Introducing BY 6216TF

At BrettYoung, we offer many industry-leading varieties of canola, each carefully developed by our canola breeding partner, DL Seeds. This year we’re excited to bring you BY 6216TF, a DefendR®-rated product with next-generation clubroot protection and a unique blackleg major resistance gene effective against predominant blackleg races. 

DL Seeds is delivering solutions that are profitable for North American growers and they are the source of most of our high performance canola hybrids. Our priority partnership with DL Seeds means BrettYoung receives preferential, first-choice access to the top varieties across all canola herbicide tolerance segments produced by their breeding program. 

Our active harvest and disease management strategy for our canola varieties is supported by the DefendR trait platform. The DefendR designation on a hybrid signals exceptional genetic resistance or tolerance to pod shatter, clubroot and blackleg. 

Core Benefits of BY 6216TF 

• Next-generation clubroot protection: Defends against the latest identified pathotypes in Western Canada.   
• Enhanced blackleg resistance: Includes a unique major resistance gene for strong protection against common blackleg races.   
• DefendR trait platform: Ensures genetic resilience to shatter, clubroot and blackleg.   
• Priority partnership genetics: Access to industry-leading canola genetics through DL Seeds collaboration.   
• Consistency in performance: Developed for reliable results across different herbicide tolerance segments.   

BY 6216TF Overview 

BY 6216TF is a TruFlex® hybrid equipped with the latest in herbicide trait technology. It has a mid-maturity suitable for mid and long-season zones and a very good standability. The maturity of BY 6216TF is +0.91 days and its yield is 102% when compared to WCC/RRC check hybrids. 

“We’re excited about this product as it has a very nice maturity for its yield performance profile,” said Eric Gregory, BrettYoung Canola Product Manager. “Plus it has excellent disease resistance characteristics that we know work.” 

BY 6216TF is in its own league with its next-generation clubroot protection and RLM7 major blackleg gene protection. This hybrid is suitable for all canola growing areas of Western Canada, particularly in the intensive clubroot zone of Alberta. 

Key Characteristics 

• TruFlex herbicide trait: Allows flexible weed control options and wider herbicide windows.   
• Adaptable maturity: Suitable for mid- and long-season zones (+0.91 days).   
• High yield potential: Achieves 102% of WCC/RRC check hybrid yield benchmarks.   
• Outstanding standability: Supports plant structure and ease of harvest.   
• Targeted disease resistance: Clubroot and blackleg resistance for regional challenges.   

Understanding Clubroot in Canola 

Clubroot causes swellings or galls to form on the roots of canola plants, ultimately causing the plant to die prematurely. It’s caused by a fungus-like protist that seeks out brassica plant roots. Galls can release spores, which then germinate to produce zoospores, which infect the root hairs of the next susceptible plant and so on. 

In 2022, Steve Strelkov’s lab identified 13 pathotypes among 39 single-spore isolates (populations) obtained from Prairie wide field samples. Pathotype 3A is the most common in Western Canada, followed closely by 3H and 3D. As of 2023, there have been 43 pathotypes identified in Western Canada and the canola industry is moving forward in labelling hybrids with resistance to these pathotypes. 

Because there are currently no easy or reliable control measures a grower can take for clubroot once established in a field, planting a canola hybrid with clubroot protection like BY 6216TF is an effective option. 

Why Growers Need Clubroot Protection 

• Irreversible field impact: Once clubroot establishes, it is nearly impossible to eliminate.   
• Countless pathotypes: Over 40 pathotypes challenge traditional resistance strategies.   
• Yield-threatening infections: Clubroot can cause severe crop death and yield loss.   
• Industry momentum: Moving towards hybrids specifically labeled with clubroot pathotype resistance.   
• Best defense is prevention: Only planting resistant hybrids curbs clubroot’s spread and losses.   

Understanding Blackleg in Canola 

Blackleg is a canola disease that occasionally results in significant yield loss and is often present at levels that cause undetected but persistent yield loss. The blackleg fungus overwinters on infected canola residue and waits until the spring when it releases microscopic spores into the air, resulting in dispersal of the disease to new crops. The best way to combat blackleg is by planting a disease-resistant canola hybrid like BY 6216TF and ordering canola seed pre-treated with Helix® Saltro®, providing systemic activity on early blackleg infection. 

Blackleg Management Strategies 

• Use resistant hybrids: Select canola varieties with proven blackleg resistance genes.   
• Seed treatment with Helix Saltro: Provides systemic activity on early blackleg infection 
• Crop residue awareness: Be mindful of rotation and residue to reduce fungus survival.   
• Regular scouting: Monitor fields for signs of infection or resistance breakdown.   
• Combine control approaches: Integrate genetic, chemical and cultural defense where possible.   

Availability of BY 6216TF 

BrettYoung is launching BY 6216TF for the 2023 growing season with limited quantities available. If you’re interested in growing this brand-new canola hybrid, contact your BrettYoung retailer or your BrettYoung Regional Account Manager (RAM) for more information. You can view all of our canola products here. 

Steps to Secure BY 6216TF for Your Farm 

• Contact your retailer or RAM: Reach out directly for product info and ordering details.   
• Inquire about availability: Since supply is limited, act early to reserve your hybrid.   
• Assess local disease pressures: Review if clubroot or blackleg are key risks in your area.   
• Request Helix Saltro treatment: Ensure your order includes this for full blackleg control.   
• Explore BrettYoung’s full canola line: View all options to match your cropping needs.   

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