With growing interest in TruFlex® canola, it’s a good time to revisit how BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs) help evaluate hybrid performance. Established years ago, BCTs allow BrettYoung Regional Account Managers (RAMs) and growers to compare both new and established hybrids against each other, and against industry checks. With trial locations across Western Canada, the program offers a well-rounded view of how each hybrid performs under a wide range of growing conditions.
2024 Results
So far, we’ve received results from nine TruFlex BCTs, showcasing BY 6216TF, BY 6217TF and BY 6219TF. Some of our older favourites (like BY 6211TF and BY 6214TF) managed to find their way into some BCT locations as well, giving a well-rounded look at our canola portfolio.
2024 TruFlex BCT results
| Hybrid | Average % of Trial Mean | Average % of Check | Average Yield | Highest Yield | # of Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BY 6216TF | 104% | 101% | 43.7 | 54.3 | 6 |
| BY 6214TF | 98% | 92% | 48.7 | 58.1 | 5 |
| BY 6217TF | 97% | 94% | 45.7 | 58.6 | 6 |
| BY 6211TF | 96% | – | 36.5 | 36.5 | 1 |
| DK900TF (CHECK) | 102% | 100% | 45.5 | 59.1 | 7 |
The Hybrids
BY 6214TF
This workhorse has been part of our TruFlex portfolio for a few years now and its earlier maturity combined with our Clubroot and Blackleg DefendR® traits makes it a great option in the Central and Northern Alberta clubroot zone and anywhere else a shorter season hybrid is preferred. While it does not carry the Pod DefendR trait, its pod integrity makes it suitable for delayed swathing.
BY 6216TF
BY 6216TF may not have the Pod DefendR trait but it has become a fan favourite with year-over-year consistent performance. In 2023, this hybrid averaged above the trial mean at 107% from 10 locations and had an average yield of 46.4 bu/ac, with its highest yield coming in at 64.6 bu/ac. When swathed accordingly, this hybrid can chalk up some high yields.
BY 6217TF
This full season, Pod DefendR hybrid had to be left standing for longer and combine settings adjusted to ensure full pods were not going out the back of the combine. Increasing cylinder or rotor speed, narrowing the concave setting, adding concave blank plates or slowing down all can help capture the high yield from BY 6217TF.
BY 6217TF remains a leading option for growers looking for a high yield performer with a full stack of disease (both Blackleg and Clubroot DefendR) and harvest management traits. The hybrid showed strong performance when managed as an entire field.
Talk to your BrettYoung RAM to find out more on hybrid performance specific to your region or use our Product Performance tool.
FAQ
What are BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs)?
BrettYoung Comparison Trials are field trials conducted by BrettYoung RAMs across Western Canada to compare canola hybrids, both new and established, against each other and industry standards.
Which TruFlex hybrids were included in the 2024 BCT results?
The 2024 TruFlex BCT results included BY 6216TF, BY 6217TF, BY 6219TF, BY 6211TF and BY 6214TF.
How did BY 6216TF perform in the 2024 comparison trials?
BY 6216TF had an average yield of 43.7 and was 104 percent of the trial mean and 101 percent of the check across six locations.
What are the key traits of BY 6214TF?
BY 6214TF is an earlier maturing hybrid with Clubroot and Blackleg DefendR traits, making it suitable for regions like Central and Northern Alberta clubroot zone or areas preferring a shorter season hybrid. It does not have the Pod DefendR trait but its pod integrity supports delayed swathing.
What harvest management tips are recommended for BY 6217TF?
For BY 6217TF, it is recommended to adjust combine settings such as increasing cylinder or rotor speed, narrowing the concave setting, adding concave blank plates or slowing down to help retain full pods and maximize yield.
Can growers find hybrid performance specific to their region?
Yes, growers can talk to their BrettYoung RAM for more information or use the Product Performance tool for hybrid data specific to their area.
