Canola & Carinata Seed Trials

Australia’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with oilseed crops such as canola remaining dominant. Recently, carinata, a non-food industrial oilseed, has come into notice due to its potential as a sustainable crop, particularly for biofuel production. Recent seed trials comparing canola and carinata have generated valuable insights that are relevant to growers considering diversification or sustainability in their cropping systems.

Comparative Yield Performance

In the current conditions, carinata has shown the ability to compete closely with canola in terms of seed yield. Research trials conducted in Western Australia and other regions have reported carinata yields ranging from 0.11 t/ha to 2.84 t/ha, depending on climatic conditions and input strategies. These figures place it on par with average canola yields in several regions.

International benchmarks further strengthen Carinata’s yield potential. For example, U.S. studies reported:

• Carinata: ~2,500 lb/acre (approx. 2.8 t/ha)
• Canola: ~1,300 lb/acre (approx. 1.5 t/ha)

Oil Yield & Quality Advantages

Carinata isn’t just a contender in terms of yield, it has an impressive oil production per hectare. Trials conducted in Western Australia revealed that Brassica carinata delivered oil yields 72% higher than the widely used canola variety ‘Monty’. Furthermore, modelling tools such as DayCent estimate regional average carinata yields between 2.9 to 3.0 t/ha, underscoring its strong potential as a large-scale biodiesel crop.

Agronomic Performance & Management Factors

Local on-farm trials, such as those conducted under the GRDC/FAR program, have demonstrated that management practices, nutrition, variety selection, and canopy care play a pivotal role in yield outcomes:

• High-input canola trials achieved grain yields over 6 t/ha, confirmed through optimal nutrition (e.g., manure and urea). These findings set a benchmark for canola and suggest similar agronomy may also boost carinata performance.

Environmental Considerations and Field Protocols

The Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has outlined strict guidelines for testing carinata (especially GM variants) in field conditions:

• Trials are held on limited plots (up to 2 ha annually) in regions like NSW and SA, with buffer zones of 400–450 m to prevent cross-pollination.
• Post-harvest protocols include shallow tillage and regular monitoring to prevent volunteer plants for at least 12–24 months.
• Though generally self-pollinating, carinata can cross with canola and other brassicas at low rates, hence, rigorous containment is essential.

Sustainability & Market Potential

Carinata’s environmental credentials are among its strongest advantages. Its ability to contribute to carbon sequestration and produce sustainable aviation fuel offers long-term value. Simulation models such as DayCent suggest that wide-scale adoption of carinata could lead to over 1 billion litres of SAF, in addition to improved soil structure and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

In terms of market readiness, carinata oil is well-positioned for premium pricing in biofuel markets. As interest in SAF and industrial oils grows, Australian producers who adopt carinata early may benefit from improved profitability and alignment with evolving environmental policies.

Key Takeaways

1. Yield parity or advantage
   Carinata yields match or exceed canola in trial environments, particularly at 2–3 t/ha, placing it on par with conventional canola yields.
2. Oil yield superiority
   With ~70% higher oil yield per hectare, carinata offers compelling value for biofuel producers and industrial oil markets.
3. Adopted agronomic strategies
   Applying high-input systems,fertiliser, manure, canopy control,can push yields above 6 t/ha in canola; carinata trials may benefit similarly.
4. Strict biosecurity practices
   Trial protocols, including isolation buffers and volunteer monitoring, are critical to environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
5. Sustainability advantage
   Carinata’s suitability for SAF and its potential for carbon sequestration make it a strong candidate for future agricultural systems.

Conclusion

Australian trials show that carinata is a credible, high-yielding alternative to canola, with significant oil yield advantages and strong sustainability credentials. Achieving full potential will depend on localised agronomy adaptation, strict field controls, and alignment with biofuel market growth.

As field trials expand and environment-friendly oil value chains evolve, Australian farmers stand at the cusp of integrating carinata into cropping rotations,unlocking new economic and ecological opportunities.