Prairie farmers may soon have access to a new mid-maturity canola variety with consistently higher yields, as Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (SWP) launches SP Banner into the primary growing regions in Western Canada.
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Developed by scientists at SWP’s research facility in Saskatoon, SP Banner utilizes a fast breeding method that enabled scientists and breeders to perfect the seed in less than half the time it generally takes to bring a new variety to market. Registration is pending, however SWP expects to be able to sell seed of the new variety in time for planting this spring.
SWP VP, Agri-Products, Bill Dorgan said: “We are extremely proud of the success of our canola breeding program. In the past two years, the Pool has received support for registration on six canola varieties, four from our own breeding program. With this new Roundup Ready canola, the Pool is providing farmers an all around performance package that extends well beyond higher yields. SP Banner is slightly earlier maturing. It has good resistance to both lodging and blackleg with an R rating. We anticipate strong end-use demand, as the oil content for SP Banner is 2% higher and low in saturated fats.”
“This is a product that is offering new solutions to farmers who are looking for seed varieties that enhance their potential to boost profits,” says Monte Kesslering, SWP manager, Seed Business Unit. “Through the advanced breeding technology that is used at the Pool’s research lab, we have been able to bring this open-pollinated canola to market in 52 months. We’re working hard to bring farmers the very best in new seed varieties because better seeds mean better profits for them.”
Pedigreed seed growers are also impressed with SP Banner’s performance. Lee Bryant is a Battleford seed grower involved in field tests. “We plan to grow SP Banner again and expect this variety will be selected over other varieties. Although we seeded quite late last year, and despite the drier conditions and generally poorer yields overall, SP Banner’s production level was very decent.”
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