Research Overview
The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has identified research as a key priority for investment of producer check-off funds.
Research Program Overview
The objective of the research program is to build collaborative research relationships and partnerships through identification of and investment in research and development initiatives in three main priority areas: varietal development, production and post-production.
Varietal Development
Genetics/’omics’; pre-breeding (e.g. germplasm, precision breeding, high throughput phenotyping and genotyping, genomic selection, tools for improving breeding efficiency); breeding for yield, biotic stress (e.g. Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), rust, ergot), abiotic/physiological stress (e.g. drought, Water Use Efficiency (WUE), cold tolerance, root system, lodging) and quality; testing/trialing.
Production
Agronomy (e.g. fertility, Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE), WUE, soil health, soil microbiome, crop rotations, crop management including genetics, environment and management (GxExM), reduced input costs, economic analysis); integrated pest management (disease, weeds, insects, biological control, innovative technologies); fungicide resistance; management strategies for herbicide resistance; harvest management.
Post-Production
Storage; end-use (e.g. quality, processing, utilization), economic and regulatory analysis, value-added initiatives.
Research initiatives in other areas that provide significant value to wheat producers will also be considered.
Objectives
The objective of the research program is to fund, manage, monitor, and disseminate results of research projects and programs that will result in:
Improved crop management
Reduced input costs and environmental impact
Increased yield and quality of grain for Saskatchewan producers
Objectives
The ultimate goal of the research program is to enhance the interests and profitability of wheat producers in Saskatchewan.
Research Program Process
Researchers interested in seeking funding from Sask Wheat should submit a “Letter of Interest” (LOI) to the Research Program Manager. The LOI should include a title, information on the principle investigator and co-investigators/collaborators, duration (start/end dates) of project, budget information including amount of funding requested, contributions (cash and in-kind) from other sources, benefit to the industry/context, objectives, description/methodology of the research and expected outcomes. A sample outline for the LOI can be requested.
Once an LOI is received, it is reviewed by the Research Program Manager and the Research Committee to identify if the project requesting funding meets the program criteria and objectives including: their fit within strategic priority areas, scientific merit, benefit to producers and perceived return on investment. Projects that are deemed to meet the program criteria and objectives are invited to submit a full, detailed research proposal.
The full proposals are again reviewed by the Research Program Manager and Research Committee. Industry experts may be called upon to act as external technical reviewers where appropriate. Those projects meeting program criteria and objectives then go to the Board of Directors for final decisions, ensuring that wheat producers’ best interests are represented in all research funding decisions.
If you have a research proposal that you feel aligns with Sask Wheat’s strategic priorities and would benefit Saskatchewan wheat producers, please contact Sask Wheat’s Research Program Manager for more information.
Constance Chiremba
Research Program Manager
306-653-7932
constance.chiremba@saskwheat.ca