An exciting new genetic trait brings effective and sustainable stem canker resistance to winter oilseed rape varieties

Date:03-29-2021

A new genetic trait called RlmS brings effective and sustainable resistance to stem canker/phoma in two innovative winter oilseed rape varieties from breeders LSPB (LS Plant Breeding Ltd).

Respect gives the benefits of RlmS resistance to UK growers and is a hybrid that will become a new benchmark for plant health and yield stability. Along with its resistance to stem canker/phoma It has a high, consistent yield performance and vigorous growth habit in the autumn and spring regrowth. The variety was added to the AHDB Recommended List for the E&W region this year.

Flemming is another first for the UK market as a next generation hybrid with stacked traits, adding Turnip yellows virus resistance (TuYV) to the RlmS resistance. It is in the RL candidate list coming up for consideration this autumn and promises the same yield performance and autumn vigour as Respect, with a more prostrate growth habit.

Chris Guest, Managing Director of LSPB, explains the innovations behind RlmS: “This gene  was identified by breeders at NPZ, LSPB’s shareholder, who have been researching phoma resistances for decades. It was integrated into our breeding programmes and developed into a viable trait for commercial varieties.

“It is important to note that the RlmS gene is distinct from those widely found in current oilseed rape varieties, hence by developing our hybrids with different genetics we give extended and resilient phoma resistance in the field.

“The unique phoma resistance is also associated with strong overall plant health, and the gene has especially good stem resistance that brings better protection against the increasingly important pathogens of Verticillium and Sclerotinia.

“While CSFB is seen as the major current threat by growers, it should be emphasised that stem canker/phoma is one of the most important diseases in oilseed rape that has widespread and regular occurrence taking up to 50% off yield potential. It is estimated that total economic losses from the disease reach about £100m each season.

“The oilseed rape area is set to rebound to sustainable levels this autumn as, by most measures, it is the best break crop on a gross margin basis. The heightened resistance from our new varieties to stem canker/phoma – and added TuYV resistance – will be an important weapon in the armoury of growers.

“Our winter oilseed rape breeding programme has brought a succession of improved varieties to the AHDB Recommended List over the years. Currently these include clubroot resistant Croozer and Crome, plus the HEAR variety Resort.

“Respect and Flemming are a new and exciting generation of hybrids set to continue our track record of innovative breeding advances for the benefit of all UK oilseed rape growers,” adds Mr Guest.