Date posted: March 30, 2004

Wheat, Rye and Triticale Subcommittee

The Wheat, Rye and Triticale Subcommittee evaluates lines based on agronomic performance, disease resistance and end-use quality. Here are activity highlights from the 2004 meeting.

Key action

Support for dissolution of PRRCG. The Wheat, Rye and Triticale Subcommittee supported the PRRCG resolution to dissolve the PRRCG and allow current subcommittees to become independent recommending committees. This is consistent with this subcommittee's actions in recent years. For example, in 2002, it voted to break away from the larger PRRCG body and form its own recommending committee - a move that was held off to allow PRRCG as a whole to address subcommittee concerns.

Buffer zone extended for Roundup Ready wheat testing. The subcommittee adjusted its protocols for the testing of Monsanto's Roundup Ready wheat, which is set to enter its third of the typical three years of pre-registration testing. Because this wheat is considered a genetically modified organism (GMO), it is undergoing testing in confined field trials, rather than the normal co-op testing system, with the aim of preventing cross contamination with other wheats.

The protocol for this testing, which is determined by the PRRCG with approval from CFIA, has called for a buffer zone of 30 metres between Roundup Ready wheat plots and any adjacent wheat crops, as well as the planting of a taller crop such as corn in this zone to act as a pollen trap. Based on concerns that out-crossing may still occur in rare circumstances under this protocol, the subcommittee passed a motion to extend the buffer zone to 300 metres.

Motion to not recommend confined candidates. On a related note, the subcommittee supported a separate motion stating it would not recommend for registration any crop line not approved for unconfined release in Canada. This would affect Roundup Ready wheat, which is not approved for unconfined release and has been undergoing pre-registration testing in special confined trials.

Testing added for Fusarium-produced mycotoxin. The subcommittee's disease evaluation team added testing for the deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin as part of its co-op testing system evaluations. DON is produced by Fusarium Head Blight and can render grain unfit for livestock or human consumption.

Last stand for Alsen comes up short. The American wheat variety Alsen was rejected by the subcommittee in what was likely its final bid for a recommendation of registration for Canada. The variety has become widely known for its level of resistance to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), which is substantially higher than that of all current Canadian wheat varieties. However, as in a previous bid, the subcommittee cited end-use quality concerns as a major drawback.

Major gain in Fusarium resistance. On a related note, the subcommittee recommended a new CWRS line, BW297, which represents a major gain in FHB for Canadian wheat. While not as resistant as Alsen, BW297 features substantially greater resistance than AC Barrie, which is acknowledged to have highest resistance among current Canadian varieties. There was a feeling that the emergence of BW297 helped soften the blow of the Alsen rejection. The Agricore United/Proven Seed line was hailed as an excellent overall variety candidate that combined valuable FHB resistance for farmers with top market quality characteristics.

Recommended lines

BW297. CWRS wheat. Strong combination of very high-yield and high protein - 9.5 percent higher yield and one percent higher protein than AC Barrie. Solid disease package with higher levels of Fusarium Head Blight and rust tolerance than any current CWRS varieties. Represents a major step up in Fusarium resistance, rated at moderate resistance, at a level between AC Barrie and the well-known U.S. variety Alsen. Agricore United/Proven Seed.

BW799. CWRS wheat. High-yielding, high protein variety with very strong overall performance, particularly in the Dark Brown Soil Zone. AAFC Swift Current.

BW301. CWRS wheat. High yield and early maturity. Solid disease resistance package, featuring resistance to leaf rust, bunt and loose smut. U of S CDC.

BW307. CWRS wheat. Has solid disease package. Yields four percent higher than Barrie and three percent lower than Mackenzie. Protein one percent higher than the checks. Resistance to leaf rust, stem rust and loose smut. Fusarium resistance similar to AC Barrie. AAFC Winnipeg.

ES63. CWES wheat. First semi-dwarf extra strong for Western Canada. Shorter and stronger straw than Glenlea, with eight percent higher yield and improved common bunt resistance. Recommended for all growing areas except northern. AAFC Winnipeg.

DT722. CWAD wheat. A strong gluten durum, with greater gluten strength than Navigator. Semi-dwarf, with higher yield than all checks except DT712. Similar maturity and test weight to Avonlea. AAFC Swift Current.

Snowbird. CWHW wheat. One of two first lines put forward in a new class of CWRS-style white wheat, which offers preferred colour and higher flour extract. Granted interim registration in 2001 to facilitate market evaluation. Full registration will allow more time to judge market acceptance. AAFC Winnipeg.

Kanata. CWHW wheat. Supported for an additional two years of interim registration. Second of two first lines put forward in a new class of CWRS-style white wheat. Granted interim registration in 2001 to facilitate market evaluation. Further interim registration will allow more time to investigate commercial potential. First commercial launch planned for spring 2004. AAFC Winnipeg.

HY475. Supported for three-year interim registration. Has potential as a CPSW or CWHW wheat variety, with earlier maturity and higher test weight than AC Vista. Seven percent higher yield than Snowbird. Interim registration will allow more time to assess quality and find best class fit. AAFC Swift Current.

HY476. Supported for three-year interim registration. Has potential as a CPSW or CWHW wheat variety. Major feature is a new gene for resistance to common bunt, known as BT 8. This is the first deployment of the gene, which is needed because all current variety resistance is based on a single gene, BT 10, which is expected to lose effectiveness over the next several years. Like HY475, has earlier maturity and higher test weight than AC Vista, with higher yield than Snowbird. Interim registration will allow more time to assess quality and find best class fit. AAFC Swift Current.

RT193. Fall rye with low viscosity. Consistent yield across soil zones. Significantly higher test weight than check varieties - 28 percent higher kernel weight. Like other fall rye varieties, it is susceptible to ergot. AAFC Swift Current.

RT169 (Dakota). Winter rye currently used as check in the fall rye co-op testing system. It was interim registered in 1997. Full registration will allow continued use. Consistent high yields across soil zones. Susceptible to ergot. Agricore United.

SWS241 (AC Andrew). CWSWS wheat. Out-yields acreage leader AC Reed by eight percent, features stronger adult-plant resistance to the new race of stripe rust, and carries a solid overall agronomic and quality package. Aimed at irrigated production areas. Granted interim registration in 2000. AAFC Lethbridge.

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