What are the Roundup Ready canola technologies?
Bayer have introduced two biotechnology traits to the Australian canola market, Roundup Ready canola and the second-generation TruFlex canola.
Roundup Ready canola technologies are like conventional canola varieties in every way except one: a novel genetic trait has been identified and transferred to the canola seed. This trait enables farmers to use in-crop applications of Roundup Ready Herbicides to control weeds, offering more flexible and more effective weed control than existing options.
How are the Roundup Ready canola technologies regulated?
Australia’s regulatory system is one of the most robust and rigorous in the world. Industry bodies, as well as regulatory authorities, help us set guidelines and requirements for growing our products. We work with
these bodies to ensure responsible management of our technology and support long-term viability for the canola industry.
The key regulatory bodies involved in bringing a genetically modified (GM) canola trait to market are:
- Office of the Genet Technology Regulator (OGTR)
- Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
- Food Standards Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ)
What is the process for planting Roundup Ready canola technologies?
Prior to taking delivery of any TruFlex canola and/ or Roundup Ready canola contact your local Technology Service Provider (TSP), you can find your closest store here.
The key regulatory bodies involved in bringing a genetically modified (GM) canola trait to market are:
You’ll then need to:
-
Complete an accreditation course. Keep an eye on the events page or contact us to find out how.
- Sign a License and Stewardship Agreement (LSA). Request an LSA here.
- Keep a copy of your signed LSA for your reference.
What is an accreditation?
Accreditation is a part of the Bayer stewardship program. The accreditation is designed to provide farmers and agronomists with the information needed to successfully grow TruFlex® canola and Roundup Ready® canola. It is a simple course that only needs to be completed once, prior to planting the technology.
You can now watch an accreditation presentation on demand by clicking here. You will need to register, this ensures your accreditation is recorded. During registration you will be able to request a License and Stewardship Agreement (LSA).
For information on accreditation sessions, please contact us.
What is a License & Stewardship Agreement (LSA)?
Prior to planting Roundup Ready canola or TruFlex canola, farmers need to complete a License and Stewardship Agreement (LSA).
The LSA outlines farmers' obligations in planting the Roundup Ready canola technologies, including adherence to the Crop Management Plan (CMP) and relevant regulatory requirements of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
An LSA only needs to be completed once.
Please note: Prior to planting Bayer technology, including TruFlex® canola with Roundup Ready® Technology and Roundup Ready canola in the 2023 season, all farmers must complete a new License and Stewardship Agreement (LSA).
Click here and fill out the form to have a new LSA sent to you for signature via DocuSign.
How do I manage Roundup Ready canola volunteers?
In any cropping system, plants from the previous season have the potential to germinate and compete for valuable resources such as water and nutrients, as well as being a potential host for disease and insects.
For farmers, the key to preventing volunteers from becoming a problem is to plan ahead and use the right tool.
KEY POINTS
Volunteer canola can be difficult to control when it is established so it is best treated when small
- Glyphosate alone may not control canola volunteers
- The majority of volunteer seeds germinate the year following the canola crop (Gulden et al, 2003). Take the opportunity to manage glyphosate resistance by using alternative herbicides alone or in addition to glyphosate
- Always use a full rate of an appropriate tank-mix herbicide
- Adventitious presence is possible and farmers should consider that canola volunteers in their paddocks may be tolerant to herbicides other than the herbicide-tolerant canola they planted. This is primarily a problem in summer fallows where TruFlex canola or Roundup Ready canola volunteers are present, as they will not be controlled when straight glyphosate is used.
For more information download the industry canola volunteer control guide from www.australianoilseeds.com
Successful coexistence of all agricultural systems is achievable and depends on appropriate agronomic practices, communication, cooperation, flexibility and mutual respect for each system among farmers.
Bayer's Crop Management Plan outlines key considerations for farmers when determining where to plant Roundup Ready canola technologies. Download the CMP here.
Where can I deliver my GM canola grain?
Visit our Receival Sites page for more details on grain receival locations and options on selling your grain.
