Pacific Seeds launches new herbicide resistant hybrid canola following Chinese approval

Market-leading seed producer Pacific Seeds has announced this week plans to launch two new canola varieties to the Australian market, following the Chinese government’s approval of the Bayer-developed TruFlex® herbicide resistant trait.

TruFlex® is the first new herbicide-resistant trait offering since Monsanto, which was recently acquired by Bayer, launched the Roundup Ready® herbicide trait in 1996.

It offers canola growers a wider weed spraying window, extending beyond the current six-leaf stage up to first flowering.

Pacific Seeds managing director Barry Croker said Pacific Seeds had taken a commercial decision to integrate the Truflex trait and conduct seed production prior to approval from China.

“We wanted TruFlex® hybrid seed ready for the growing season in April as we anticipated approval from China would come through early this year, however this meant we needed to start production in mid 2018,” Mr Croker said.

“We’re pleased that the approval has come through, and we have just harvested good pilot quantities of seed in Chile, the seed will ready for sale with the TruFlex® trait following the appropriate processes and logistics are completed.

“This is the first big innovation in extended spray application technology since 1996, farmers have been crying out for an innovation and we’re so excited to be able to offer the latest technology now, responding to the demand from our customers.

“By providing an extended the spray window, the TruFlex® trait offers more flexibility for growers and improved weed management.

“Effective weed management is an essential part of delivering, higher yields and cleaner paddocks.” 

TruFlex® received regulatory approval in China in mid-January of this year, after a six-year wait.

“China is Australia’s largest export market for canola, so this approval was essential for growers,” Mr Croker said.

“Our customers have been demanding this product for some time, and we have listened ensuring Australian canola growers can start to reap the benefits from TruFlex® canola during the 2019 season.”

Pacific Seeds will have two new hybrids with the Truflex trait available for the 2019 plant – Hyola 410XX which is a straight Truflex hybrid, as well as Hyola 530XT which is an Australian first stack which offers both the Truflex trait as well as triazine tolerance for that hybrid.

“We encourage farmers to contact their regular rural retailers to find out more about this new trait and the opportunity to access seed for the 2019 cropping season.

“We’re expecting massive demand this season for TruFlex® seed, which offer farmers more flexible and more effective spray-resistance for better weed management as part of their IWM programs.”