BrettYoung conducts canola trials across Western Canada each year to evaluate new and existing hybrids, compare them to industry checks, and gather grower feedback on performance and harvestability. This overview highlights how the trials are structured, which hybrids are included, and how the results help guide decisions about additions to the hybrid portfolio.
BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs)
BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs) were first established years ago as a way for Regional Account Managers (RAMs) and growers to assess hybrids, both new and existing, against each other and industry checks. With trial locations across Western Canada, the network offers a broad view of how each hybrid performs under different growing conditions.
“This is the largest trialing network BrettYoung has had for canola,” said Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager. “We’re excited to look at new hybrids in four herbicide tolerance traits.”
How This Year’s Trials Are Structured
This year, BCTs are evaluating:
- TruFlex® and Optimum® GLY hybrids together
- LibertyLink® and Clearfield® hybrids in separate trials
Across these trials, a combined total of 10 new BrettYoung hybrids are being assessed.
“The trials provide us not only with the opportunity to check out future hybrids for our portfolio but also with the chance to generate more data with newly launched hybrids like BY 6216TF,” Cornelsen added.
BrettYoung launched BY 6216TF earlier this year, a mid-maturity TruFlex hybrid with full-season yield performance and DefendR®-rated clubroot and blackleg protection.
Trial Layout and Data Use
Trial lineups vary by location due to hybrid maturity and the type of clubroot resistance present. A typical BCT layout includes:
- Replicated field-length strips of each product
- Randomized second reps to improve side-by-side comparison
- Assessment of maturity, plant architecture, and harvestability
All data from BCTs helps inform fall decisions on which hybrids move forward in the BrettYoung portfolio. Many hybrids are being grown at commercial scale for the first time, making grower feedback critical.
Cornelsen emphasized grower involvement. “We appreciate all the growers that help put trials in for us. They’re the largest part in making BCTs successful.”
BrettYoung also conducts corn and soybean BCTs. Visit brettyoung.ca/product-performance for the latest results.
Traits
The DefendR® designation signals pod shatter tolerance and durable resistance to clubroot and blackleg.
“The strength of the breeding program of our main canola genetics supplier, DL Seeds, has meant we’ve brought products to market with exceptional clubroot and blackleg resistance, and recently, with pod shatter tolerance,” said Eric Gregory, Director of Marketing.
What DefendR® Means for Growers
Gregory explained that hybrids with the DefendR designation represent:
- BrettYoung’s strongest genetics in that trait category
- Performance on par with market-leading genetics
As the DefendR-rated TruFlex portfolio grows, BrettYoung is expanding into other herbicide systems.
Expanding Trait Packages Across Herbicide Systems
Current development focuses include:
- LibertyLink® hybrids that pair strong disease packages with high pod shatter tolerance, with new Pod DefendR® options launching this fall
- Clearfield® hybrids offering robust blackleg and clubroot resistance as well as pod shatter tolerance, which can be harder to source within this system
FAQ
What are BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs)?
BCTs are trials set up by BrettYoung to allow Regional Account Managers and growers to assess new and existing canola hybrids against each other and industry checks across different locations in Western Canada.
Which canola hybrids are being assessed in this year’s trials?
This year’s BCTs are assessing TruFlex and Optimum GLY hybrids together as well as Liberty Link and Clearfield hybrids, with a combined total of 10 new BrettYoung canola hybrids.
What is the DefendR designation?
The DefendR designation signals genetic tolerance to pod shatter and durable resistance to clubroot and blackleg in canola hybrids.
How is BCT data used by BrettYoung?
All data collected from BCTs is used to make informed decisions in the fall about which hybrids to add to BrettYoung’s portfolio and to gather grower feedback on performance and harvestability.
