Collaborative genetic marker research to improve crop breeding

Ottawa, ON & Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and DNA LandMarks say they will collaborate on developing genetic markers for the breeding of Brassica crops like canola, cabbage, and broccoli.

The project involves the study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and aims to bring new and improved Brassica crops and varieties to Canadas agriculture industry. Anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive set of SNP markers for Brassica crops, genetic markers for genes controlling key agronomic and quality traits, the adoption of Brassica SNP marker technology by the canola breeding industry, and a methodology for identifying molecular variation in novel germplasm, the germ cells responsible for heredity.

“The scope of this project will enable the Brassica industry to deliver significant genetic improvement at an accelerated rate,” says Dr Joachim Richert, CEO of DNA LandMarks. “We are very excited that virtually every significant Brassica R&D program around the world has decided to join their efforts in this project.”

Other partners in the project include Bayer Crop Science, Germany; Bejo Zaden, the Netherlands; Cargill, Canada; Dow AgroSciences Canada, Canada; Huazhong Agricultural University, China; KWS SAAT, Germany; Monsanto Company, USA; Nickerson International Research GEIE, France; Pacific Seeds, Australia; Pioneer Hi-Bred Production, Canada; RAPOOL-Ring, Germany; and Svalof Weibull, Sweden.