Research

Research Topic: Variety/Trials

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Aaron Beattie, CDC
  Dr. Allan Feurtado, NRC
• Project Dates: April 2022 – March 2025
• Abstract/Summary: This project will evaluate root system architecture in oat cultivars which vary in lodging resistance. It will evaluate stem and root lodging in field trials; assess impact of seeding rate on key stem and root lodging-related traits; assess the correlation between various root phenotyping methods; and compare root system architecture between Canadian oat germplasm and a diverse set of oat germplasm. Lodging and mechanical failure of the stem or root system is a significant issue for oats, leading to yield reductions for producers. Identifying root and stem traits important for lodging resistance will lead to enhancements in breeding cultivars with high standability. This project is co-funded by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

Research Topic: Oat Breeding

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Jim Dyck, Oat Advantage
• Project Dates: August 2021 – July 2026
• Abstract/Summary: This private breeding facility has supplied five new oat varieties for the Prairie provinces which contribute to over 200,000 oat acres. This research project is targeting a 10% higher bushel weight, low hull content, high protein, harvest durability, and ultimately high yielding and valued oat varieties. Heavy oats are a focus for Oat Advantage, as the improvement on weight is expected to yield benefits in transportation and storage.

Research Topic: Fertility/Climate/Environment

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Kate Congreves at the University of Saskatchewan
• Project Dates: January 2021 – December 2024
• Abstract/Summary: There is no direct annual data on net carbon footprints of Saskatchewan cropping systems. This project will address this gap by providing spatially and temporally integrated data on greenhouse gas (GHG; N2O and CO2) emissions at the field scale level. This information will be used to determine net ecosystem exchange and the net carbon footprint of the cropping system.

Research Topic: Nutrition/Product Creation

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Yongfeng Ai, University of Saskatchewan
• Project Dates: January 2019 – February 2023
• Abstract/Summary: This project will address two interlinked but distinct research gaps:
  1) investigate the effects of milling/processing of pulse and cereal flours on their physicochemical functionality in foods.
  2) determine the impact of milling on nutritional benefits of pulses and cereals with a focus on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia.
  The first priority will generate the new knowledge and technologies needed in the food industry to produce high-quality food ingredients with functional versatility, and the latter will support future health claims to promote the consumption of heathy pulse and cereal products.

Research Topic: Intercropping/Other

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Liu Kui with AAFC
• Project Dates: April 2021 – March 2024
• Abstract/Summary: Intercropping pea with oat or canola enhances biodiversity and likely increases resource (e.g. nitrogen, water, and phosphorus) use efficiency. The improved quality and quantity of straw from the intercrops likely affect straw decomposition, soil carbon and N dynamics, and soil health. In this study, the effects of intercropping on soil particulate organic matter carbon and N will be determined. This study will be conducted at three sites in Saskatchewan. This project is co-funded with ADF and will be completed in 2024.

Research Topic: Insect/Disease/Weeds

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Meghan Vankosky, AAFC Saskatoon
• Project Dates: April 2018 – March 2028
• Abstract/Summary: The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network is a collaborative project and participants include federal and provincial entomologists, university scientists, agronomists, industry, and producers. Participants monitor insect pests annually across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the BC Peace Region. Data is released on a weekly basis when insect pests pose the greatest threat to crop yield. Annual data is collected and compiled into distribution maps, and in some cases, forecast maps for the subsequent season. These tools provide up-to-date, relevant information that can be used by agronomists, industry representatives, and farmers to make decisions regarding insect pest management.

Research Topic: Variety/Trials

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Saskatchewan Agriculture
• Project Dates: Yearly
• Abstract/Summary: Looks to assess various oat varieties and their suitability to various Saskatchewan regions. Trials are conducted in various areas throughout the province, and the varieties are chosen based on top yearly performers. The information is important for producers to grow the variety best suited for their region to ensure a quality, profitable crop. In the near future, the regional variety testing program intends to enhance the lodging data collected on oats.

Research Topic: Variety/Trials

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: Gateway Research Organization
• Project Dates: 2017 - ongoing
• Abstract/Summary: Alberta will test 11 approved milling varieties to investigate the impact of the variety and growing conditions on the yield and beta-glucan in both Westlock, AB and Fahler, AB. The goal of the trials is to determine if a variety with higher beta-glucan can outperform Morgan oats in Alberta to meet oat miller demands for higher beta-glucan.

Research Topic: Marketing

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: POGA
• Abstract/Summary: In 2016, POGA applied to the AAFC Market Access Secretariat for elimination of the requirement for methyl bromine fumigation on raw oats for human and feed consumption as well as a reduction in tariffs for processed oats and groats into India. This requirement for methyl bromide is also prevalent in other crops, most notably pulses. The Government of Canada has advised that until this issue is resolved in pulse it is unlikely to be resolved in other crops like oats.

Research Topic: Marketing

• Project Status: In Progress
• Principal Investigators: funded in part by AAFC and directed by POGA through Emerging Ag
• Abstract/Summary: POGA has reduced efforts in this area until the political landscape becomes more favourable. Other funds originally earmarked for market access have been redirected to the Japanese market.