Overall, the team generated promising solid-stemmed wheat lines (more than 500), based on a novel genetic source of solidness from intergeneric origin. As TWG has adapted through coevolution to the most important WSS biotype in Canada, we expect that our lines have greater protection against local WSS infestations. To confirm the competitiveness in agronomic performance of our lines when compared to top wheat cultivars, the researchers will perform an extensive agronomic characterization under field conditions. These results will allow the selection of wheat lines with the potential to be released as new CWRS cultivars.
Read MoreMultiple genome sequences of wheat, including two Canadian cultivars, have emerged, providing an opportunity to develop genomic strategies that are tailored to Canadian wheat breeding programs. However, a significant challenge exists to properly deploy these markers and genome sequence information to improve wheat cultivar development in Canada. The goal of this research was to develop strategies to translate these upstream genomic technologies into breeding applications with the aim to support continued improvement of wheat cultivars adapted to western Canadian conditions.
Read MoreUnderstanding the impact of variable permeability on airflow in stored grain was a problem for producers managing the risk of grain spoilage in grain bins. Variable permeability can result from factors such as loading method, distribution of dockage, and layering effects; these factors can be much more relevant as storage structures increase in size, and as operational or environmental pressures result in nonoptimal harvest conditions.
Read MoreThe broad phenotypic variation captured by the NAM population provided valuable novel genetic variations for the Canadian spring wheat breeding program. The high-quality haplotype map generated from this project could allow breeders to accurately impute genotypes with a low-resolution genotyping platform in their breeding program. Novel genetic variations for disease and agronomic traits identified by the NAM analysis provide new targets and breeder-friendly markers for wheat improvement. These established NAM genomic resources may also serve as a cost-efficient platform for Canadian wheat breeding programs to identify genetic markers of their targeted traits, as only phenotyping is required.
Read MoreHerbicide resistant weeds continue to increase in incidence and frequency, limiting weed management options available to producers. New management strategies are needed for producers to continue to successfully manage their weeds. Harvest weed seed control (HWSC) is a paradigm of weed control that focuses on managing weeds that are being spread by the combine harvester. These weeds retain their seeds until crop harvest, produce weeds at a height where they can be collected, and are successfully taken into the combine. One method of harvest weed seed control that may have a fit in western Canada are the physical impact mills.
Read MoreThe number of unique herbicide-resistant weed/site of action combinations continues to increase in Western Canada and around the world. The lack of new herbicides with a unique mechanism of action is leading to the development of alternative cultural and mechanical weed control practices.
Read MoreSoils are the largest terrestrial carbon sink on Earth and increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) content is a means of sequestering atmospheric CO2. Limited work has been done to examine the effect of long-term conservation agriculture management practices on the stability of SOC in prairie soils. The objective of this study was to assess the nature and permanence of sequestered SOC in contrasting Saskatchewan soils after 21 years of conservation management practices.
Read MoreThis study investigated the feasibility of converting a combine’s grain loss signal into a grain loss rate. More specifically, this was investigated by comparing the loss sensor signal to the actual grain loss rate to determine if a correlation exists or could exist using other technologies.
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