Multiple 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 MoreGluten strength is a critical asset of CWRS wheat and is the foundation for the longstanding success of the CWRS wheat brand. Today's CWRS wheat as a class, has stronger gluten than in the past, but still retains good dough extensibility and mixing tolerance for processing flexibility. Consistency of gluten strength in milling grades of CWRS wheat is the expectation of customers. However, in the past decade, questions have been raised in the industry about excessively variable or even deficient gluten strength of CWRS wheat shipments. This variability results from genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variation of gluten strength is constrained by a robust variety registration system. However, the vast crop-growing region in the Prairie provinces experiences an enormous range of varying weather and biotic pressures which in turn leads to varying gluten strength.
Read MoreProducers are always evaluating their crop sequences and rotations seeking to maximize returns without jeopardizing future income through poor agronomic practices. Producers who are growing or want to grow special crops like canaryseed, coriander, hemp or quinoa lack this valuable information. The objectives of this research were to determine the best fit of special crops into crop sequences and to determine if optimum crop sequences change depending on the environment.
Read MoreOrange wheat blossom midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana Géhin) is one of the most damaging pests of wheat in western Canada. This project was undertaken to identify additional wheat genes that can prevent wheat midge damage. Currently, there is a heavy reliance on the wheat midge resistance gene Sm1 in western Canadian wheat varieties, which leaves the crop vulnerable if or when the wheat midge population adapts to or overcomes the Sm1 resistance gene.
Read MoreExcept for outbreak year with very high level of infection, aster yellows incidence in wheat will likely remain low in Western Canadian agriculture. We have also learned that if we need to diagnose aster yellows infection in wheat we now have reliable molecular tools.
Read MoreThe accumulation of crop residue at the soil surface can interfere with field operations like seeding, negatively affecting germination and emergence and hence crop yield. Vertical tillage and tandem disc implements are used to manage residue and alter soil physical conditions, mainly at the soil surface.
Read MoreResults from this study indicate that significant N2O emissions reductions can be achieved in both rainfed (nonirrigated) and irrigated cropping systems by using a urea-based EENF. In general, the greatest emissions reductions were achieved using stabilized N products that employ a nitrification inhibitor to delay the oxidation of NH4 + to NO2 – by inhibiting the activity of nitrifying bacteria in the soil.
Read MoreBased on the responses to subsoiling tillage identified in this study, it is recommended that efforts be undertaken by growers to first identify the specific soil types and compaction conditions most likely to produce positive yield response by using maps of soil type, records of traffic history, and use of soil penetration resistance measurements to compare areas within the field.
Read MoreThis project demonstrated both the power and limitations of an allele mining strategy for crop improvement. The identification of null alleles was straightforward, however, the identification of mutations that specifically block mRNA cleavage was only possible in one of the three genomes.
Read MoreThe Saskatchewan Variety Performance Group (SVPG) is an informal group made up of stakeholders who are interested in variety performance testing in Saskatchewan. SVPG has coordinated the post-registration regional performance testing of spring wheat, durum, barley, oats and flax varieties since 2006.
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