At BrettYoung, we know that sometimes good just isn’t good enough, and it was with that knowledge that we developed our line of resistant genetic traits for canola: DefendR®.
The DefendR label, introduced approximately five years ago, represents a guarantee that any product bearing the designation contains above industry average levels of genetic resistance to one or more important canola yield-reducing factors including blackleg, clubroot, sclerotinia and now pod shattering.
We spoke with Rene Mabon, Agronomic and Regulatory Services Manager for BrettYoung, about what sets DefendR varieties apart from the competition.
What the DefendR® Label Means
The DefendR label, Mabon explains, identifies the very best products that BrettYoung has to offer in a number of categories while also recognizing the outstanding work that our breeding partners have done to build exceptional disease resistance into our varieties.
“What we’ve done with DefendR is set the mark above what the industry standards are for canola,” says Mabon, whose role includes serving as tech support on product issues for the company’s sales staff.
“For example, the industry standard for blackleg was that varieties needed to have R resistance. We want to have strong R resistance, but we also want enhanced multigenic blackleg resistance.”
Clubroot DefendR®
Clubroot DefendR® is unique in that it provides stacked first and next generation clubroot resistance genes.
That means that, in addition to protecting against initial pathotypes like 2F, 3H, 5I, and 6M, it also offers protection against most of the newer, more virulent clubroot pathotypes like:
- 3A resistance: Offers protection against a key virulent pathotype.
- 2B resistance: Shields crops from another evolving clubroot strain.
- 3D resistance: Provides added defense against new clubroot variants.
- 8E resistance: Expands protection spectrum for canola health.
- 5G resistance: Guards against aggressive and emerging pathotypes.
- 3O resistance: Ensures broader resistance coverage in the field.
- 5X resistance: Helps maintain yields despite changing clubroot threats.
Meanwhile, Sclerotinia DefendR® offers improved tolerance to sclerotinia stem rot.
Mabon says this kind of disease trait stacking is incredibly important in Western Canada where blackleg and sclerotinia are already very common and clubroot is developing an ever-growing foothold in the region.
“You need to have multiple resistances to protect your investment in terms of yield,” he cautions.
Pod DefendR®
One of the latest additions to the DefendR family is Pod DefendR®, a highlight of the hybrid canola variety BY 6211TF.
It features a non-GMO, genetically based shatter tolerance trait that, if you’re comfortable with straight cutting, is a big step ahead. It was launched in 2021 and has been used in a number of trials and demos this year.
Mabon says preliminary results for the Pod DefendR variety have been impressive.
“Even though we had some tough growing conditions this year, its shatter tolerance is looking excellent,” he explains.
Another newcomer that has performed well this season according to Mabon is the Clubroot DefendR variety BY 6207TF.
It’s a TruFlex® hybrid equipped with the latest herbicide technology and provides excellent yield and harvestability.
Choosing a DefendR Hybrid
There are several factors to consider if you’re considering a canola variety that has DefendR genetic traits, Mabon says.
First, he recommends looking at the history of the field it will be going into, your typical management approach and whether or not you’re on a shorter rotation.
Once that is determined, he advises choosing material that is appropriate for your field conditions.
Key Considerations
- Clubroot risk assessment: If you’re planting in an area where there is a sizeable risk of clubroot, you should look at a next generation clubroot-resistant material.
- Harvest timing and methods: If you’re considering delayed swathing or straight cutting, Pod DefendR is a great choice.
It’s also important, when it comes to choosing a DefendR product, that you don’t wait too long to decide.
It’s usually a case of the sooner the better when choosing newer products, says Mabon, since there’s normally limited availability early on in their life cycle.
Additional Management Tools
While DefendR genetic traits go a long way towards protecting against disease, Mabon says there are other tools in the toolbox available to you.
Managing your rotation is obviously one of the most important ones.
Seed Treatment Options
- Seed treatment options: Products like Fortenza® Advanced and BUTEO® start protect against pests such as flea beetles.
- New seed treatment introductions: Helix® Saltro® seed treatment is now available on select canola products to help protect against air-borne blackleg infections.
These protect against pests like flea beetles which can cause serious damage to young seedlings.
BrettYoung also recently introduced Helix® Saltro® seed treatment and is available on a number of its canola products to protect against air-borne blackleg infections.
To learn more about the DefendR designation or for more advice on protecting your yields, contact your BrettYoung Regional Account Manager today.
FAQ
What is the DefendR label and what does it indicate on BrettYoung canola products?
The DefendR label is a designation on BrettYoung canola products that guarantees the variety contains above industry average levels of genetic resistance to one or more key yield-reducing factors like blackleg, clubroot, sclerotinia and pod shattering.
How does Clubroot DefendR protect against clubroot in canola?
Clubroot DefendR uses stacked first and next generation clubroot resistance genes to protect against both initial pathotypes and newer, more virulent clubroot pathotypes.
What are some recent additions to the DefendR family?
Recent additions include Pod DefendR which offers a non-GMO shatter tolerance trait for straight cutting and Clubroot DefendR variety BY 6207TF, a TruFlex hybrid with the latest herbicide technology.
What factors should growers consider when choosing a canola variety with DefendR genetic traits?
Growers should consider the field’s history, their management approach, crop rotation length and specific risks like clubroot or the need for straight cutting. It is also recommended to choose appropriate material for those field conditions and make decisions early due to limited availability.
Besides genetic traits, what other tools can help protect canola yields?
Other tools include managing crop rotation and using seed treatments like Fortenza Advanced, BUTEO start and Helix Saltro to protect against pests and diseases such as flea beetles and air-borne blackleg infections.
