b'PARTNER CONTENTThe AXigen Trait Will Offer Wheat Growers an Important New Tool in their ToolboxBased on a Certified seed business model, the CoAXium Wheat Production System is on track to come to Canada.L imagrain Cereals Research Canada (LCRC) isnew and emerging weeds, says Chad Shelton, global spearheading an effort to introduce the CoAXiumdirector of the Albaugh innovation platform. Wheat Production System to Canadas wheatThese include brome grasses that arent typically growing market. This partnership has the potentialtargeted by Group 1 herbicides. The active ingredient to fundamentally alter growers perceptions of wheatin Aggressor AX is Quizalofop-p-ethyl, which is already production in the West. registered in Canada.LCRC is currently breeding innovative new springWhat sets Canada apart is its rigorous approval wheat lines that contain the AXigen trait, a patented non- process. For a system like CoAXium and the Aggressor GMO trait developed by Colorado State University thatAX herbicide to succeed here, its not just about getting confers tolerance to the Aggressor AX Group 1 herbicidethese wheat lines registered; we also need PNT approval By Lorena Pahl,from Albaugh. The Manitoba-based CANTERRA SEEDSand approval of our herbicide. Without the leading Commercialwill have the first chance to license our AXigen wheatgenetics containing the trait and the necessary approv-Product Developmentvarieties when registered. als, the system wouldnt be able to deliver the desired Manager,For several years now, across many U.S. states,results. Limagrain Cerealpublic and private wheat breeders develop varieties withIts crucial to consider the agronomic, disease and Seeds the AXigen trait for use in all wheat-growing regions.quality attributes of the varieties the chemistry is used These varieties undergo extensive testing with Aggressorwith, because those aspects matter to farmers, says AX herbicides to ensure the compatibility of these tech- Brent Derkatch, president and CEO of CANTERRA SEEDS. nologies, providing control of grassy weeds. So far, theI see this technology as complementary to the CoAXium Production System has also been introducedalready exciting breeding program underway at LCRC. for barley crops in Australia.Ultimately, the added benefits and value will be realized LCRC and Albaugh are anticipating Plants with Novelby the farmers who decide to integrate this technology Traits (PNT) approval from the Canadian Food Inspectioninto their overall agricultural practices, he says.Agency in June, and once we receive that, we can startIt also speaks to the issue of attracting investment our field trials in Canada, which are essential to meet thein innovation here in Canada. This technology adds value registration requirements for new varieties.and attracts investment to happen here. As a partner in Right now, we are conducting trials in the UnitedLCRC, weve invested significant resources to bring this States. However, our approach is not just about takinginnovation to Canadian farmers, and its going to make a varieties that have already been released in the U.S. anddifference.trying to adapt or license them for registration in Canada.Moreover, the CoAXium system is set to usher in a Instead, were working with different sets of germplasmnew era for investment in wheat breeding in Canada. tailored for the Canadian environment. CoAXium varieties are sold only as Certified seed, which The CoAXium Wheat Production System is a greatensures the presence and purity of the AXigen trait.fit for Western Canada, where growers need a new toolWe understand that the value of this herbicide for control of tough annual grassy weeds. While this isntsystem lies in specific areas of Western Canada, and a one-size-fits-all solution for every grower, it will be awere prepared to position it accordingly. Agronomically valuable new tool in the toolbox. speaking, its essential that these varieties not only offer This technology is unique because it helps address aherbicide tolerance but also deliver the additional value specific niche related to weed shifts that have been chal- that growers seek. lenging for growers.Our approach is to ensure that these wheat varieties When you think about Group 1 herbicides, theyremeet the expectations of growers while also providing not new or novel in spring wheat in Canada. While thisthe benefits of the herbicide-tolerant system.technology may not offer anything unique in controllingWere excited to bring the CoAXium system to traditional summer or spring annual grasses like wildCanada as we embark on field trials, possibly as early as oats or green foxtail, it does provide value in controllingnext year. Stay tuned!JULY 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 15'