New partnership to boost Australian canola research

Pacific Seeds and CSIRO have joined forces on a new three-year $250,000 research project set to better tailor canola hybrids and crop management to regional Australia’s variable growing conditions.

Pacific Seeds National Canola Technical Manager Justin Kudnig said the Winter Canola Research project aimed to improve access to integrated and region-specific information on Agronomy, Phenology and Extension for Grain-n-Graze canola hybrids.

“We’re excited to partner with CSIRO to further investigate and explore canola phenology and applied agronomy across major Australian canola growing environments,” said Mr Kudnig.

“Pacific Seeds has always been about providing the best options for growers, we know the more you can tailor your variety choice and agronomy approach to your local conditions the more your crops and farming business can prosper.”

The partnership follows on from work last season with CSIRO, farmers and local agronomists which saw Pacific Seeds’ Hyola 970CL product combined with science-based agronomic management to set a new Australian canola yield record of 7.16t/ha.

The scientists managing the new project include Dr Julianne Lilley, CSIRO Group Leader – Mixed Farming Innovations, Dr Jeremy Whish CSIRO Farming Systems Scientist, Dr Rebecca Stutz, CSIRO Grazing Animal Scientist and Justin Kudnig, Pacific Seeds National Canola Technical Manager.

Dr Julianne Lilley said initially the project would collate, review, and organise existing information and identify any knowledge gaps across the industry.

“In its first year, the project will conduct highly detailed phenology trials with three time of sowing events at four locations across Australia involving industry, growers, agronomists, and advisors,” Dr Lilley said.

“This research will help us to jointly develop a world-first interactive decision-making tool for canola variety selection, dedicated time of sowing advice along with grazing advice, applied crop nutrition agronomy and animal health recommendations,” Dr Lilley, CSIRO.

In addition, the project will develop a state-of-the-art Technical Management Guide for existing and novel Grain-n-Graze germplasm including the appropriate choice of varieties for diverse sites and optimising sowing dates to maximise forage and grain production, together with crop phenology and animal management advice based on the latest research and industry consultation.

As this project progresses, it is expected to lead to further expansion of Winter canola growing areas. It will support the increasingly important role of applied agronomy and new technologies in assisting growers to enhance both overall production and dual-purpose cropping profitability. The project also has the extended capacity for further investment and research after the three years is completed.

“This project is another example of the importance of collaboration between complementary organisations, researchers, and growers to develop systems that drive efficiency, sustainability and ultimately profit for Australia’s agricultural industry,” said Mr Kudnig.

Top Banner photo: Dr Julianne Lilley (CSIRO), Dr John Kirkegaard (CSIRO) and Justin Kudnig (Pacific Seeds) at the 2021 Winter Hybrid Phenology Trials near Iandra Castle, Greenethorpe, NSW