The Manitoba Sunflower Post-Registration variety testing is organized and conducted by the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) in co-ordination with the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. The Sunflower Post-Registration Trials serve as a tool to provide Sunflower Growers with regional third-party performance data of varieties that are registered or have interim registration status in Canada OR have been recommended for registration by the Manitoba Sunflower Committee. The varieties that appear in these trials are varieties that Sunflower companies are actively pursuing or marketing in Manitoba.
In 2009, the NSAC conducted the Manitoba Sunflower Post-Registration Variety Trials in 6 locations around the province. This year, the trials were located in Carman, Morden, Minto, Medora, Treherne and OakBluff. These trials and results are made possible with your continued support through the Sunflower check-off levy.
Growing conditions in 2009 were abnormal in terms of both heat accumulation and rainfall in most areas of Manitoba. Some areas of the province experienced early season frosts and excessive rainfall. In general, disease incidence was more prevalent in 2009 as compared to previous years, specifically with increases in sunflowers rust and sclerotinia (basal, mid-stalk and head rot). Total seeded sunflower acres in 2009 as reported by MASC were 118,032 acres of confections and 31,527 acres of oils.
The NSAC appreciates the hard work of the MAFRI Oilseed Specialist, Anastasia Kubinec, who complied the data for the trials. As well as a big thank-you to Keystone Grain Ltd. for providing seed sizing services and to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Morden for providing the oil data. In addition, we appreciate the hard work of all contractors who plant, monitor and harvest the plots throughout the growing season.
*data also avaliable in Winter Issues of the Canadian Sunflower Grower