--- title: "DefendR®: A Strong Line of Defense " description: At BrettYoung, we know strong canola performance starts with genetics designed to stand up to the challenges growers face in the field. That’s where DefendR® comes in. The DefendR trait platform identifies BrettYoung canola hybrids with advanced genetics for improved… url: "https://brettyoung.ca/agricultural-seed-crop-inputs-canada-portal/knowledge-hub/canolamedia/defendr-a-strong-line-of-defense/" updated: "2026-10-05" category: Canola tags: - 1st generation clubroot - blackleg - Blackleg Protection - Canola - Clubroot - Clubroot Protection - CURANZA - DefendR - "next-generation clubroot" - pod shatter - Pod Shatter Tolerance --- # DefendR®: A Strong Line of Defense  At BrettYoung, we know strong canola performance starts with genetics designed to stand up to the challenges growers face in the field. That’s where DefendR® comes in. The DefendR trait platform identifies BrettYoung canola hybrids with advanced genetics for improved harvest management and disease protection. The DefendR designation signals enhanced genetic resistance to important canola diseases, including blackleg and clubroot, as well as dependable pod shatter tolerance. #### **What the DefendR® Label Means** DefendR highlights canola hybrids that bring together high-performance genetics and advanced protection against some of the most important challenges facing canola growers. Depending on the hybrid, the DefendR designation identifies advanced genetics for resistance to blackleg and clubroot or improved pod shatter tolerance. These traits give growers additional tools to help manage risk and protect yield potential throughout the growing season. #### **Blackleg DefendR®** Blackleg continues to be an important disease concern for canola growers across Western Canada. Blackleg DefendR® identifies hybrids with enhanced genetic resistance designed to help manage the disease. BrettYoung looks beyond an industry-resistant rating by selecting hybrids with strong adult plant resistance backed by one or more major blackleg resistance genes that align with predominant blackleg race(s). This provides growers with another tool for managing blackleg risk as part of an integrated disease management strategy. Strong genetics should be combined with other management practices, including crop rotation, scouting and appropriate seed treatments, to help manage blackleg pressure and protect the durability of resistance. #### **Clubroot DefendR®** Clubroot DefendR® combines stacked first- and next-generation clubroot resistance genetics to provide protection against the prevalent pathotypes (3A, 3D, and 3H). Clubroot DefendR also protects against common (8E, 8N, 8P), and frequent (5C, 5G, 5L, 8A, and 8D) pathotypes, and against many other infrequent, rare, and new pathotypes. As clubroot continues to evolve across Western Canada, resistance genetics are an important part of managing the disease. Selecting hybrids with resistance suited to the pathotypes present in your area can help protect yield potential while supporting a broader clubroot management strategy. Clubroot resistance should be used alongside practices such as crop rotation, scouting, sanitation and minimizing soil movement to help reduce disease pressure and protect the long-term effectiveness of resistance genes. #### **Pod DefendR®** Pod DefendR® provides genetically based pod shatter tolerance traits designed to produce a dependable level of shatter tolerance, well suited to straight-cut or delayed swathing harvest systems. Pod DefendR-rated hybrids score a minimum of 7.0 on the Canola Council of Canada’s canola shatter rating scale. Adding harvest flexibility by reducing the risk of pod shatter and associated yield loss as canola approaches harvest. By reducing pod tension at maturity, Pod DefendR helps pods remain intact longer, providing growers with greater flexibility when making harvest timing decisions. This can be particularly valuable for growers considering straight cutting or looking for additional flexibility at swath timing. #### **Choosing a DefendR® Hybrid** When choosing a canola hybrid with DefendR genetics, consider the specific challenges on your farm. Start by looking at your field history, crop rotation, disease pressure and harvest management plans. From there, select a hybrid with the combination of DefendR traits, maturity and agronomic characteristics best suited to your acres. **Clubroot risk:** If clubroot is present in your area, consider a hybrid with Clubroot DefendR genetics and resistance appropriate for the pathotypes you may encounter. **Blackleg risk:** Blackleg DefendR hybrids provide enhanced genetic resistance that can be incorporated into a broader blackleg management strategy. **Harvest management:** If straight cutting or increased harvest flexibility is important to your operation, consider a hybrid with Pod DefendR. #### **More Than Genetics** DefendR genetics are an important management tool, but they should be used as part of an integrated approach to protecting canola yield potential. Crop rotation, disease scouting, sanitation and appropriate seed treatments can all play a role alongside genetic resistance. BrettYoung canola hybrids come standard with **Helix® Saltro®** as a base seed treatment, providing early-season protection against key seedling diseases and flea beetles. Growers can also choose **CURANZA™ or BUTEO® start** as optional add-on treatments for additional early-season insect protection. Together, strong genetics, seed treatment protection and sound agronomic practices provide multiple layers of defence to help manage risk throughout the growing season. To learn more about DefendR traits or find a hybrid suited to your farm, contact your [BrettYoung Regional Account Manager](https://brettyoung.ca/agricultural-seed-crop-inputs-canada-portal/contacts/) or stop by your local BrettYoung retailer. ## FAQ ### **What is the DefendR® trait platform?** DefendR® identifies BrettYoung canola hybrids with advanced genetics for disease resistance and harvest management. Depending on the hybrid, DefendR traits can provide enhanced resistance to blackleg and clubroot or dependable pod shatter tolerance. ### **What is the difference between Blackleg DefendR®, Clubroot DefendR® and Pod DefendR®?** Each DefendR designation addresses a different production challenge. Blackleg DefendR provides enhanced genetic resistance to blackleg, Clubroot DefendR provides resistance against a broad range of clubroot pathotypes, and Pod DefendR provides genetically based pod shatter tolerance traits for greater harvest flexibility. ### **How do I choose the right DefendR canola hybrid for my farm?** Consider your field history, disease pressure, crop rotation, harvest plans and growing region. These factors can help determine which combination of DefendR traits, maturity and agronomic characteristics is the best fit for your acres. ### **Do DefendR genetics replace other disease management practices?** No. DefendR genetics should be part of an integrated management strategy that includes practices such as crop rotation, scouting, sanitation, minimizing soil movement where appropriate, and using seed treatments. ### **What seed treatments are available on BrettYoung canola hybrids?** BrettYoung canola hybrids come standard with Helix® Saltro® as a base seed treatment for early-season protection against key seedling diseases and flea beetles. CURANZA™ and BUTEO® start are also available as optional add-on treatments for additional early-season insect protection.