Falak and McNabb, research scientists with DuPont Pioneer, have devoted the last 20 years of their careers to developing a sclerotinia-resistant trait in canola.

“It has been a difficult target because of canola genetics, the nature of the disease and its dependence on weather conditions,” Falak said.

Sclerotinia stem rot, also known as white mould, is one of the most devastating diseases in canola production, according to the company. Growers can protect their crop with a product like its hybrid 45S52, which provides a sclerotinia disease resistance trait that offers growers over a 50 percent reduction of sclerotinia in their canola crop.

The pair accepted their award at the CPS annual meeting and award ceremony, hosted at Devonian Gardens in Edmonton.

“We are thrilled to provide canola growers with better management options and it is an honour to be recognized by our peers for doing so,” Falak said.  PD

—From DuPont Pioneer news release