The proposed strategy in this project is to apply genomic selection as early as possible within the breeding programs that is cost effective based on the current cost of genotyping and number of lines under consideration. Our strategy to continue to apply genomic selection at the F4 generation is based on a pilot study discussed more in the next section of this application ‘how does this project build on your previous research or research of others’. By applying genomic selection at an early generation the gene pool of breeding populations will be enriched for desirable alleles in the same way that phenotypic selection is done for agronomic and disease traits such as height and rust resistance.
Read MoreSurveys for wheat midge have been conducted in Saskatchewan since the late 1980’s. The survey was expanded with the gradual increase in distribution of the wheat midge in the Province. Currently the survey covers most of the wheat growing areas of the Province. The wheat midge survey consists of soil sampling (approximately 420 to 450 sites during September and October) followed by processing and analysis to be completed by the end of December. The data from the survey is used to create a forecast map of risk to wheat midge for the following growing season.
Read MoreThe Saskatchewan Variety Performance Group (SVPG) is an informal group made up of stakeholders who are interested in variety performance testing in Saskatchewan. SVPG has coordinated the post-registration regional performance testing of spring wheat, durum, barley, oats and flax varieties since 2006. The data collected from these trials is entered into annual publications Varieties of Grain Crops and SaskSeed Guide. These publications are valuable resources for producers and seed growers who are looking for unbiased comparisons of variety data.
Read MoreThe Saskatchewan Variety Performance Group (SVPG) is an informal group made up of stakeholders who are interested in variety performance testing in Saskatchewan. SVPG has coordinated the post-registration regional performance testing of spring wheat, durum, barley, oats and flax varieties since 2006. The data collected from these trials is entered into annual publications Varieties of Grain Crops and SaskSeed Guide. These publications are valuable resources for producers and seed growers who are looking for unbiased comparisons of variety data.
Read MoreInsects are important components of ecosystems and affect ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. Insects can be both positive, such as pollinators and natural enemies, or negative in the form of pests. Historically, pests have been managed responsively through the use of pesticides. However, there is an increasing desire for alternative methods with less environmental impact and that are safer for beneficial insects. This desire can be seen, for instance, in the WGRF Field Heroes program. Further, as the crops grown in western Canada diversify, it becomes necessary to evaluate potential pests and to determine the risk and threats from different insect species.
Read MoreThis research will renew the FHB screening provided by the WGRF core agreement and add back capacity that was in Growing Forward 2. It will also sustain the additional resources for durum wheat which was supported through the bridge funding provided by the AWC, SWDC, and MCA. By providing phenotypic FHB data to breeders and geneticists, this project will support the continued efforts toward incorporating and combining better sources of genetic resistance into Canadian wheat cultivars. This will benefit the entire wheat value chain and ensure that Canadian wheat continues to be competitive on world markets.
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