University of Saskatchewan

Purpose

One critical stage for Canola production is robust seedling establishment which is directly influenced by seed vigor, the innate capacity for germination and strong seedling growth. This collaborative project between NRC and Univ. of Saskatchewan scientists aims to develop technologies to precisely assess seed quality and seedling vigor in Canola. We will define “seed age” with molecular markers and digital imaging, and perform transcriptome analysis on germinating seeds differing in vigor. In support of this project, the Univ. of Saskatchewan laboratory will develop molecular tools to define seed quality, use a digital imaging-based system established by the NRC laboratory to phenotype seed germination and seedling growth, and provide assistance to the NRC lab on transcriptome analysis. This work will help to identify key factors for strong seed vigor and seedling establishment.