Genetics

Canola lines with corn genes yield more, have stronger stems

Science Edition: Genetics
CRISPR technology was used to generate a range of starch branching enzyme (SBE) mutants in canola. Sbe quadruple and sextuple mutants were used for expressing maize endosperm SBEI and effects on growth, morphology, flowering and yield determined. Introduction of corn SBEI into quadruple mutants (four canola genes edited) repeatedly led to increased total seed yield...
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Genetics

A new gene for blackleg resistance

Science Edition: Genetics
AAFC researchers completed the genetic mapping of blackleg resistance gene Rlm11. Rlm11 is effective against L. maculans isolates carrying the avirulence gene AvrLm11, which is found in 95 per cent of L. maculans isolates collected from Western Canadian canola farms. Canola lines with Rlm11 will enable canola farmers to effectively control the blackleg disease. “Introgression...
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Genetics

Researchers expand the spectrum of clubroot resistance

Science Edition: Genetics
Canola lines with a broad spectrum of clubroot resistance were developed, which are valuable for developing resistant cultivars by canola breeders. Additional developments can improve the ability to monitor changes in the clubroot pathogen race structure, as the pathogen evolves in canola fields on the Prairies. “Defining populations of P. brassicae with near isogenic B....
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Science

Canola meal a viable protein supplement for beef cattle

The study showed that canola meal, a high-quality protein source, may be more economically favourable than distillers’ grains when used as a feed supplement for beef cattle. “Comparing the protein source and frequency of supplementation of forage intake, competitive feeding interactions, and nutrient utilization for beef cattle fed low-quality forages” Gregory Penner, University of Saskatchewan...
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Science

New and Ongoing Projects

New projects launched in the past year include research into nitrogen fertilizer sources, updating the critical weed-free period for canola, genetics to increase drought and heat tolerance, and quantifying combine auto settings for their ability to reduce harvest losses. Ongoing projects include research into biologicals for nitrogen fixation and insect management, phenology-based weed control, and new techniques to breed for disease resistance and environmental stress tolerance. Canola growers contribute to these projects through their levy payments to SaskCanola, Alberta Canola and Manitoba Canola Growers. In partnership with the grower groups and Canola Council of Canada, a number of ongoing projects are funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriScience Program, a federal provincial, territorial initiative. Many projects are also collaborations with other commodity groups and other Prairie-wide funders, including Western Grains Research Foundation.

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