Distribution and interference of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in spring canola

In both reduced-tillage and tilled fields, dandelion can be a problem, but the effect of dandelion on canola yield is unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dandelion infestation on spring canola yield and the influence of tillage on interference and in-field distribution of dandelion. Dandelion distribution was not associated with tillage regimen. Dandelion distribution showed some relationship to past cropping history, for example, the presence of alfalfa in the rotation. The strength of correlation between measures of dandelion infestation level and canola yield loss was associated with tillage regimen. For tilled fields, there was no correlation between reduction in canola yield and any measurements of dandelion infestation level. For reduced-tillage fields, the most reliable measures of dandelion interference level were dandelion ground cover prespray, total dandelion rosette diameter prespray, relative dandelion ground cover prespray, and total dandelion root diameter at crop harvest.