The University of Alberta (U of A) and Bayer Crop Science Canada have partnered to research the genetic diversity of canola, Canada’s most exported crop. This collaboration aims to create stronger hybrid canola, resulting in increased yields for Canadian farmers.
According to Antoine Bernet, President and CEO of Bayer Crop Science Canada, there is a prosperous future for canola in Canada. The U of A research team is currently working on developing hundreds of new canola lines that could revolutionize farming. By combining higher seed yields with greater disease resistance, these hybrids have the potential to take Canadian agriculture to the next level.
The team at U of A is 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 wealth of genetic diversity for canola development. By determining which genes and backgrounds lead to the highest yields, the team hopes to enhance canola production even further.
Canada is already the world’s leading producer of canola, and with demand expected to increase significantly in the coming years, investing in research to strengthen this crop is crucial. While developing these hybrids will take time, Antoine remains optimistic about U of A’s work in improving the genetic diversity of canola in Canada.
Once developed and proven effective, this new genetic material and knowledge will support Bayer Crop Science’s long-term efforts to create new commercial hybrids that will benefit farmers across Canada.