Disease Resistance
The availability of disease resistance traits through leading genetic packages is an important tool in managing canola rotations for long term sustainability
of the crop. Blackleg, sclerotinia and, more recently, clubroot have become high priority issues when selecting a canola hybrid.
Blackleg
Blackleg resistance has been available in commercial varieties since the early 1990s. However, in recent years, the virulence of the blackleg fungus
has been shifting, resulting in the breakdown of resistance in many traditional canola varieties. Multigenic resistance, which is available in all canola
varieties sold in Western Canada, is a combination of qualitative and quantitative genes and is the best and most durable form of blackleg resistance.
CPS plant breeders are constantly testing and incorporating the most effective genes into Proven Seed canola hybrids.
Sclerotinia
The recent introduction of varieties with some physiological tolerance to sclerotinia is another management tool for growers. These varieties have
demonstrated a significant ability to reduce sclerotinia severity in the field and protect yield in years with average disease pressure, although a fungicide
application may still be warranted depending on the conditions.
Clubroot
Clubroot is a more recent disease issue on the Prairies. Since it was first identified, several single gene resistant varieties have become av ailable.
However the combination of a complex spectrum of clubroot pathotypes and short canola rotations have made previously resistant varieties ineffective
in some areas within a short period of time. Proven Seed introduced the very first multigenic clubroot resistant variety (two gene source) in 2016 with
PV 580 GC, offering an alternative clubroot genetics package for growers in high risk areas. Single gene varieties are also available to manage
clubroot risk on farms. Avoid seeding any canola on clubroot confirmed fields within a minimum rotation of three to four years.
VARIETY
BLACKLEG
CLUBROOT
SCLEROTINIA
PV 530 G ✓
Strong MR
S
S
PV 531 G
R
S
S
PV 533 G
R
S
S
PV 540 G
R
S
S
PV 560 GM
R
S
PV 580 GC
R
Multigenic R
VR 9562 GC
R
PV 581 GC
S
1
S
R
2
S
R
R
2
S
PV 590 GCS
R
R
2
T
PV 200 CL
R
S
Resistant to pathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8; as well as additional virulent pathotypes
Resistant to pathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8
1
2
S
R = Resistant MR = Moderately Resistant
T = Tolerant S = Susceptible
LPC Summary
• Hybrids with lower standability ratings are typically easier and faster to swath. This can lead to time savings in the field, and the ability
to manage acres more effectively and efficiently.
• Yield potential can be maximized by selecting the right hybrids for the farm based on genetic potential, standability, days to flower and maturity.
• Environmental factors cannot be controlled, only managed. Seeding a variety of high-yielding hybrids increases the likelihood of attaining
optimum returns. Disease resistance and tolerance is one tool in a sound canola disease management system; rotations and field hygiene
best practices are others.
4