by PressWinter rye: Canadian scientists have developed a new variety with increased yield
Winter rye will be a good alternative to winter grains
Canadian researchers are developing promising varieties of grain crops. One such variety is winter rye, which will serve as a worthy alternative to traditional winter grains.
The Ministry of Agriculture is interested in expanding its acreage. This approach will improve the efficiency of crop rotation. Christina Einck is leading the project to create new varieties. Research is being conducted at the DFCC division of the AAFC organization. The DFCC is a separate cluster that deals with the diversity of field crops.
The ministry has set three key tasks for the researchers:
— developing and promoting new varieties of winter turnip rape;
— popularizing spring turnip rape;
— preparing for breeding processes aimed at ensuring genetic diversity.
Winter oilseeds are a profitable option for Canadian farmers. They strengthen the root systems of other plants in the fall. Moreover, winter varieties slow weed growth and retain moisture until spring.
Rye has the potential to become a viable alternative to winter grains due to several advantages over other crops. However, its limited genetic pool complicates the work of scientists. To overcome this barrier, researchers are using material from non-winter varieties. This approach has expanded the potential of winter varieties and improved their characteristics.
Development process
The researchers selected the variety Joel as the control for their breeding work. Based on it, they created a new variety, Noel. The process of creating seeds was carried out as follows:
— specialists selected and compared the characteristics of several varieties;
— the assessment was carried out taking into account their suitability for winter, semi-winter, and spring planting;
— varieties were tested at different sowing periods;
— the tests were conducted at three locations in different regions of the country.
Researchers noted the ambiguity of the results. For instance, the fields in Indian Head yielded approximately 1,500 kg per hectare, which is considered a low result. However, the tests made it possible to determine the optimal sowing dates. The highest yield was observed in plots sown in mid-October.
Scientists noted the success of the new variety. It is the result of crossing spring and winter varieties of the crop. Consequently, the new variety acquired qualities absent in the original seeds. Testing showed a 32% increase in yield for the Noel variety compared to standard varieties, reaching up to 3,900 kg per hectare.
In addition to working with winter varieties, researchers are working to improve spring varieties as well. To this end, they enlisted the help of Bayer CropScience, which provided extensive breeding expertise. As a result, improved varieties have been developed. Their key quality is resistance to pests, including powdery mildew. Furthermore, the new varieties are better adapted to different climatic conditions.