Biologically, seed- and soil-borne diseases have limited mobility in the soil, they have lower reproductive rates and they are less likely to find another individual in the same sexual state for sexual reproduction. These characteristics all slow down the spread of resistance and vastly reduce your likelihood of meeting a resistant strain.
Different from foliar fungicides, fungicide seed treatments require much lower application rates to be effective. And because there exists a large degree of separation between seed and foliar diseases, the risk of developing fungicide resistance from applying the same active ingredient twice in the same season – first as a seed treatment, then again as a foliar fungicide – is very low. To extend the longevity of seed treatment tools, be sure to follow label rates and use products with multiple modes of action.
Tips for seed treating success
Choose a seed treatment with multiple modes of action that target diseases in your local area. Where possible, choose a seed treatment with systemic activity that can manage diseases inside the seed and even suppress early leaf diseases. Contact seed treatments tend to manage surface or soil-borne diseases only. Be sure to read and follow label directions for correct application of your seed treatment.
• For uniform coverage, calibrate your equipment to ensure proper mixing of your seed treatment with the seed
• Slow down the speed of your auger to prevent injury to your pulse crop as this can lead to the development of diseases on seed; remove any damaged seed
• Avoid using transport or storage equipment that was used previously for treated seed
• Ensure that your seed treatment is compatible with your inoculant; allow the applied seed treatment to dry before using a liquid inoculant
Best practices
To complete your integrated disease management strategy, be sure to use clean and certified seed, rotate into non-host crops where possible and choose pulse crop varieties with tolerance to diseases occurring in your area. Nitrogen and phosphorous use have been shown to help grow healthy roots when pulse crops are seeded early. Take note of your seasonal and environmental conditions to decide which of these practices will work best for your fields. Inoculum levels can build up in the soil after several wet seasons, leading to disease development even when current conditions may not be favourable for disease. Look out for decision-support tools that can help you decide which IPM practices to emphasize.
References
1. Alberta Pulse Growers, Government of Saskatchewan, Manitoba Pulse Growers Association, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, University of Saskatchewan. Root rot in pea and lentil in Western Canada. Retrieved from http://pulse.ab.ca/images/uploads/page_files/Root_Rot_in_Pea_and_Lentil.pdf
2. Brockus, W.W. and Shroyer, J.P. 1998. The impact of reduced tillage on soilborne plant pathogens. Annual Review of Phytopathology 36: 485-500.
3. Davidson, J.A. and Kimber, R.B.E. 2007. Integrated disease management of ascochyta blight in pulse crops. European Journal of Plant Pathology 119: 99-110.
4. Dockken-Bouchard, F. Seed treatment for pulses. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. Retreived from http://proof.saskpulse.com/files/general/150427_Seed_treatments_for_pulses-FINAL.pdf
5. Government of Saskatchewan. Seed treatment. Retrieved from https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/crops-and-irrigation/crop-protection/disease/seed-borne-diseases-of-pulse-crops/seed-treatment
7. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. Growing pulse crops. Retrieved from http://saskpulse.com/growing
AgSolutions AdvisorNovember 2016
India’s insatiable demand for pulses. Written by: Larry Weber
The first time I heard the word “insatiable” in an agriculture related context, was when I was listening to the Hon. Otto Lang give a speech in Winnipeg in the mid 1980’s. He used it to describe China’s growing population and that their appetite for grains and oilseeds would become “insatiable”. After waiting for nearly 25 years for the insatiable demand to transpire, it did, and that excruciating waiting period during a time of low prices, gave me pause before I used the word in an agricultural context again. India’s government own estimates have pulse growth that will be difficult to meet. Total consumption is expected to climb from 22 million metric tonnes in 2015/16 to 24 MMT in 2020 and 30 MMT in 2030.
Western Canadian farmers have answered the call for increased pulse production in record fashion. The 2016/17 crop year will shatter the old record for combined pea and lentil acres set last year at 7.717 million acres. Using Statistics Canada’s last but not final seeded acreage estimate for 2016/17, the new record will be 10.116 million acres. Farmers reacted to some of the highest new crop prices that were available in the fall of 2015 and adjusted it higher once again when long term weather forecasts were for hot and dry throughout the summer months (like that happened). It is somewhat fitting and ironic that the old record should fall in 2016 – The International Year of Pulses.
Source: India Government; Statscan and FAOSTAT
The demand side of pulses continues to be exhilarating. Even with India’s normal monsoon season, the supply/demand balance won’t find any equilibrium until India begins harvesting next February and March. Even with an above-normal crop, India will still need to import 3.5 to 4.5 MMT of pulses to make up for their shortfall. While the demand side of the equation in India is well known, the politics of pulse demand is getting tiresome. Every time I hear or read about the Indian Government’s involvement in the free flow of pulse trade into their country, I am haunted by the former Chair of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Dwayne Andreas’ statement: “[W]hen it comes to agriculture there is no such thing as a free market”. The Indian Government has badgered traders, importers, and retailers in as many ways as they deem legally possible to keep the price of pulses down. In reality, it has been back to back monsoon failures that have been responsible for their production woes, and western Canadian farmers’ good fortune. “Hoarding” and “Manipulation” have become mainstay headline news in India’s newspapers. Unfortunately, their incessant involvement is starting to pay dividends on the pricing front but has been negative to procure additional product as traders become uneasy taking positions in a market where the Government can and does change policy on a weekly basis.
To further exacerbate government meddling into pricing and production, India’s support programs through their Minimum Support Prices (MSP) were raised by 14 to 16 percent on November 15, to boost output of Rabi crops. This increase is on the heels of 7 to 9% increases for their Kharif pulse crops seeded in June. The increase in MSP has not gone unnoticed at the World Trade Organization (WTO). On November 09, the United States asked India to confirm or deny that by increasing the MSP is to limit pulse imports. The European Union also stated it had the same concerns, while Canada said it had an interest in the issue. The wheels of WTO trade tariff disputes run slow and given the increase in MSP after the U.S. query, I expect that any retaliatory trade actions will be put on the fast track before the end of the fiscal year.
There has been and continues to be a vision for the future of pulses in this country and it is this vision that is responsible for the exponential growth of pulses over the past ten years. Lentil exports ended the fiscal year (2015) at 2.496 billion dollars, while pea exports finished at 1.243 billion dollars. To put that in a ten year perspective, total pea and lentil exports in 2006 were just over $900 million. As the “International Year of Pulses” winds down, understand that while India is the primary growth target, other countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and China are the keys to long term price stability.
