"We are extremely pleased to announce the registration of HyLite 201", comments David Hansen, Marketing Manager for Zeneca Seeds. "This variety ushers in a new age of crop management options with the launch of apetalous canola technology." Hansen notes that HyLite 201 is the first variety of its kind to be registered in North America. "We were the first company in the world to develop and market hybrid canola, and our innovation has now made us the leader in apetalous technology as well."

The theory behind apetalous canola is that by having no petals, the food source for sclerotinia spores is removed, which greatly reduces the potential for disease development. For producers this could mean the opportunity to increase profits while reducing the need for fungicide applications. "This variety will be a good choice for producers in areas where there is a high risk of sclerotinia development," comments Dale Burns, Plant Breeder with Zeneca Seeds. "Overall, the yield and oil produced by this Argentine variety is very respectable, especially considering that this is the first variety of its kind out of our program", notes Burns. "This variety offers several benefits including a short plant stature for good harvestability, early maturity, excellent blackleg
resistance and the potential of sclerotinia avoidance," he adds.

At peak flowering, the apetalous HyLite 201 looks almost green in comparison to conventional varieties. The result is a vast reduction in the petal litter that falls on to lower leaves and acts as the initial food source for sclerotinia spores.

The Super Conventional Option 501

Option 501 is the latest edition to Zeneca Seeds Option family of Super Conventional open pollinated Argentine canola varieties. "We have put a high priority on developing our Option product line in Canada as part of our continuing effort to service canola producers across the Prairie Provinces," says Hansen. "Our Hyola hybrid program continues to grow and be the focus of our operation in Canada. However, the Option variety family allows us to sell open pollinated varieties that meet the needs of producers across a wide array of environmental conditions and farming practices."

Option 501 is a good choice for producers looking for a high yielding conventional variety. It offers good yield potential, a strong R rating for blackleg and short plant stature for good harvestability. Hansen notes that Option 501 is now part of the Super Conventional Sweepstakes. Producers purchasing at least 80 acres of new Option 501 or Option 500 will qualify at a chance to win the use of a New Holland TX66 or TX68 Super Conventional combine to harvest 320 acres of crop this fall.

For more information on HyLite 201 apetalous canola, or Option 501, the newest Super Conventional, contact Zeneca Seeds at 1-800-661-9000 or e-mail cordil@mb.sympatico.ca .

N1597