Blackshaw, Robert, Ph.D.

Research Scientist - Weed Science

Contact Information:

5403 - 1 Avenue South
PO Box 3000
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1
Telephone: 403-317-2268
Fax: 403-382-3156
Email: robert.blackshaw@agr.gc.ca

Areas of Expertise:

  • weed biology and ecology
  • integrated weed management
  • sustainable cropping systems
  • conservation tillage
  • herbicide-resistant crops

Current Projects:

  • Canola best management practices
  • Integrated weed management systems for dry beans and peas
  • Provide knowledge of weed biology, population dynamics, and community ecology as the basis for the development of integrated contol startegies with reduced impact on the environment
  • Develop long term best management practices for weed control in cropping systems with limited environmental impact
  • Develop strategies that enhance sustainability by understanding the interaction of factors limiting ecosystem productivity.
  • Developing remote sensing technology for mapping weed infestations in pulse and canola crops
  • Management of annual and biennial legumes to optimize nitrogen supply, soil conservation and weed suppression

Affiliations:

  • Adjunct Professor, University of Lethbridge, Geography Department
  • Advisory Board Member, Lethbridge Community College

Research Publications:

The links below lead to abstracts with access to full text.

2013:

2012:

2011:

2010:

2009:

Other Science Related Publications:

2012:

  • Beaudoin, N., Sansoulet, J.B., Pattey, E., Grant, C.A., Blackshaw, R.E., Harker, K.N., Johnson, E.N., O'Donovan, J.T., and Gervois, S. (2012). "Adaptation de STICS à la culture de canola au Canada à partir du module colza en vue de simuler les émissions de N2O par ModuloSTICS.", IXe Séminaire du modèle de culture STICS, Sainte-Montaine, France, October 16-19, 2012. (Poster)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., Regitnig, P.J., and Balasubramanian, P.M. (2012). "Irrigated crop rotation research: Findings from the Vauxhall rotation study over 12 years (2000-11).", 2012 Irrigated Crop Production Update Conference, Lethbridge, AB, Canada, January 31-February 1, 2012. (Abstract)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., and Regitnig, P.J. (2012). "Building soil quality on irrigated rotations in southern Alberta.", 49th Annual Alberta Soil Science Workshop, Ramada Inn, Edmonton, AB, Canada, February 14-16, 2012. (Abstract)
  • Pageni, B.B., Lupwayi, N.Z., Larney, F.J., Kawchuk, L.M., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., and Gan, Y.T. (2012). "Preceding crop, rotation length and soil management effects on bacterial endophytes.", 49th Annual Alberta Soil Science Workshop, Ramada Inn, Edmonton, AB, Canada, February 14-16, 2012. (Abstract)

2011:

  • Blackshaw, R.E. (2011). "Including cover crops in prairie no-till systems.", 23rd Annual Conference of the Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association (SSCA), Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, January 13, 2011, pp. 3.
  • Blackshaw, R.E. (2011). "Integrated Cropping Practices Reduce the Risk of Resistance Development.", 51st Meeting Weed Science Society of America, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower Hotel, Portland, OR, USA, February 7-10, 2011. (Presentation)
  • Blackshaw, R.E., Hao, X., Clayton, G.W., Harker, K.N., O'Donovan, J.T., Johnson, E.N., and Vera, C.L. (2011). "Canola response to polymer-coated urea versus urea in a four-year zero-tillage cropping system on the Canadian prairies.", 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, June 5-9, 2011, pp. 61-64.
  • Blackshaw, R.E., Harker, K.N., and O'Donovan, J.T. (2011). "Polymer-coated urea compared with urea reduces N uptake by weeds.", Canadian Weed Science Society 65th Annual Meeting, Marriott Gateway on the Falls, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, November 21-24, 2011, pp. 65. (Poster)
  • Blackshaw, R.E., Molnar, L.J., and Moyer, J.R. (2011). "Weed Suppression and Soil Nitrogen Benefits Associated with Legume Cover Crop-Winter Wheat Intercrops.", 51st Meeting Weed Science Society of America, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower Hotel, Portland, OR, USA, February 7-10, 2011. (Presentation)
  • Harker, K.N., Brandt, S.A., O'Donovan, J.T., Blackshaw, R.E., Johnson, E.N., and Kutcher, H.R. (2011). "The Impact of Two Years of Wild Oat Management After Four Years of Low Crop Inputs in Barley and Canola.", 51st Meeting Weed Science Society of America, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower Hotel, Portland, OR, USA, February 7-10, 2011, pp. 62. (Presentation)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., Regitnig, P.J., and Balasubramanian, P.M. (2011). "Dry bean performance in the Vauxhall irrigated rotation study over 12 growing seasons (2000-11).", Pulse Science Cluster Scientific Meeting, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, November 17-18, 2011. (Abstract)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., and Regitnig, P.J. (2011). "A soil conservation package for irrigated rotations in southern Alberta.", 2011 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting: Fundamental for life: soil, crop and environmental sciences, San Antonio, TX, USA, October 16-19, 2011. (Abstract)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., and Regitnig, P.J. (2011). "Potato performance in the Vauxhall irrigated rotation study over 12 growing seasons (2000-11).", 2011 Annual Meeting of Potato Growers of Alberta, Calgary, AB, Canada, November 15-18, 2011. (Abstract)
  • Lovell, A. and Blackshaw, R.E. (2011). "Slow release N a good fit in wet areas.", Grain News, 37(2), pp. 6.
  • O'Donovan, J.T., Blackshaw, R.E., Grant, C.A., Harker, K.N., Lafond, G.P., Johnson, E.N., Gan, Y.T., May, W.E., Turkington, T.K., and Lupwayi, N.Z. (2011). "Legume Crops to Improve Soil Fertility for Enhanced Canola Production.", 2011 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting: Fundamental for life: soil, crop and environmental sciences, San Antonio, TX, USA, October 16-19, 2011. (Poster)
  • O'Donovan, J.T., Harker, K.N., and Blackshaw, R.E. (2011). "Implications of sub-economic threshold wild oat densities in a cereal/field pea rotation under no-till.", Canadian Weed Science Society 65th Annual Meeting, Marriott Gateway on the Falls, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, November 21-24, 2011, pp. 46. (Abstract)
  • Pageni, B.B., Lupwayi, N.Z., Larney, F.J., Kawchuk, L.M., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., and Gan, Y.T. (2011). "Preceding crop, rotation length and soil management effects on bacterial endophytes.", Pulse Science Cluster Scientific Meeting, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, November 17-18, 2011. (Abstract)
  • Pageni, B.B., Lupwayi, N.Z., Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., and Blackshaw, R.E. (2011). "Soil microbial biomass and diversity in irrigated crop systems.", 2011 Soils and Crops Workshop, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, March 15-16, 2011. (Abstract)

2010:

  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Harker, K.N. (2010). "Evolution of Effective and EconomicWeed Control.", in Lindwall, C.W. and Sonntag, B. (eds.) - Landscapes Transformed: The History of Conservation Tillage and Direct Seeding, Knowledge Impact in Society, Canada, Chapter 11, pp. 141-148.
  • Blackshaw, R.E., Brandt, S.A., Johnson, E.N., Harker, K.N., O'Donovan, J.T., Turkington, T.K., and Kutcher, H.R. (2010). "Which crop inputs have the greatest impact on canola yield?", 2010 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA, USA, October 31-November 4, 2010. (Abstract)
  • Blackshaw, R.E., Harker, K.N., O'Donovan, J.T., Johnson, E.N., Kutcher, H.R., and Hao, X. (2010). "ESN effects on canola establishment, weed competition and canola yield in a four-year study.", 2010 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA, USA, October 31-November 4, 2010.
  • Hao, X., Li, C.L., Blackshaw, R.E., Harker, K.N., O'Donovan, J.T., and Clayton, G.W. (2010). "Nitrous oxide emissions from canola fields with ESN fertilizer application.", 2010 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA, USA, October 31-November 4, 2010.
  • Hao, X., Li, C.L., Blackshaw, R.E., Harker, K.N., O'Donovan, J.T., and Clayton, G.W. (2010). "Response of residual soil available N level to polymer-coated urea (ESN) application in a canola-barley cropping system.", 2010 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA, USA, October 31-November 4, 2010.
  • Indraratne, S.P., Hao, X., and Blackshaw, R.E. (2010). "Transgenic crops and their impact on nutrient availability, metal status and isotope signature in soils.", 2010 Joint Conference of the Canadian Society of Soil Science (CSSS) and the Canadian Society of Agronomy (CSA): Transfers & Transformations: Our Evolving Biosphere, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, June 20-24, 2010, pp. 106.
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., Regitnig, P.J., and Balasubramanian, P.M. (2010). "Wide-row vs.na rrow-row production of dry beans in the Vauxhall irrigated rotation study.", 8th Canadian Pulse Research Workshop, Calgary, AB, Canada, November 3-5, 2010.
  • Li, C.L., Hao, X., Blackshaw, R.E., Harker, K.N., O'Donovan, J.T., and Clayton, G.W. (2010). "Nitrous oxide emissions from an acid soil in response to polymer-coated urea application and herbicide management in a canola-barley cropping system.", 2010 Joint Conference of the Canadian Society of Soil Science (CSSS) and the Canadian Society of Agronomy (CSA): Transfers & Transformations: Our Evolving Biosphere, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, June 20-24, 2010, pp. 120.
  • Li, C.L., Hao, X., Harker, K.N., Blackshaw, R.E., Clayton, G.W., and O'Donovan, J.T. (2010). "Nitrous oxide emissions from a Black Chernozem soil in response to polymer-coated urea application and herbicide management in a canola-barley cropping system.", 47th Annual Alberta Soil Science Workshop, Lethbridge, AB, Canada, February 16-18, 2010, pp. 21. (Workshop)

2009:

  • Barker, B., Johnson, E.N., and Blackshaw, R.E. (2009). "An innovative approach to innovative chemistry.", Top Crop Manager (Western edition), 2009(November), pp. 48-49.
  • Beckie, H.J., Johnson, E.N., Blackshaw, R.E., and Gan, Y.T. (2009). "Weed suppression by canola and mustard cultivars.", 8th European Weed Research Society (EWRS) Workshop on Physical and Cultural Weed Control, Zaragoza, Spain, March 9-11, 2009, pp. 2. (Abstract)
  • Beres, B.L., Clayton, G.W., Harker, K.N., Blackshaw, R.E., Graf, R.J., Shaw, C., and Stanford, G. (2009). "Class Warfare: Crop Productivity and Weed Competitiveness of Winter and Spring Cereal Classes.", Canadian Triticale Biorefinery Initiative (CTBI) Annual Network Meeting, Summerland, BC, Canada, June 17-19, 2009. (Poster)
  • Blackshaw, R.E. (2009). "Blending technology in biological systems: weed control.", 16th Annual Southern Ag Advantage Conference and Tradeshow, Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Center, Lethbridge, AB, Canada, December 1-2, 2009, pp. 17.
  • Blackshaw, R.E. (2009). "Potential for green manure crops in prairie cropping systems.", Agronomy Update Conference 2009, Lethbridge, AB, Canada, January 20-21, 2009, pp. 45-49.
  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Brandt, R.N. (2009). "Predicting N and P fertilizer effects on weed competitiveness with wheat.", 49th Annual Meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL, USA, February 9-13, 2009, Abstract #80, pp. 1. (Abstract)
  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Brandt, R.N. (2009). "Predicting N and P fertilizer effects on weed species competitiveness with wheat.", FarmTech 2009, Edmonton, AB, Canada, January 28-30, 2009, pp. 137. (Poster)
  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Harker, K.N. (2009). "Feeding crops and not weeds with expensive fertilizer.", FarmTech 2009, Edmonton, AB, Canada, January 28-30, 2009, pp. 44-46.
  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Harker, K.N. (2009). "Overcoming weed concerns in conservation tillage systems.", Landscapes Transformed: The quiet triumph of Conservation Tillage and Direct Seeding, Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, March 24-25, 2009, pp. 6.
  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Moyer, J.R. (2009). "Effect of sweetclover cultivars and management practices on weed control and wheat yield.", FarmTech 2009, Edmonton, AB, Canada, January 28-30, 2009, pp. 137.
  • Blackshaw, R.E. and Postman, B. (2009). "Weed seedbank response to seven continuous years of Roundup Ready corn.", Canadian Weed Science Society 63rd Annual Meeting, Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, November 24-26, 2009, pp. 1. (Poster)
  • Harker, K.N., Blackshaw, R.E., Beckie, H.J., and O'Donovan, J.T. (2009). "Weed invasions in western Canada cropping systems.", in Inderjit, S. (ed.) - Management of Invasive Weeds. Series: Invading Nature - Springer Series in Invasion Ecology, Vol. 5, Springer, pp. 151-156, Volume 5.
  • Harker, K.N., Brandt, S.A., Johnson, E.N., O'Donovan, J.T., Blackshaw, R.E., Turkington, T.K., and Kutcher, H.R. (2009). "Input reduction impacts on weeds and crops in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and canola (Brassica napus).", 49th Annual Meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL, USA, February 9-13, 2009, Abstract #507, pp. 1. (Abstract)
  • Harker, K.N., Brandt, S.A., O'Donovan, J.T., Blackshaw, R.E., Johnson, E.N., Turkington, T.K., Kutcher, H.R., and Clayton, G.W. (2009). "Wild oat populations after four years in a low-input barley-canola rotation.", Canadian Weed Science Society 63rd Annual Meeting, Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, November 24-26, 2009.
  • Johnson, E.N., Blackshaw, R.E., Holm, F.A., and Sapsford, K.L. (2009). "Broad-spectrum weed control in pulse crops with saflufenacil and sulfentrazone.", Canadian Weed Science Society 63rd Annual Meeting, Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, November 24-26, 2009, pp. 1. (Poster)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., Regitnig, P.J., and Dill, G.H. (2009). "Sustainable soil management practices for potatoes, dry beans, sugarbeet and wheat on an irrigated rotation study.", 18th Triennial Conference of International Soil Tillage Research Organization (ISTRO), Izmir, Turkey, July 15-19, 2009, Paper No. T1-012, [CD-ROM], pp. 7.
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., and Regitnig, P.J. (2009). "Sustainable potato rotations. McCains Grower Meeting.", McCains Grower Meeting, Canada, March 2, 2009. (Presentation)
  • Larney, F.J., Pearson, D.C., Blackshaw, R.E., Lupwayi, N.Z., and Regitnig, P.J. (2009). "The Vauxhall irrigated rotation study: potato yields after 10 years.", 2009 Annual Meeting of Potato Growers of Alberta, Kananaskis, AB, Canada, November 17-19, 2009, pp. 1. (Poster)
  • Li, C., Hao, X., Clayton, G.W., Blackshaw, R.E., O'Donovan, J.T., and Harker, N. (2009). "Nitrous oxide emissions in response to polymer-coated urea fertilizer application and herbicide management in canola-barley crop production.", Joint Annual Meeting of the CSA-CSSS-CSAFM: Sciences for Sustainability: Soils, Agronomy, and Atmosphere, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, August 5-7, 2009, pp. 1. (Poster)
  • Li, C.L., Hao, X., Clayton, G.W., Blackshaw, R.E., O'Donovan, J.T., and Harker, K.N. (2009). "Nitrous oxide emissions in response to polymer-coated urea fertilizer application and herbicide management in a canola-barley crop system.", Joint Annual Meeting of the CSA-CSSS-CSAFM: Sciences for Sustainability: Soils, Agronomy, and Atmosphere, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, August 5-7, 2009, pp. 56-57.
  • O'Donovan, J.T., Harker, K.N., Blackshaw, R.E., and Stougaard, R.N. (2009). "Crop production impacts of below-label herbicide rates.", 49th Annual Meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL, USA, February 9-13, 2009, Abstract #298, pp. 1. (Abstract)
  • Smith, E.G., Blackshaw, R.E., and Harker, K.N. (2009). "Early spring seeding canola more profitable and less risky.", Top Crop Manager (Western edition), 2009(February), pp. 24-25.