Institutional Affiliations:
1 Seed Product Development, Corteva Agriscience
Canola has emerged over the last decades as an important oilseed crop
with more than 70 million tons estimated to be grown annually. However,
a key limitation that has persisted throughout the history of canola
domestication is the need for improved resistance to shatter, which
causes substantial seed and yield losses annually. Shatter resistance
has therefore become a key market trait and making genetic improvements
is a top priority within breeding. Initial data collection for shatter
at Corteva Agriscience involved assigning a categorical score based on
visual symptoms, but the approach was highly subjective and labor
intensive. An initial attempt at improving shatter phenotyping then used
trays placed in between plot rows for the collection and counting of
shattered pods; however, this data was affected by the location of trays
and the collection of intact pods. With precision phenotyping, a
low-cost solution was developed to distinguish and capture amounts of
shattered and intact pods with widely available technology. Results and
learnings gained throughout the process of developing a phenotyping
solution for shatter will be presented. This is a key example of how
precision phenotyping solutions can support breeding selections and
provide key data for the commercialization of new hybrids.
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