Synchrotron-based X-ray and geospatial artificial intelligence to determine Fusarium infection and deoxynivalenol in cereals

Term: 3 years, beginning in 2021

Status: Ongoing

Funding Amount: $245, 558

Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Randy Kutcher (University of Saskatchewan)

Funding Partners: Western Grain Research Foundation

---

Project Description

This project focuses on developing innovative nondestructive methodologies to assess the grain kernel images and changes in the nutrient components in cultivars with varying level of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance, using synchrotron based XRF microscopy and spectrometry. This project builds on the previous findings by the research team on the application of Synchrotron Light for crop improvement and rapid screening tools for FHB. The main objective is to standardise a rapid and accurate non-destructive X-ray imaging and XRF technology to determine FDK, DON and nutritional elements in all small grain cereal. This study will also utilize the deep learning models that will accurately determine the percentage of FDK in plant spikes and kernels rapidly.This will increase efficiency and reduce costs of screening the breeding materials and the breeding process to develop germplasm with low FDK and DON. Because the conventional tools are tedious and time-consuming, developing a fast and simple tool to measure FDK and DON in grain is vital for cereal growers, cereal breeders, and as well as for food processors. This project will provide an all-in-one solution to determine FDK and DON contents as well as nutrient levels in cereal grains.