Federal Government and Canola Growers Invest in Research

The federal government and three provincial canola grower organizations are jointly funding new agronomic research focused on sustainably and profitably increasing canola production in Canada._x000D_
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“Continued innovation in agronomic practices is a cornerstone to our industry’s Keep it Coming strategic plan,” says Patti Miller, president of the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). “This research investment plays a key role in determining best management practices that will help us achieve our shared vision of a 52 bushel per acre average yield by 2025.”_x000D_
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Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay made the funding announcement today. The investment is being made through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agri-Science Project (ASP) under Growing Forward 2. Over $980,000 in federal funding is being combined with contributions from the Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission for a total investment of $1.9 million over five years. Program management is being provided by the CCC._x000D_
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The ASP, entitled “In Pursuit of 52 by 2025”, brings together several priority areas in which it was identified that canola research could be enhanced, and would benefit significantly from additional resources, including disease management, stand establishment and pollinator health. The project also addresses crop production concerns that aren’t typically addressed by private industry but play a pivotal role in increasing canola yield and quality, increasing profitability, increasing sustainability and reducing production risk._x000D_
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“Continued support by the federal government and collaboration amongst participants will help us address the key research challenges with focused efforts and minimal duplication – a critical step in maximizing research dollars,” says Miller._x000D_
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Projects being funded under the “In Pursuit of 52 by 2025” ASP include:_x000D_

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• Characterization of the new strains of the clubroot pathogen in Alberta

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• Identification and genetic mapping of canola for resistance to clubroot pathotype 5X

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• Understanding the mechanisms for race-specific and non-specific resistance for effective use of cultivar resistance against blackleg of canola in Western Canada

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• Integrated approaches for flea beetle control – Economic thresholds, prediction models, landscape effects and natural enemies

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• To germinate or not to germinate? Towards understanding the role dormancy plays in canola seed and seedling vigour, and stand establishment

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These projects are collaborative, involving a number of research institutions across Canada including AAFC research stations, universities, provincial agriculture departments and other public and private research facilities.