Guelph, where Whiting studied genetic, physiological, and molecular traits associated with cold adaptation of eastern Canadian winter wheat,” he says. This was a followup to a large-scale genetics study on winter survival of eastern Canadian winter wheat published in early 2024 by Dr. Andy Chen and his team at the University of Guelph and McElroy that examined 415 cultivars. The team examined genetic markers and found an allelic combination that breeders can adapt to ensure consistent winter survival in the main winter wheat-growing regions of Canada. Meanwhile, the response to Husiny’s methodology has been positive. “I’ve presented my work at multiple conferences and have received a lot of interest,” he says. “Other students in Dr. Eric Lyons’ lab have used certain aspects of my methods for their research, and there have been other students who have inquired about my methodology at the University of Guelph and beyond. My paper on the method has been downloaded over 360 times thus far and the paper was also named Editor’s Choice in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science.” Looking back and ahead, Husiny adds, “it’s great to have contributed to the efforts to create winter wheat cultivars with better survival that will allow for greater incorporation of winter wheat in Ontario’s crop rotation. I hope that studies continue to build off of this and continually improve the methodology so we can better screen for LTFIE in Canadian winter wheat and ultimately lead to better cultivar development.” continued from page 23 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER RESEARCH 24 With all the study results to this point, Hooker believes winter wheat should be elevated to the status of soybeans and corn as a main crop in Ontario, especially in the Great Lakes region. “Since we’ve quantified the effect of wheat — in terms of an enterprise on its own, and its effect on corn and soybean yields — it’s one of the most important crops for Ontario growers now, and highly competitive with corn and soybeans,” says Hooker. “With further genetics work that leads to cultivars that better survive the winter, wheat is sure to make further inroads and provide more income stability for Ontario grain farmers. Wheat has a very bright future.” • “In some fields, Ontario winter wheat growers can struggle with maintaining viable wheat stands through winter and early spring, notes Hooker, especially with ice, snow cover (or lack thereof), and freeze-thaw during early spring. Producters de Semances du Quebec are proud to have collaborated on this project.
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