1. 4-Leaf Stage
What’s happening inside the crop?
At the 4-leaf stage, canola plants establish the foundation for future growth and yield. Leaf area expands rapidly, the root system continues to develop and the crop begins building the canopy that will support photosynthesis throughout the season. Establishing vigorous early growth during this stage helps maximise the crop’s ability to capture sunlight, utilise available nutrients and compete with weeds.
Natural hormonal activity
Auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins coordinate early plant development by regulating root growth, leaf expansion and the initiation of new tissues. These hormones work together to support vigorous vegetative growth and prepare the crop for the transition into stem extension.
Why are amino acids important?
As growth accelerates, amino acids are required for the synthesis of proteins and enzymes involved in cell division, photosynthesis and energy metabolism. They also contribute to the development of new leaves and roots, supporting the crop’s increasing metabolic activity during early establishment.
Which key nutrients are important during this stage?
Nitrogen supports early leaf and canopy development while contributing to the proteins required for active growth.
Phosphorus plays an important role in energy transfer and root development, helping establish a vigorous crop.
Sulphur is essential for protein synthesis and is particularly important for canola due to its relatively high sulphur requirement during vegetative growth.
Why apply the GrowGreen program?
Applying the GrowGreen program at the 4-leaf stage complements early crop establishment by providing biologically derived amino acids, phytohormones, bioactive compounds and mineral nutrition during a period of active vegetative growth. This application complements the physiological processes associated with canopy establishment, root development and the transition towards reproductive growth.
2. Stem Extension (Pre-Flowering)
What’s happening inside the crop?
During stem extension, canola enters a period of rapid biomass accumulation as stems elongate, branches develop and the canopy reaches its maximum potential. The crop’s demand for water and nutrients increases significantly as it prepares for flowering and the formation of reproductive structures. Maintaining healthy vegetative growth during this stage provides the foundation for successful flowering and pod set.
Natural hormonal activity
Gibberellins play a major role in stem elongation, while auxins and cytokinins regulate the development of new shoots and reproductive structures. Together, these hormones coordinate the transition from vegetative growth to the reproductive phase of the crop.
Why are amino acids important?
As growth reaches its peak, amino acids are required for the continued synthesis of proteins and enzymes that support cell division, tissue expansion and metabolic activity. They also contribute to the production of new plant tissues as the crop prepares for flowering.
Which key nutrients are important during this stage?
Nitrogen supports continued canopy development and the production of proteins required during rapid growth.
Potassium plays an important role in water regulation, carbohydrate transport and maintaining plant function during periods of high metabolic activity.
Boron contributes to the development of reproductive structures and prepares the crop for successful flowering.
Why apply the GrowGreen program?
Applying the GrowGreen program during stem extension complements the crop’s increased physiological activity as it transitions into flowering. Providing biologically derived amino acids, phytohormones, bioactive compounds and mineral nutrition during this stage complements the processes associated with stem elongation, canopy development and reproductive preparation.
3. Pod Development
What’s happening inside the crop?
Following flowering, fertilised flowers develop into pods and seeds begin to form. During this stage, the crop directs increasing amounts of carbohydrates, nutrients and water towards the developing pods to support seed growth. Maintaining a healthy canopy is essential to sustain photosynthesis and provide the energy required for seed development and yield.
Natural hormonal activity
Auxins, cytokinins and abscisic acid regulate pod growth, seed development and the movement of assimilates into developing seeds. As the crop approaches maturity, hormonal activity gradually shifts from promoting growth towards coordinating seed filling and maturation.
Why are amino acids important?
Amino acids continue to support protein synthesis and the metabolic processes associated with seed development. They also contribute to the production of enzymes involved in the accumulation of proteins and oils within the developing seed.
Which key nutrients are important during this stage?
Potassium supports the transport of carbohydrates to developing pods and seeds, contributing to effective seed filling.
Sulphur is required for protein synthesis and is essential for the development of high-quality canola seed.
Magnesium supports chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, helping maintain the supply of carbohydrates needed during seed development.
Why apply the GrowGreen program?
Applying the GrowGreen program during pod development complements the crop’s increased demand for biological and mineral nutrition as resources are directed towards developing seeds. Providing nutrition during this stage complements the physiological processes associated with seed filling, seed quality and the production of a high-yielding canola crop.
3. Pod Development
What’s happening inside the crop?
Following flowering, fertilised flowers develop into pods and seeds begin to form. During this stage, the crop directs increasing amounts of carbohydrates, nutrients and water towards the developing pods to support seed growth. Maintaining a healthy canopy is essential to sustain photosynthesis and provide the energy required for seed development and yield.
Natural hormonal activity
Auxins, cytokinins and abscisic acid regulate pod growth, seed development and the movement of assimilates into developing seeds. As the crop approaches maturity, hormonal activity gradually shifts from promoting growth towards coordinating seed filling and maturation.
Why are amino acids important?
Amino acids continue to support protein synthesis and the metabolic processes associated with seed development. They also contribute to the production of enzymes involved in the accumulation of proteins and oils within the developing seed.
Which key nutrients are important during this stage?
Potassium supports the transport of carbohydrates to developing pods and seeds, contributing to effective seed filling.
Sulphur is required for protein synthesis and is essential for the development of high-quality canola seed.
Magnesium supports chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, helping maintain the supply of carbohydrates needed during seed development.
Why apply the GrowGreen program?
Applying the GrowGreen program during pod development complements the crop’s increased demand for biological and mineral nutrition as resources are directed towards developing seeds. Providing nutrition during this stage complements the physiological processes associated with seed filling, seed quality and the production of a high-yielding canola crop.
4. Conclusion
A well-timed nutrition program helps ensure that biological and mineral nutrition is available when the crop’s physiological demand is greatest. Aligning applications with key stages of canola development provides a practical and consistent approach to complement crop growth throughout the season.
By combining Fish Emulsion, Microbe Plus Kelp and Xtend®, the GrowGreen canola program integrates biologically derived amino acids, phytohormones, bioactive compounds and mineral nutrition into a single program designed to complement the crop’s changing physiological requirements and support productive, high-performing canola crops.