Agricultural News
OSU Researcher Investigates Canola Cultivars for Oklahoma
Mon, 16 Jul 2012 09:49:13 CDT
Researchers in Oklahoma State University's Biobased Products and Energy Center (BioPEC) have received millions of dollars of funding to diversify America's energy resources as the demand for domestic options continues to increase.
One of those researchers is Chad Godsey, professor in the department of plant and soil sciences in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at OSU. His Extension and research efforts, primarily focused on Oklahoma cropping systems with an emphasis in oilseed production practices, have garnered much national attention.
"My project coordinates the Winter Canola Performance Trials in Oklahoma," he said. "Basically, we solicit entries from private companies and other universities that have canola breeding programs to test their canola cultivars in Oklahoma."
This is all in an effort to provide producers with the latest information on commercially available canola cultivars so they can make an informed decision on cultivar choice. This testing will give producers an idea on yield potential and other traits.
"Currently, canola oil is highly sought after as a food grade oil but the potential exists in the future, perhaps near future, to use it for biodiesel," Godsey said. "The data we generate helps producers choose the best cultivars for their areas."
Godsey's research has been funded by the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the South Central Sun Grant program. In addition, he receives funding from private companies, the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission and United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture program.
The grant dollars help Godsey and his team meet the BioPEC's mission of conducting research and providing educational programs in environmentally sound biobased product and energy development leading to the establishment of sustainable bioenergy and biorefinery industries in Oklahoma.
"All of the other canola research my project conducts is related to increasing yields and helping to expand canola acres in the Southern Great Plains," he said.
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