Implementing Genomic Selection for Development of Next Generation CPSR Wheat Cultivars
Term: 5 years, beginning in 2021
Status: Ongoing
Funding Amount: $100,000
Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Harpinder Randhawa (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge)
Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission, Results Driven Agriculture Research, Alberta Pulse Growers
Project Description
Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) wheat class was established in the mid-1980s as a lower protein alternative to Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat. Modern CPSR cultivars have hard kernel texture and strong dough properties along with very good milling performance. High flour yield is another quality which makes CPSR suitable for noodle and flatbread production. Good agronomics combined with 10-15 per cent yield advantage over CWRS and growing demand in the international market makes CPSR one of the most desirable classes in Western Canada. CPSR breeding should be accelerated in order to keep pace with growing global demand and to maintain yield advantage. Genomic Selection (GS) is a molecular breeding tool that facilitates the selection of lines with genotypic information available only through prediction models constructed based on a training population. It is a streamlined method for early generation selection that accelerates cultivar development through shorter breeding cycles. Low cost and feasibility related benefits, along with higher genetic gain over time makes GS an attractive approach. Integration of GS in routine CPSR breeding for traits such as grain yield, resistance to diseases, early maturity, etc. will not only help in achieving comprehensive and reliable selection but will also help more rapidly develop high yielding competitive CPSR cultivars.