Bayer CropScience says it has completed sequencing the entire genome of rapeseed/canola (Brassica napus) and its constituent genomes present in Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea.

This provides Bayer with a unique level of insight into the previously unknown genetic code of canola and will speed up the development of new canola lines and traits, says Bart Lambert, head of the company’s oilseed research program.

“Not only does this mean faster and more efficient development, it also allows us to explore many more innovative ideas which will continue to enhance the value of rapeseed/canola as a crop,” Lambert said in a release.

The Bayer CropScience sequencing project was a collaboration with several parties. The Beijing Genomics Institute-Shenzhen (BGIShenzhen, China), provided Bayer with a high-density, fully assembled and annotated sequence of a Brassica rapa and a Brassica oleracea line. Both lines were made available by Bayer.

Complementary genome sequence data sets of an elite proprietary Bayer CropScience Brassica napus parental line were provided by Keygene N.V. (The Netherlands), and the University of Queensland (Australia).