The University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre will continue its wheat breeding programs for the next few years.
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) committed $11.8 million over five years as part of a core breeding agreement (CBA) with the Crop Development Centre.
The funding will help in the research and development of new wheat varieties with improved resistance to diseases such as wheat rusts, common bunt, and Fusarium Head Blight, improved yields, and better adaptation to growing conditions in Western Canada.
“This funding will also support the application of genomic assisted selection across all wheat breeding programs at the CDC, a technology that is used in part to “stack” genes for disease resistance, pest resistance and end-use quality in new varieties.” CWRC adds in a news release.
New varieties include Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR), Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) and Canadian Prairie Spring Red (CPSR).
“This renewed investment by the CWRC will directly benefit western Canadian farmers by supporting the development of wheat varieties with improved yields, stronger disease resistance and better adaptation to our growing conditions,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, Alberta.
“Farmer-funded breeding programs like this ensure that producers have access to innovative, high-performing varieties that are in demand and help make their farms more productive and sustainable.”
“We have had a tremendously successful partnership with the CWRC and we are grateful for their continued support,” said Dr. Curtis Pozniak, CDC director and wheat breeder. “The continued investment from the CWRC will help support the CDC’s mission to deliver high-yielding and reliable wheat varieties for western Canadian farmers.”
“Over its history, innovations from USask’s CDC have significantly helped producers by enhancing the value of their operations,” said Baljit Singh, vice-president of research at USask. “The CWRC’s investment will allow the CDC to continue to make positive impact in Canada’s agriculture sector and around the world.”
The new agreement provides $2 million more in funding compared to the previous five year agreement. The new agreement is in effect until 2029.
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition also has core breeding agreements with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Manitoba, and University of Alberta.