A genome wide association study was performed on each wheat panel, which identified a few molecular markers associated with the different types (Types I to III) of FHB resistance. In addition, the meta-QTL analysis generated 126 meta-QTL that captured many of the major QTL reported for bread and durum wheat and should facilitate the improvement in FHB resistance. The molecular markers developed for the new sources of resistance, the optimal gene pyramids and the best resistant lines will be available for breeders and pathologists to enhance current strategies for wheat resistance.
Read MoreOverall, the team generated promising solid-stemmed wheat lines (more than 500), based on a novel genetic source of solidness from intergeneric origin (Crocus/TGW). As TWG has adapted through coevolution to the most important WSS biotype in Canada, we expect that our lines have a greater protection against local WSS infestations.
Read MoreThe current project did not identify triazole insensitive F. graminearum isolates in the Prairie Provinces. This key information indicates that stakeholders do not need to significantly change fungicide use in the region. Although insensitive isolates were not identified, a range of sensitivity was observed, suggesting that the sensitivity to triazole fungicides could shift over time. Therefore, continued monitoring will be important.
Read MoreIn order to support a demand for increasing wheat yields, improvement of existing breeding tools is necessary. Isolated microspore culture (IMC) is one such tool that has the potential to rapidly accelerate breeding efforts. The goal of this project has been to increase productivity of the IMC-mediated doubled haploid (DH) production pipeline in wheat
Read MoreThe study objective was to survey glyphosate-resistant and dicamba-resistant kochia within Manitoba in 2018, Saskatchewan in 2019, and Alberta in 2021. Kochia seed was collected at approximately 300 sites in each province. Samples were threshed and seeded in the greenhouse then sprayed with labeled doses of glyphosate or dicamba then evaluated after 3 or 4 weeks, respectively.
Read MoreThe purpose of the project was to improve understanding of the value of diversified cropping for three regions of the Canadian Prairies with different climatic conditions. These included the Parkland region where canola dominates cropping systems, southern Manitoba where warmer season crops such as corn and soybean can be grown, and the semi-arid prairies where pulse crops such as lentil are widely grown.
Read MoreOverall, this research forms the foundation of a promising tool for Saskatchewan producers who are interested in tracking soil health and using the results to inform management practices. 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 MoreOverall, 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 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 MoreIn late 2018, the Agri-Arm group devised a study to compare the quality and performance of certified wheat seed against farm-saved seed (FSS). Farm-saved seed is the producer’s own seed which they clean and use as a seed source for their own farm, because it is cheaper than buying certified seed. Historically, the majority of wheat acres in western Canada are seeded with FSS. Producers will typically introduce better genetics by purchasing certified seed and then use FSS after that for a few years. SaskWheat wanted to know if this was a best practice or whether certified seed should be used more often because it may be better quality, more productive seed. A fair comparison between certified and FSS would require the generation of a lot of data. To this end, the project involved all 8 Agri-Arm locations in Saskatchewan and was funded for 3 years (2019-2021).
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB) is the number one priority disease of wheat in Canada. It threatens all wheat growing areas by reducing crop yield, compromising end-use quality, and affecting food and feed safety through accumulation of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain. In order to continue to make progress in breeding for FHB resistance and build on the momentum that has been generated, it is critical to provide increased capacity for FHB phenotyping.
Read MoreIn 2019 and 2020, trials were established at 8 AgriARM locations across Saskatchewan to demonstrate the potential of increasing either wheat yield or grain protein with late-season applications of N in the form of UAN or dissolved urea. All late-season applications of UAN were applied at 30 lb N/ac to a base rate of 70 lb N/ac of side-banded urea. Applications of dissolved urea were only applied at 25 lb N/ac due to a calculation error.
Read MoreThe purpose of the project was to collect rust infected leaves from field plots and perform sequencing directly from the samples and identify genetic groups (termed as lineages) the samples belong to. The method is quick as compared to classical methods (such as race characterization or genotyping with molecular markers) for pathogen population characterization.
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