This article summarizes insights from a field visit at a DL Seeds pod shatter tolerance rating site near Morden, Manitoba. It highlights how the pod shatter trait works, how it was developed, how DL Seeds evaluates it, and how it is being incorporated into new BrettYoung hybrids like BY6217 TF.
Understanding Pod Shatter Tolerance
Pod shatter tolerance provides canola growers with better seed retention at harvest by moderating the natural tension in the pod. DL Seeds has developed a pathway that helps pods hold together longer while releasing tension more gradually, reducing the risk of premature shattering.
The breeding program aims for a balanced level of tolerance: too little offers limited protection, while excessive resistance can create harvest difficulties or impact yield. Years of European trait development preceded introduction into Canada, and trials have shown consistent performance across growing conditions, even at full maturity.
DL Seeds breeders have since integrated this trait into hybrids adapted for Western Canada, with 2023 marking the first generation of pod shatter tolerant hybrids produced in-country.
Testing and Evaluating Pod Shatter Tolerance
DL Seeds operates several pod shatter rating sites across Western Canada. The Morden, Manitoba site is notable because the crop had been desiccated 37 days before the field visit and exposed to typical fall weather cycles and environmental stresses such as wind and insect pressure.
Breeders also use an in-field hand test as a quick comparison method:
- Resistant pods (e.g., 6217TF) remain mostly intact when rolled between the fingers.
- Susceptible pods split readily with very little pressure.
These evaluations help assess overall trait performance and compare hybrids within trials.
New Hybrid Development and Pipeline Progress
BrettYoung is launching BY 6217TF in 2023. The hybrid includes DL Seeds’ Pod DefendR® pod shatter tolerant trait and has performed well in trials. It also offers DefendR-rated clubroot resistance, Blackleg DefendR®, and has shown strong performance in trials this summer.
BY 6217TF is part of the TruFlex® platform, with LibertyLink® and Clearfield® versions advancing through development as DL Seeds continues to expand its pod shatter tolerant hybrid portfolio.
Key Takeaways
- Pod shatter tolerance helps reduce seed loss by extending pod integrity through the harvest window.
- DL Seeds has developed a stable and balanced trait that performs consistently across environments.
- BY 6217TF is the first canola hybrid from DL Seeds’ Canadian breeding pipeline to include this trait.
- Additional herbicide-tolerance systems are being developed to broaden grower options.
FAQ
What is pod shatter tolerance and why is it important in canola breeding?
Pod shatter tolerance is a trait that allows canola pods to stay intact longer, reducing unwanted seed loss by managing the natural tension that causes pods to release seeds prematurely. This trait is important for reducing seed loss during harvest.
How does DL Seeds develop and test pod shatter tolerance in their canola hybrids?
DL Seeds develops pod shatter tolerance by creating a pathway that manages and gradually releases pod tension. They test this trait at multiple rating sites across Western Canada using natural exposures like weather and artificial factors such as wind and pests as well as in-field hand tests.
What is BY 6217TF and which features does it offer?
BY 6217TF is a new canola hybrid introduced by BrettYoung in 2023 that features the Pod DefendR pod shatter tolerant trait, DefendR-rated clubroot resistance, Blackleg DefendR and excellent yield performance for maturity.
What are the future developments mentioned for DL Seeds’ pod shatter tolerant hybrids?
Future developments include fine-tuning gene combinations to improve product performance and expanding pipelines with additional herbicide tolerance platforms such as Liberty and Clearfield.
