Pickseed Canada and Forage Genetics International to cooperate on alfalfa breeding

November 5, 2002

Forage Genetics International and Pickseed Canada Inc., are pleased to announce the completion of an agreement that will assist in the development and release of varieties of alfalfa specifically adaptable to the various alfalfa production areas across Canada.

Forage Genetics is a leader in the development of superior alfalfa germplasm and is particularly active too in certain transformation technologies. Forage Genetics led the development of varieties with lower fiber, superior digestibility and improved persistence and resistance to winter damage.

Pickseed's role will contribute significantly to the winter tolerance side of this work. Two Canadian sites, one in Quebec, the other in Ontario have been established to identify germplasm with better survival and less damage from serious winter effects. This germplasm will contribute to the development of more reliable cultivars adapted to play reliable roles in precise rotations of modern dairy and livestock producers.

Additionally Pickseed will be producing yield data from locations in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta; data to enable alfalfa distributors and users to better select varieties suited for specific markets.

Dr. Mark McCaslin, President of Forage Genetics International states that" with the more rapid turnover of alfalfa varieties it is crucial that we support new introductions with relevant, up-to-date data". He adds;" we believe this collaboration will enable us to present our customers with a solid data base, enabling them to select new products with confidence".

Jay Hackney; Product Development Manager at Pickseed has a critical awareness of forage testing across Canada. He states; "the continuing decline of resources and participation by both the provincial and federal governments makes this new activity crucial in reliably identifying adaptable cultivars". Hackney continues;" Pickseed's private testing identified Pickseed 2065 MF, which rapidly rose to one of Canada's most popular varieties- proving itself in trials and affirming that performance across many thousands of acres".

This collaboration will bring to agriculture and the seed industry the strengths and resultant synergies of these two successful seed companies.

Pickseed Canada is a member of the Pickseed Companies Group. The Group is comprised of Pickseed Canada with six locations across Canada, Pickseed West Inc., of Tangent OR, TurfOne of Tangent OR, Seeds Ohio of West Jefferson, OH and Mapleseed, a division of Pickseed Canada.

Forage Genetics International is the world's leading developer of alfalfa cultivars which are produced and marketed throughout North America and the world.

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