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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Continuing innovation in Australian canola breeding

Phillip A. Salisbury A B E , Wallace A. Cowling C and Trent D. Potter D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia.

B AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Vic. 3083, Australia.

C The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.

D Yeruga Crop Research, PO Box 819, Naracoorte, SA 5271, Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: p.salisbury@unimelb.edu.au

Crop and Pasture Science 67(4) 266-272 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP15262
Submitted: 10 August 2015  Accepted: 3 November 2015   Published: 21 April 2016

Abstract

Innovation has been integral in the development of the current Australian canola (Brassica napus L.) industry. From the initial introduction of poorly adapted Canadian germplasm, Australian breeders have developed high yielding, high quality, disease-resistant canola cultivars. The Australian canola industry has transitioned from being reliant on imports to becoming one of the world’s major exporters of canola. This review details the progressive innovations in the Australian canola breeding programs from the initial introduction of rapeseed to more recent developments including herbicide resistance, hybrid cultivars, speciality oil types and genetically modified canola.


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