Hybrid Canola: Harnessing Genetic Diversity for Increased Yields in Canadian Agriculture

Bayer Crop Science Canada has partnered with the University of Alberta (U of A) to research the genetic diversity of canola, Canada’s most exported crop. The aim is to make hybrid canola stronger, leading to increased yields for Canadian farmers.

Canada is the leading producer of canola, and with demand expected to rise significantly in the next decade, supporting research to strengthen this crop is crucial. The research team at the University of Alberta is working on developing hundreds of canola lines that could be a game changer for farmers. By creating canola that not only has higher seed yields but is also more disease resistant, Canadian agriculture could take a significant step forward.

The team is currently studying the genes of brassica vegetables like broccoli and kale to identify the best ones for breeding new canola lines. These vegetables are closely related to canola and offer a wide range of genetic diversity for canola development. By determining which genes and backgrounds result in the highest yields, the team can enhance canola production.

Antoine Bernet, President and CEO of Bayer Crop Science Canada, believes there is a prosperous future for canola in Canada. He says that by developing these hybrids will take time but he’s optimistic about the team at U of A’s work to improve the genetic diversity of canola in Canada. Once developed and proven effective, the new genetic material and research knowledge will support Bayer Crop Science’s long-term efforts to create new commercial hybrids.