![Canola hybrids must be turned over Canola hybrids must be turned over](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-agfeed/934717.jpg/r0_0_600_402_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
FARMERS looking to retain hybrid seed for use the next season will only be hurting themselves, according to representatives from the canola industry and seed companies speaking at a recent Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) field day.
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Trial data has shown the second cross of hybrid seed does not retain its vigour and could in fact lead to up to a 33pc reduction in establishment rates and an added susceptibility to diseases such as blackleg meant it was not worth the savings made on seed.
Using stored hybrid seed also increases the risk of sterile plants, lowering potential yield.
There have been some within the farming sector that felt that the asking price for hybrid canola seed of between $25-35/kg was too expensive.
However, most growers and agronomists agree in the benefits of hybrid crops, which consistently outyield conventional lines.
Nuseed’s Rob Christie said sourcing certified seed had two benefits, not only did it help growers, due to better emergence and agronomic performance, but it also gave the seed companies a return on investment.
“Having seed companies work to develop new and improved varieties is a boost for the farming sector, and getting new seed each year is a way to keep this research and development going.”
He denied the increasing focus on hybrid varieties was solely about seed companies benefiting due to the fact growers had to source seed every year, rather than being able to store saved open pollinated varieties.
Other seed company representatives at the day agreed, saying the focus on breeding hybrids was to do with their agronomic out-performance of conventional lines.
It was pointed out that the improved vigour and yields off-set higher seed costs.
Meanwhile, even the storage of open pollinated, or conventional, lines came under question.
Sessions co-ordinator and oilseed industry stalwart Felicity Pritchard, Pritchard Agricultural Consulting and Extension (PACE) said that while it was possible to store conventional canola for use next year, farmers needed to conduct germination tests to ensure their seed was up to scratch. Conventional lines currently retail at between $10 and $15/kg.