Diseases are threatening the wheat and rapeseed harvests in Canada

Canada is facing increased risks to its wheat, canola and pulse crops from widespread fungal diseases ahead of the main harvest. An exceptionally wet spring and early summer, followed by hot and humid weather, created favorable conditions for disease development across key agricultural regions.

Spring wheat and durum are of particular concern due to their vulnerability to fusarium head blight. Canola is facing threats from sclerotinia and blackleg, while pulse crops have also been affected by a range of fungal diseases.

Canadian farmers have significantly increased fungicide applications this season to protect their crops. Additional treatment costs are estimated at around $6–20 per acre, even as crop profitability is already under pressure from high fertilizer prices and other production costs.

Crops in many areas currently appear to be in good condition, but the full impact of disease will only become clear once harvesting begins. Disease pressure could affect not only yields but also grain and seed quality.

The situation is important for the global market, as Canada is a leading exporter of canola, durum wheat and dry peas, as well as a major supplier of high-protein spring wheat. Any deterioration in crop volumes or quality could therefore affect Canada’s export supply in 2026/27.

Tags: Canada, wheat, rapeseed