December 14, 2006

BASF and Monsanto to commercialise Clearfield canola hybrids
 

Chemical giant BASF and Monsanto Canada have announced an agreement for the development and commercialisation of Clearfield canola hybrids for Canadian growers.

The 10-year agreement will see the development and marketing of Clearfield hybrids under Monsanto's Dekalb brand of canola seed.

The agreement would increase access to high-yielding hybrids under the Clearfield banner, noted Ted Bonertz, business director for BASF agricultural products in Canada. BASF's commitment to the ongoing development of the Clearfield production system was driven by the benefits it delivered to Canadian growers, he added.

Currently, there is one Dekalb hybrid, 71-20CL, available as part of the Clearfield Canola Production System; however, there are additional hybrids in both early and late stage development, with new products expected in 2007-2008 and beyond.

The agreement would result in improved genetics in Dekalb Clearfield hybrids developed specifically to be tolerant to the Clearfield canola herbicides, pointed out Sean Gardner, vice-president and general manager, Monsanto Canada.

The Clearfield Production System for canola combines agronomically strong hybrids, open-pollinated varieties and specialty-trait canola with proven weed control products to meet the needs of western Canadian canola growers.