Research

Research Topic: Nutrition/Product Creation

• Project Status: Completed
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Yongfeng Ai, University of Saskatchewan
• Project Dates: January 2019 – February 2023
• Abstract/Summary: This project addressed 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: Fertility/Climate/Environment

• Project Status: Completed
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Fran Walley, University of Saskatchewan, Richard E. Farrell(co-PI)
• Project Dates: January 2020 – June 2023
• Abstract/Summary: The goal is to develop new estimates for crop nutrient uptake and removal, as the current information regarding crop nutrient uptake and removal does not reflect current crop yields, and the grain and straw nutrient concentration estimates are not adequately reflective of current varieties. Also, there is no consistent data regarding micronutrient uptake and removal. This project is co-funded by ADF.

Research Topic: Insect/Disease/Weeds

• Project Status: Completed
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Shaun Sharpe with AAFC
• Project Dates: April 2021 – Feb 2022
• Abstract/Summary: The study objective is to characterize the dose response, interaction, and optimal mix of potassium nitrate and pyroligneous acid (liquid smoke) to determine the suitability of either pre-seeding or post-harvest germination stimulation of wild oat, volunteer barley, oats, and wheat. Wild oat is a strong competitor and can cause significant yield loss when emerging prior to cereals. The development of herbicide resistance in wild oats results in additional herbicide inputs and costs, as well as standard practices to control wild oat.

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: Intercropping/Other

• Project Status: Completed
• Principal Investigators: Jaswinder Singh, McGill University
• Project Dates: January 2019 – March 2022
• Abstract/Summary: This project will lay the foundation for a new genome editing method in oat. Genome editing allows plant breeders to make targeted improvements within a plant’s existing DNA. The major objective is to integrate CRISPR- based genome editing approaches with oat breeding for the development of future generations of oat varieties. The objectives are to ensure the agility of the oat research community to respond to new opportunities, and hopefully to integrate CRISPR- based genome editing approaches with oat breeding for the development of oat varieties that address new challenges in food security and environmental stress.

Research Topic: Oat Breeding

• Project Status: Completed
• Principal Investigators: Dr. Weikai Yan and Nick Tinker, AAFC Ottawa
• Project Dates: April 2018 – March 2023
• Abstract/Summary: There are six objectives in this project and POGA is helping fund objectives two to six:
  
  2) identifying optimal agronomic practices to achieve high and stable grain yield and quality, (yes just had condensed the list to save room)
  
  3) enhancing the current oat breeding procedures in both the Ottawa and Brandon programs with genomic selection,
  
  4) improving the ability to deploy appropriate rust resistance genes through a survey of Pc gene profiles in existing cultivars, and Pc gene effectiveness in western and eastern Canada,
  
  5) enhancing genetic diversity in North American oat breeding programs through a joint testing and genotyping network that promotes germplasm exchange and provides information about adaptation,
  
  6) developing a multi-faceted approach to data and knowledge management that enhances all objectives of this project and benefits world-wide pre-competitive oat research.

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.