Sunday, February 1, 2009

Early Maturing Winter Canola in Double Cropping System: Potential IPM Considerations.

Rufina Ward, Sasikiran Sangireddy, Ernst Cebert, and Kenneth Ward. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, 4900 Meridian Street, Normal, AL 35762

Renewable resources, primarily oilseed crops such as soybean, cotton, sunflower, peanuts and canola, are widely being evaluated for biodiesel production. This season, acreage planted to winter canola in north Alabama has increased nearly 600% from last year and a steady increase is expected in succeeding years. Alabama A&M University developed early maturing lines of winter canola that could be used to double crop with cotton or soybean in the region. Double cropping winter canola with cotton and soybean promises a highly profitable combination for farmers. Pest dynamics in double cropping systems, however, especially for highly migratory species have become a critical concern. This paper addresses this issue.