Rotational effects and optimized plant spatial arrangement for wheat production in Manitoba

mca2022dev on March 13, 2023

Background

Using and RCBD experiment, the effects of preceding stubble (canola or soybean), row spacing (3.75”, 7.5” and 15”) and seeding density (200, 300, 400, 500seeds m-2) were investigated in two wheat varieties (Cardale and AAC Brandon) in 9 environments over 5 years. This experiment showed that spring wheat growers in Manitoba have the opportunity to increase seed yields by seeding at narrower row spacings. Furthermore, the study demonstrated wheat performs well in either 3 year (wheat – canola- soy) or 4 year (wheat – canola- wheat – soy) rotations. Integrated weed management practices (reduced row spacing and 50% greater seed density) increased yield and reduced weed biomass.

Objectives

  1. Determine the effect of including 1 vs. 2 wheat crops in rotation with canola and soybean
  2. Determine optimum plant density and row spacing combination for modern wheat varieties, and does the preceding crop affect this.

Results

Overall, narrower row spacing improved wheat yields while seeding density had relatively little effect on yield under weed-free conditions. In a rotation where herbicide-resistant weeds were present, however narrower row spacing and increased seeding densities in all crops had a positive effect on yield and weed suppression. It is important to note that these results should be applied with caution as all years and locations during this research received only 43 to 75 per cent of normal precipitation during the growing seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Under weed free conditions narrow row spacing (<15") increased wheat yield, while there was no effect of increased seed density.
  • In rotations with group 1 herbicide resistant weeds, narrow row spacing and increasing seed densities improved yield and weed suppression
  • Important to note that the 3 years of study received only 43-75% of normal precipitation

Low Cost Paper-Based Strip Tests for Detection of Mycotoxins in Grains

mca2022dev on November 28, 2022

Benefits to MB Producers: Fungal diseases and mycotoxin contamination cost producers time and money. This will benefit the agricultural industry by helping their competitiveness locally and globally. The ability to screen samples quickly at the farm or grain elevator with minimal training and resources will support better decision along the supply chain and ultimately save money.

Next Generation Fungicides – Translating dsRNA Technology from the Lab to the Field

mca2022dev on November 21, 2022

This project will investigate the application of RNA-based fungicides to control major diseases of crops grown on the prairies, namely wheat and canola. This approach is based on proven research that has demonstrated that the application of RNA molecules directly as a spray can target and silence functionally important pathogen genes. Induction of gene silencing kills the pathogen and prevents further disease formation and spread. Additionally, the systemic nature of RNA-based fungicides can reduce the risks associated with timing of fungicide application to control disease.

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