Hybridisation Method

“Now though, the new generation of hybrids – produced using the INRA developed Ogura hybridisation method - have around a 10% higher yield advantage and this makes them worth growing.”

According to Klaus Schlünder, the problem with older hybrids is that there were only 1-2 female lines available and this limited the genetic diversity of the resultant cross.

With the INRA Ogura system, much more variation is available and now that the breeder has been able to genetically mark and separate glucosinolate and yield characteristics, growers can secure high yield without high glucosinlates.

In France, where autumns are milder, it is only following the introduction of these early INRA Ogura types that hybrids have moved forward and Klaus Schlünder reckons the same will happen as the UK plays catch up.

KWS’ European breeding team views yield as still the number one driver, followed by oil content. However the agronomic package of disease resistance and straw characteristics also has to be right.

“We believe that the right plant structure is one where the straw is not too long to reduce lodging and where the pod canopy can be quickly air dried by wind flow to allow an even and easy harvest.

“Our breeding teams are working on rapes that strongly branch rather than producing one main stem. The ideal is a 50/50 spilt between side branches and the main stem as deliverers of yield,” says Mr Schlünder.

“We are not aiming for super stiff types, but those that lean under typical UK conditions, to allow wind to pass through the pod canopy to dry the crop, but avoiding pod shatter.”

The first KWS bred hybrid registered in France - Tassilo – already combines shorter straw with better lodging resistance and similar types are in the pipeline.