Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Stripe rust is the most threatening wheat disease in western Canada. Local weather conditions and close proximity of Alberta to the Pacific Northwestern United States, where the pathogen overwinters and annual infections originates, makes it most prone to stripe rust epidemics (recently occured in 2005, 2006, 2011, and 2016).
The most effective stripe rust management approach is the growing of resistant cultivars. However, recent disease surveys showed that several traditionally resistant wheat cvs are now not only seriously affected by new stripe rust races but also resulted in failure of several previously very strong genes. The potential yield losses associated with failure of resistance could therefore approach over a billion dollars annually in Canada. Thus, continuous identification of new resistance genes is essential for breeding resistant wheat.
Previous work has identified a number of new strip rust resistance lines among all wheat classes and have developed several recombinant inbred lines (RIL) populations segregating for major genes. These populations broadly represent three nested association mapping (NAM) populations.
This research will use these NAM populations to precisely map new strip rust resistance genes so that molecular markers could be developed in order to efficiently deploy novel genes in modern wheat cultivars for Alberta.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Newer cultivars with enhanced rust resistance will offer the best strategy to mitigate the threat of stripe rust to wheat producers by protecting yield and grain quality. This will also make wheat production more competitive, ensure long-term sustainability, and increase farm income.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be shared with producers and agriculture industry personnel through new cultivar releases, newsletters, factsheets, seminars, field tours, and demonstration plots.