Key facts
- Australia is leading a national genetic research project to develop new canola varieties.
- The project aims to identify frost-tolerant germplasm to boost crop yields by over four percent in frost-prone conditions.
- Research will assess the genetic diversity of open-pollinated and hybrid canola varieties.
- Additional projects are underway to develop genetic selection tools for acid soils tolerance and to identify traits that improve biomass conversion to grain yield.
- The research is co-funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
Australia is investing in a national genetic research initiative to develop new, high-performance, and resilient canola varieties. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading a project specifically aimed at reducing frost sensitivity in canola crops, with the goal of increasing yields by over four percent in affected areas. This research involves assessing the genetic diversity of both Australian and international open-pollinated and hybrid varieties to improve screening for frost tolerance.
In parallel, DPIRD is collaborating with its New South Wales counterpart on two other key projects, also supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). One focuses on developing genetic selection tools to enhance canola's tolerance to acidic soils, which could expand suitable production areas and increase yields by 1.5 percent. The other project investigates the genetic basis for converting canola biomass into grain yield, aiming to identify traits that improve this conversion ratio and deliver information for tailoring varieties to specific end uses.
Researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including high-throughput drone imaging and phenotyping analytics, to gather crucial genetic data. Canola is Australia's third-largest crop by value and a vital break crop for cereal production, yielding oil for consumption, biodiesel, and animal feed. The growing global demand for canola underscores the importance of these genetic advancements.