Diagnosing fasciation in canola

Fasciation is a relatively rare condition of abnormal growth in the growing point that has no economic significance in canola.

Flattened strap-like flowering stem
Pods produce normal seed

What to look for

    Plant

  • Individual plants with deformed flowering stems that take on a flattened form. Flowers and pods may also be distorted but continue to develop.

Where did it come from?

  • Fasciation has several possible causes, including hormonal, genetic, bacterial, fungal, viral and environmental.
  • Fasciation is observed more often in some canola varieties than in others.

Management strategies

  • No treatment is recommended as this condition is relatively rare and is thought to cause only minor yield effects.
  • It is not carried between seasons in seed.

Where to go for expert help

DDLS Seed Testing and Certification
+61 (0)8 9368 3721
Page last updated: Friday, 23 May 2014 - 4:54pm