Key Takeaways
- BASF announces InVigor® Gold, a new canola-quality Brassica juncea hybrid seed
- Designed for heat and disease resistance, and LibertyLink® herbicide tolerance
- Trials show an average 8% yield advantage over traditional canola in targeted zones
- Expected to expand canola production in heat- and drought-prone areas in Canada and the U.S.
- Launch anticipated in the U.S. in 2027, pending regulatory approval
BASF Announces The Development Of InVigor® Gold
BASF has announced the development of a new canola seed innovation, InVigor® Gold, aimed at meeting rising demand for canola in food, biofuel, and industrial markets. The company states that this hybrid represents a significant advancement in heat-tolerant, disease-resistant canola production, particularly in areas previously underutilized due to environmental constraints.
According to BASF, canola demand continues to grow, and farmers are seeking varieties that can thrive in marginal or fallow land, especially in regions experiencing hotter and drier conditions.
Features of BASF InVigor Gold Hybrids
Traits for Adaptation and Yield Performance
The InVigor Gold hybrids are expected to include several traits relevant to environmental and agronomic challenges:
- LibertyLink® herbicide tolerance
- Inherent pod shatter resistance
- Resistance to blackleg disease
- Heat tolerance for brown soil zones and lower organic matter soils
BASF reports that the hybrids performed well in trials across Canada’s brown soil zone and the Northern Great Plains of the U.S., delivering an average 8% yield increase compared to conventional canola hybrids from 2022 to 2024.
Expansion into New Growing Areas
The introduction of InVigor Gold may enable farmers to cultivate canola on previously idle or fallow land, potentially increasing the number of productive acres and offering new revenue opportunities. BASF notes that the product is intended to maintain canola-quality standards, allowing for integration into existing processing and elevator infrastructure.
The seed will be introduced first in the United States in 2027, pending regulatory approvals, and is expected to become available in Canada later this decade or early next.
Perspectives from Industry and Government
Bryan Perry, Head of U.S. Seeds and Traits at BASF, stated: “InVigor Gold will unlock the full genetic potential of canola in new areas and help farmers improve yield performance through better tolerance to heat as compared to traditional canola hybrids.”
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte also commented on the announcement, citing the importance of innovation to support the state’s agricultural sector and economy: “As demand continues to rise, innovation and the tireless work of Montana farmers will continue to move the agriculture industry forward.”
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