We use advanced crop pathology diagnostic methods- including DNA markers and Spore Imaging– to identify pests threatening your crops.

Why Test Your Field?

Accurately identifying and quantifying the pathogen type helps growers select the most appropriate management tool to address the problem before it impacts yield and profitability. In addition to advanced crop pathology diagnostic methods including spore imaging, PSI uses an increasing number of DNA based tools to determine the race or pathotype of the pathogen that may be present- key knowledge for maximizing genetic resistance traits in varieties. Monitoring the presence and levels of pathogens in the field provides ‘early warnings’ of emerging pests.

About the #GetTested Program

Manitoba Canola Growers Association Members can get free testing for clubroot, Blackleg race and Verticillium stripe on all their fields.

Testing for Glyphosate resistant Kochia and Tier 1 Noxious Amaranth Species is available as a fee-for-service test.

Testing Services

We test for presence of the following:

Did you know…

Verticillium stripe- caused by the fungus Verticillium longisporum– was first reported in Manitoba in 2014. Scientists are working to understand the severity of the disease and its impact on yield and quality so that management strategies can be developed. Provincial monitoring and Canadian research is in progress on this soil-borne disease which has impacted other canola or rapeseed-growing nations around the world. Submitting samples to PSI for testing helps us benchmark disease incidence. While not related, Blackleg and Verticillium stripe can often be identified on the same sample. Get tested for both diseases.

Download the Lifecycle of Verticillium stripe for more information.

The Canola Encyclopedia has a continually updated set of information resources like the Verticillium stripe disease cycle below. Based on the latest scientific knowledge, these fact sheets, videos and webinars provide information to help growers manage pests of canola to maximize yield.

What the Experts Say

Photo credits: Canola Council of Canada; MB Agriculture

Clubroot

Blackleg

Verticillium stripe

Glyphosate Resistant Kochia

Tier 1 Noxious Amaranth Species

Looking for information about how grower-funded research is helping canola growers? Start here

The Pest Surveillance Initiative is an applied research project of the Manitoba Canola Growers