Overall, this project clearly demonstrates benefits to diversity in IWM tactics studied, and the ability to eliminate herbicide application for three years although it may require significant compromises to the desired rotation. Lower responsiveness from twining weeds like wild buckwheat and cleavers illustrate a gap in our current IWM strategies based on the growth morphology of these weeds. In addition there is a need to understand the lack of impact of perennials and silaging on specific weed species and their weed seedbank densities.
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important diseases of wheat in Canada. Even a small per hectare yield loss due to FHB results in the loss of tens of thousands of dollars per grower and millions of dollars collectively. Multiple control strategies are required to control the disease because each strategy has a moderate impact. The most important of these are: selection of wheat varieties with genetic resistance; cultural practices, such as crop rotation with non-host crops, possibly supplemented with tillage and other residue management tools; and the last line of defense, fungicide application during the flowering stage of the crop.
Read MoreResults from a recently completed long-term cropping system experiment conducted at the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Research Farm at Scott, Sk., showed that grain yields were consistently lower (25-40%) on organically managed (pesticides and synthetic fertilizers withheld) compared to conventionally managed systems. Each management system included two, six-year rotations comprised of either a mix of annual grain crops (oilseeds, pulses and cereals) or a mix of annual and perennial crops (oilseed, cereals and three years of alfalfa hay).
Read MoreRust diseases, including leaf, stripe and stem rusts, are the most widely occurring diseases of wheat worldwide. Pyramiding multiple resistant genes has been proposed as the most effective way to control these diseases in wheat. However, to practise this approach, one must know the most effective gene combinations from the pool of more than 200 genes that bring resistance to the three rust diseases. Deployment the most effective gene pyramids will ensure the maintenance of durable rust resistance within Canadian wheat cultivars, thus avoid production losses from rust epidemics.
Read MoreAs agricultural crop yield potentials increase, greater amounts of phosphorus (P) are removed from soil in harvested plant material. As a result, greater amounts of phosphorus fertilizers are required to maintain both crop yields and long-term soil fertility. However, P fertilizer application practices must consider factors including high reactivity of P with soil constituents such as Ca that can render large proportions of soil applied P unavailable.
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious disease of wheat across western Canada, causing substantial yield and quality losses. As well as reduced yields, the disease can also result in downgrading or complete crop loss due to high toxin content in the grain. FHB creates a management challenge because highly resistant wheat varieties are not available and fungicides do not provide complete FHB control. Therefore, a priority of pathology and breeding programs in Canada and in the US is to find new sources of resistance. This can be achieved by screening existing collections of germplasm or creating new, exotic, sources of resistance by novel means.
Read MoreOver the past decade, Fusarium head blight (FHB) has become one of the primary issues facing wheat producers in Western Canada. Resistance to the disease in bread wheat has improved but is still not strong enough to withstand major outbreaks, while resistance in durum wheat remains limited at this time. Triazole fungicides are typically applied to wheat crops to protect against infection; however, these treatments can be ineffective and Fusarium resistance to this fungicide has been reported. The application of dsRNA to control various plant pests and pathogens is an emerging field that could provide RNA-mediated control without the need for transgenic plants. This approach was first demonstrated for the control of plant viruses and is also viable for the control of insect feeding.
Read MoreMycotoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by mold that can sometimes be found in crops or food. Mycotoxins can develop pre-harvest, during harvest, or while in storage, and can be difficult and expensive to detect. Maria DeRosa, a professor at Carleton University, led a research project to develop a rapid, low-cost test for mycotoxins that could be used at the farm or grain elevator with minimal training or resources.
Read More