North Central Research

This region includes primarily North Dakota but also Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. It accounts for about 85 percent of canola production in the United States. Research funding for the region is administered by North Dakota State University, led by Luis del Rio Mendoza, Ph.D., canola pathologist (tel: 701-231-7073, Luis.delRio-Mendoza@ndsu.edu).

Priority topics are production practices that optimize yield, quality and profit; blackleg and clubroot management; insect identification and control; straight-harvesting with the use of desiccants; optimal crop rotations with canola; ways to reduce pod shattering and increase oil yield per acre; fertilizer efficiency; and best seeding dates for newer hybrids.

Beyond crop production, regional research is focused on alternative end uses like developing spring canola lines for optimal biodiesel production and canola oil-based resins for environment-friendly plastics. New health benefits are also being explored, such as if intake of canola oil in place of other fats can reduce cancer risk.

Here are recent summaries of North Central research projects jointly funded by the National Canola Research Program, regional canola associations (Northern Canola Growers Association and Minnesota Canola Council) and collaborating universities:

Canola tolerance to Spartan (sulfentrazone) 1.28.19

2016 North Central Canola Research Program 2.17

Economics of Increasing Canola Production 2.17

2015 North Central Canola Research Program 2.16

2014 North Central Canola Research Program 2.15

For previous research reports, see our National Canola Research Program Archives.