b'WheatThe First Ergot-Resistant Durum systems tailored to thrive in the unpredictable conditions of AAFC Swift Current/AAFC Morden/AAFC Lethbridge Prairie farmlands. In a Canadian first,The programs achievements in wheat show the value of ergot resistance has beencomprehensive, perceptive science, as demonstrated by two incorporated into a durumnotable examples:line, called DT2033. ItI ntroducing an ultra-early spring wheat seeding system has a stack of high-valueusing prescriptive soil temperature triggers, effectively traits including intermedi- shifting the critical growth period of wheat.ate resistance to fusarium Developing improved genetics and management systems head blight (FHB),to mitigate wheat stem sawfly damage, including the another toxic disease.implementation of an Artificial Neural Network Model to Developing DT2033predict sawfly cutting in solid-stemmed wheat cultivars.involved the integration of state-of-the-art molecularMaking Wheat Smell Bad (to Midge)techniques, includingAAFC Saskatoongenomic sequencing, geneThe Sm1 gene, conferring resistance to wheat midge, has been expression analysis, andpivotal in saving farmers high-resolution geneticsubstantial losses in yield and mapping.quality. Tyler Wist, an ento-These approachesFor the first time ever in Canada, ergotmologist, aims to replicate helped create high- resistance has been incorporated intothis success by uncovering throughput moleculara durum line. new traits and genes that tools, enabling the preciseprotect wheat from destruc-selection of ergot-resistanttive pests like wheat midge. genes during the breeding process. His team has identified aA photo of wheat midge larvae. We believe DT2033 will become the next durum wheatnovel QTL region enhancingPhoto: Tyler Wistvariety grown on Canadian farms, researcher Yuefeng Ruan ofthe efficacy of the Sm1 gene, AAFC Swift Current says. along with other genetic regions altering wheats scent to make it less appealing to wheat midge. Advancing Wheat Agronomy Theyve also explored mechanical traits in wheat that deter AAFC Lethbridge female wheat midge from laying eggs. These genetic break-throughs hold promise for developing wheat varieties with heightened resistance to pests, ensuring the stability and pro-ductivity of wheat farming both in Canada and globally.Breeding Durum FasterCrop Development CentreThe University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) is at the forefront of innova-tion in wheat breeding. CDC director and wheat breeder Curtis Pozniak is renowned for his groundbreaking research in plant breeding and genetics, particularly Brian Beres (front) with his team members Rye Dyck, Zhijie Wang, Leezain the realm of durum. Nielsen, Kaitlyn Heidinger, Warren Taylor, Sherry Hunt and Steve Simmill.Leveraging state-of-the-artCurtis Pozniak is a wheat Missing: Hunter Gudmonson, Shaelyn Leckie. genomic tools, he acceleratesbreeder and director of the Crop Development Centre at the the breeding of durum wheatUniversity of Saskatoon.Brian Beres leads the agronomy program at AAFC Lethbridge,varieties that exhibit height-which is internationally recognized for its innovative contribu- ened productivity and resil-tions to enhancing Genotype x Environment x Managementience to climate change. His work has yielded over 20 varieties (GxExM) systems. The programs success lies in creatively inte- with enhanced disease resistance, reducing reliance on chemical grating individual technologies such as genetic improvements,pesticides and fostering sustainable farming practices. new pesticides, and seeding technologies into robust agronomic JULY 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 9'