Evaluation of gene-edited canola with improved yield and abiotic stress tolerance

Project Summary

This research focuses on achieving new canola genotypes with improved yield and abiotic tolerance to drought and high temperature.

Building on the outcomes of the Enhancing yield and biomass in canola by modifying carbohydrate metabolism project, a few selected homozygous lines with increased seed weight and thickened stem will be used to evaluate trait performance during exposure to abiotic stresses. Field trials will be conducted to validate the traits of interest which will be sublicensed to seed companies.

The specific objectives are to achieve:

1. New canola traits providing substantially increased yield potential and improved plant resilience to drought and high temperature.
2. Enhanced CO₂ sequestration.
3. Field validation (with support from Nuseed Canada) of traits of interest which can be sublicensed to seed companies for introgression into additional canola varieties, optimized for different geographies and environmental conditions.