Pod shatter is nothing new, but claims of shatter tolerance and actual field experience with some hybrids have left growers doubting those claims.
At BrettYoung we’ve seen the confusion (and yield loss) those claims can lead to, and that’s why we created the Pod DefendR® designation.
Pod DefendR means that canola hybrid is equipped with durable shatter tolerant technology, ensuring you don’t suffer yield losses due to shattered pods.
What is Pod Shatter and Why Does It Matter?
Pod shatter is a natural mechanism for seed dispersion and is influenced by genetics, weather and the environment. These factors can create conditions for significant pod shatter at maturity, leaving a lot of seed, and profits, on the ground.
The introduction of pod shatter-tolerant hybrids to canola growers several years ago led to a significant increase in adoption of both direct harvesting and delayed swathing of canola crops.
The Science Behind Pod DefendR
Our breeding partner, DL Seeds, and its parent companies have researched their own solutions based on technology developed by their parent companies in Europe. What has emerged is an understanding of a complex pathway of gene interaction that controls pod valve function.
Results in the Field
Pod DefendR was introduced a few years ago and has since proven to be a game-changer for BrettYoung canola growers. With a Pod DefendR-rated hybrid, you can enjoy the flexibility of delayed swathing and straight cutting and can worry less about suffering pod shatter losses.
BrettYoung Pod DefendR Products
Products with the Pod DefendR designation must score a minimum of 7 on the Canola Council of Canada’s pod shatter rating scale. This scale rates canola hybrids from 1–9, with one being poor tolerance and nine being excellent.
| Hybrid |  | Pod Shatter Rating | DefendR® Disease Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ✔ | 7.3 |  |
 | ✔ | 7.5 |  |
 | ✔ | 7.0 | |
 | ✔ | 7.1 | |
 | ✔ | 8.0 | |
 | ✔ | 7.2 |  |
Learn More
Visit www.brettyoung.ca/defendr-genetic-traits/ to learn about Pod DefendR and BrettYoung products equipped with this technology.
FAQ
What is pod shatter and why is it a concern for canola growers?
Pod shatter is a natural process where seed pods break open and release seeds, leading to yield losses. It is influenced by genetics, weather and environmental factors, making it a significant concern for canola growers who risk losing profits if too many seeds end up on the ground.
How does the Pod DefendR designation help canola growers?
The Pod DefendR designation identifies BrettYoung canola hybrids that are equipped with durable shatter-tolerant technology, reducing the risk of pod shatter and helping growers protect their yield and profits.
What is the science behind the Pod DefendR technology?
Pod DefendR technology is based on research by DL Seeds and its parent companies, who studied and understood the complex genetic pathways controlling pod valve function. This advanced understanding led to the development of shatter-tolerant hybrids.
Which BrettYoung products have the Pod DefendR rating for shatter tolerance?
Six BrettYoung products currently have the Pod DefendR rating: BY 7206LL, BY 7204LL, BY 7202LL, BY 6223TF, BY 6217TF and BY 6211TF.
What criteria must a canola hybrid meet to receive the Pod DefendR designation?
A product must score at least 7 on the Canola Council of Canada’s pod shatter rating scale, which ranges from one for poor tolerance to nine for excellent tolerance in order to receive the Pod DefendR designation.
