Breeder seed refers to seed of a variety produced by the plant breeder or a breeder responsible for maintenance of that variety. Breeder seed is the source for all future multiplication of that variety. The breeder determines the number of generations of breeder seed produced. Breeder seed is supplied to certain pedigreed seed growers authorized by the CSGA to produce the next class of seed.
Select (synthetic) is a physical blend of either Breeder or Foundation seed used in the production of some certified canola varieties. Due to obligate cross pollination (or "outcrossing") in B. rapa, a mixture of parents will result in some hybridity. A breeder wishing to produce this type of seed must notify the CSGA with the details of the varieties being mixed, including the proportion of each. There are now a few synthetic B. napus varieties, but the level of hybridity will be lower than with B. rapa synthetics.
Foundation seed is the seed produced from crops grown with breeder or select seed by foundation seed growers who have served a three-year probation period in plot production. Unlike breeder seed, only one generation of foundation seed is allowed.
Certified seed can be grown from breeder, select or foundation seed and is the class recommended for commercial canola production. Only one generation of certified seed is allowed. Commercial canola growers in Canada use a higher percentage of certified seed compared to growers of other field crops. Seed produced from a crop grown from certified seed is no longer pedigreed and it is illegal to advertise or sell it under a variety name. Such seed is classed as "common seed.