PestFacts WA

Fasciation found in canola

• Kojonup
• Katanning

Canola stem flattened by the condition called fasciation. Photo courtesy of: Ravjit Khangura (DPIRD).

Fasciation causing deformation of canola head . Photo courtesy of: Ravjit Khangura (DPIRD).

Fasciation in canola has been observed by plant pathologist Ravjit Khangura (DPIRD) in flowering GT53 canola at Kojonup and in an unknown variety at Katanning.

Fasciation is a condition where flowering heads and in some instances lower stems get flattened and ribbon like and is also characterised by the presence of abundant flowers and pods on plants.

Fasciation is not common in canola, occasionally some odd plants are seen with this disorder. The actual cause of fasciation is unknown; it could be due to mutation or environmental factors.

Apparently some canola varieties are more susceptible than others to develop fasciation.

Fasciation is unlikely to impact canola yields. There is no known risk of carryover to subsequent canola crops.

For more information on fasciation see the department’s Diagnosing fasciation in canola page.

For more information on fasciation contact Ravjit Khangura, Plant pathologist, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3374.