Does it pay to retain F2 canola seed? New research has the answer.

Andrew Heinrich, Pacific Seeds Canola Technical Specialist recently presented exciting new research to the national GRDC forum in Perth providing insights into the performance impacts of retaining canola seed.

Titled “Agronomic and financial outcomes associated with retaining seed across both Spring and Winter canola hybrids” the research paper by Andrew Heinrich and Willow Liddle examines the difference in plant establishment, grain yield, and economic returns when comparing F1 hybrid Spring canola seed to a 50:50 F1-F2 blend and F2 retained seed.

The research is in direct response to feedback from Australian canola growers and agricultural advisors who have been seeking increased scientific information and recommendations around retaining F2 seed from hybrid canola and has been generated as part of the wider Pacific Seeds dedicated Canola Research and Development program.

Pacific Seeds full research paper

Key findings from the research include:

• Spring F1 hybrid canola seed produces significantly higher grain yields across a range of diverse environments than either a 50:50 blend of F1-F2 seed and retained F2 generation seed.
• Planting retained Spring F2 seed leads to reduced effective plant establishment, irrespective of the herbicide tolerance.
• Planting retained Spring hybrid canola in a 50:50 blend of F1-F2 or F2 generation seed reduces economic returns to the grower across a majority of growing environments.
• Planting retained Winter F2 and F3 canola generations led to decreased dry matter production, harvested grain yield and gross returns when compared to the F1 hybrid.

To discuss the implications of this research on your farming operation, please contact:

• Andrew Heinrich Ph: 0473 520 818 or email andrew.heinrich@advantaseeds.com