The Effects of An Abnormally Early and Warm Spring On Winter Canola Development in Ohio.

In 2012, March and April temperatures were unseasonably warmer than previous years at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s Northwest Agriculture Research Station, Custar, OH. A winter canola variety performance test had been established at this site since 2004. Each year 45 to 55 winter canola varieties were evaluated for fall establishment, winter survival, flowering date, plant height, and grain yield. In the 2012, stand establishment and winter survival was very good across entries as a result of moderate weather conditions. Unusually warm temperatures in March and April of 2012 resulted in entries bolting and flowering about 30 days sooner than the long term average. Entries were approximately 50% less in height than previous testing years. Grain yields were significantly less than previous years. This yield reduction may have been the result of temperatures dropping to near freezing after initial pod set causing pod abortion. Observations from this study have shown that an abnormally warm and early spring may result in early bolting and flowering, shorter plants and yield reductions in winter canola.