Decision factors influencing new variety adoption in western Canada by the seed industry

Abstract

In the agricultural sector, innovation is a vital economic driver for increasing food production. New crop varieties are developed and commercialized, greatly contributing to improved global food security through higher yields, improved nutrition and climate resiliency. Canada is a competitive and innovative actor in the global seed market. This article quantifies the degree of improvement for numerous crop traits required for commercialization success. We use empirical data from seed producers in the prairies to identify their adoption criteria to multiply new seed varieties. Results show that yield potential, disease resistance and lodging resistance are the key traits for pedigreed seed growers regardless of crop type, while other agronomic traits depend on the crop type. Quality factors such as malting or milling properties for cereals, protein content for pulses and oil content for oilseeds are also part of the variety selection decision process for prairie pedigreed seed growers.