News - Wheat

A wheat breeder with the University of Manitoba says the increasing prevalence of a more aggressive form of fusarium graminearum could force changes to Canada’s grading system for wheat.

Wheat breeders that used to search through binders of data can now make genetic comparisons with the click of a mouse, thanks to software developments and a gene mapping database funded by the Western Grains Research Foundation Endowment Fund.

The president of Winter C ereals Canada is confident the elimination of kernel visual distinguishability as registration criteria for winter wheat will re-invigorate winter wheat breeding programs on the prairies.

A plant breeder with the University of Manitoba says creating a general purpose class of wheat, along with elimination KVD as a registration requirement, has created exciting opportunities for plant breeders and farmers.