SEPTEMBER 2018 GERMINATION.CA 49 GAVIN CHEN HELPS MAKE BETTER OIL(SEEDS) Oils are composed of molecules known as triglycerides, which are esters composed of three fatty acid units linked to glycerol. Differences in oils are are due to the fatty acids they contain. Data from the USDA shows increased production and demand for vegetable oil year after year, and we see those numbers increase annually. In 2015/16 we had over 180 million metric tons consumed globally, and this is expected to double by 2030. Canada is the top global exporter of canola and flax. Fortunately for growers and retailers, we can and are using biotechnology to improve oilseed crops like these. It’s important to note that “biotechnology” is the applica- tion of science and engineering in the direct or indirect use of living organisms, or parts or products of living organisms, in their natural or modified forms. It doesn’t denote the use of GE or GMOs, although the word is often used interchangeably. From the applied research side, we can use sequencing methods to generate genetic markers to use in molecular breeding to make new oilseed varieties much faster and more targeted to certain uses and regions, increasing yield and, as a result, oil production. Guanqun (Gavin) Chen is assistant professor/Canada research chair in plant lipid biotechnology at the University of Alberta. He is recognized for his contribution to biochemistry, molecular biology and functional genomics of vegetative oil formation. He has also made substantial contributions in the development of biotechnological strategies for increasing seed oil content, producing special seed oils, and enhancing the performance of oilseed crops under stresses. SHANN TSAI ON THE NEW BLACKLEG RATINGS SYSTEM On the blackleg front, a new labeling system was recently rolled out in canola. Growers can now know which type of resistance genes they have in their hybrids. In the past, you had only a standard field rating to go off of, which only provided an approximation of what kind of resistance one could expect. A grower can now know exactly what major genes they have so they can make better hybrid selections. If you don’t know what strains or pathotypes you have in your field, you won’t have a good understanding of what pathotypes are in your field, — but now you do. In addition, a new stubble test was rolled out and is now available to growers which allows them to submit stubble samples to their seed lab. These can be taken in the fall or spring. The lab will generate a profile of these pathotypes in your field. You match this info up with the blackleg label on your hybrid and you have a more pre- cise defense against the disease, which should increase the yield potential of your crop. A recent study by AAFC showed even low infection levels can cause yield reduc- tions of up to 20 per cent. You might grow a 40 bushel- per-acre canola crop and be happy with that, when you could have had a 48 bushel-per-acre crop had you used a variety with more appropriate blackleg resistance. Shaan Tsai is canola product manager for Canterra Seeds. He’s worked in the industry for over 14 years, rounding out his understanding of various crop types and all aspects of the seed industry including R&D, product development and commercialization as well as marketing. He has had a hand in the development and advancement of many successful seed products in both Canada and the United States.