AAC Brown 18 is a new hybrid mustard that was registered in 2018. It is the first brown mustard hybrid developed using an improved hybrid breeding technique called the Ogura cytoplasmic breeding system, which was developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (AAFC-SRDC). AAC Brown 18 has consistently delivered a 19% yield increases over the open-pollinated check variety Centennial Brown. There are yellow and oriental mustard hybrids being bred as well.
With AAC Brown available to producers, current agronomic practices are being researched to accommodate the hybrid. The seeding rate as of now is recommended to be 4-6 lbs per acre with a target plant stand of 7 to 11 plants/ft2 (70 to 110 plants m2) which is the current recommendation for open-pollinated varieties. Nitrogen use efficiency and rates will likely be different for the hybrid as well. Currently there is research being conducted to fine the optimal seeding rate and nitrogen rate for AAC Brown 18.
Hybrid mustard has many benefits, the main one is an increased yield over open-pollinated varieties. Consistently AAC Brown 18 has yielded at least 19% greater than Centennial Brown. Other benefits of the hybrid include increased biomass accumulation, quicker emergence and ground cover, which can help the crop to be competitive with weeds. AAC Brown 18 has many desirable properties but producers should keep in mind that the seed cost of the hybrid is higher than open-pollinated varieties. AAC Brown 18 also has half of the erucic acid content of the open-pollinated check which is being selected for in European markets. AAC Brown 18 has many desirable properties but producers should keep in mind that the seed cost of the hybrid is higher than the open-pollinated varieties.
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