Two new DEKALB brand canola hybrids now registered in Canada

Date:04-26-2011

Monsanto announced today that two new DEKALB brand canola hybrids have been registered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and will be available this fall.

At the February 2011 WCC/RRC industry meetings, a total of 15 Monsanto hybrids were recommended for registration. Monsanto selected two of these products for commercialization because of their exceptional performance and fit in Western Canada.

"We find ourselves in the fortunate position of being able to select from a vast pipeline of hybrids to provide products that address specific grower needs," said Patrick Comte, DEKALB business manager, Western Canada.

The first hybrid, 73-15 RR, provides an unusual combination of high yield and early maturity. An excellent fit for growers in the short season zone, 73-15 RR is set to be the next top performer in the DEKALB brand's strong short season lineup.

The second hybrid, 73-75 RR, is a high yielding canola hybrid with a great all-round agronomic package. It has performed extremely well in Manitoba and has a strong 'R' rating to blackleg.

"Both of the new hybrids were thoroughly tested in the 2010 FACT Advancement program," explains Dave Kelner, technology development lead, Western Canada. "Field scale testing is the last step before commercialization, which gives us confidence that new products will perform under real life conditions. 2010 was extremely wet in most areas of the Prairies, yet both 73-15 RR and 73-75 RR demonstrated extremely strong performance."

Monsanto's canola breeding program continues to accelerate in terms of product development. In 2010, six of the highest yielding hybrids ever offered by DEKALB were registered to make up the popular 73 Series hybrids. This series includes 73-45 RR, the emerging hybrid of choice for growers looking for a market leader in yield and overall performance.

As part of its commitment as the leader in Canadian canola development, Monsanto opened its new Canadian canola breeding centre in Winnipeg in August 2010 and is currently expanding its seed conditioning capabilities in Lethbridge, Alberta.

"Our product development pace is quickening, with improvements in disease resistance, maturity and ease of harvest. All of these add up to higher yield," noted Comte.