Pyramiding oviposition deterrence and Sm1 to control wheat midge

This project is funded through the Canadian National Wheat Cluster.

  • Term:  5 years, ending in 2023

  • Status: Ongoing

  • Funding Amount: $53,515

  • Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Alejandro Costamagna (University of Manitoba)

  • Funding Partners: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association, Western Grains Research Foundation,

Project Description

The main goal of this research is to incorporate oviposition deterrence (OD) as a new tool to control orange wheat blossom midge (wheat midge) populations and maintain the genetic resistance currently based on the Sm1 gene. The recent development of wheat cultivars with both sources of resistance (e.g. Vesper) provides an ideal system to test the effects of gene pyramiding (i.e.: stacking more than one resistant gene on the same variety) on wheat midge damage and population densities.

Variety Development, Pests & Disease, Wheat MidgeSask Wheat2018-2019, All Projects