Diagnosing calcium deficiency in canola
Calcium deficiency ('wither top' or 'tipple topple') is occasionally seen in canola at stem extension. However its incidence is patchy within a paddock, and the plant often recovers, so it is considered to be of little economic significance.
What to look for
- Withered flowering heads that tends to be worse on shallow acidic soils such as shallow gravels, and in wetter areas with high rainfall spring weather.
Paddock
- The flowering stalk collapses causing withering and death of the flowering head.
- Side branches often develop normally when soil moisture condition returns.
- Some varieties appear to be more susceptible than others.
Plant
What else could it be
| Condition | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosing group B herbicide damage in canola | Flowering head death | Herbicide affected plants have leaf symptoms and plants usually slowly die. |
| Diagnosing glyphosate damage in canola | Flowering head death | Herbicide affected plants have leaf symptoms and plants usually slowly die. |
Where to go for expert help
Page last updated: Friday, 20 June 2014 - 1:23pm