New Mustard Promises Yield Gains as PRCO Flags GM and Research Risks

Big yield gains, market risks and federal research cuts dominated flax and mustard discussions at today's Prairie Grain Development Committee meetings in Banff The post New Mustard Promises Yield Gains as PRCO Flags GM and Research Risks appeared first on Seed World .

6 April 2026 at 02:00 pm

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New Mustard Promises Yield Gains as PRCO Flags GM and Research Risks

At the recent Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) meetings in Banff, the discussions surrounding flax and mustard were dominated by significant yield gains, market risks, and concerns over federal research cuts. Committee chair Ken Jackle of the Prairie Recommending Committee for Oilseeds (PRCO) highlighted a nearly 10% yield jump in mustard, which he described as encouraging for growers. This substantial increase in yield potential is expected to provide a competitive advantage for mustard growers in the market.

The progress in mustard yield can be attributed to Dr. Bifang Cheng's breeding program at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Saskatoon research facility. Jackle praised the consistent improvements in yield potential that Cheng's work has achieved in recent years. Such advancements are particularly beneficial for mustard growers, as they have seen steady yield improvements over the past few seasons.

In addition to the positive developments in mustard yield, the PGDC meetings also addressed potential challenges that could impact the sector. One major concern revolves around the potential approval of a genetically modified (GM) mustard line containing the InVigor Gold construct from BASF. Jackle warned that this development carries significant market risks, similar to the issues faced with the GM flax variety Triffid in 2009.

The Triffid incident, in which a deregistered GM flax variety was detected in shipments to Europe, led to the sudden closure of export markets. The repercussions of this event were felt for years, with the flax industry and its producers still recovering from the setback 15 years later. Jackle emphasized the need to find a methodology to prevent the GM canola-quality mustard from entering the market, in order to avoid a similar crisis.

The PGDC meetings also highlighted mounting concerns over federal research cuts, which could pose long-term challenges for the Prairie oilseed sector. As the industry navigates these risks and uncertainties, the potential for yield gains in mustard offers a glimmer of hope for growers. However, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the GM contamination concerns and the impact of reduced research funding to ensure the sustainability and growth of the mustard industry in the coming years.

Source: Seed World

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