Research
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) National Barley Cluster
Development of improved western Canadian barley robust to climate change Priority 2: Economic Growth
Dr. Ana Badea,Brandon Research and Development Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
As demand for food and feed increases globally, the agriculture industry must continue to increase productivity, meet higher environmental standards and become more sustainable and efficient.
This research aims to take a holistic approach to crop improvement by deploying the most advanced tools available to develop barley germplasm with improved grain yield, disease resistance and malt quality.
Overall, this will help breeders develop varieties better able to cope with a changing climate, contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support sustainable next-generation farming.
Objectives
- Improve grain yield by focused selection (classic and genomic selection), so barley will be able to cope with the anticipated future climatic conditions, contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions, and support sustainable next-generation farming.
- Introgress resistance to multiple diseases by improved genetic control of Fusarium head blight, spot blotch, net blotch (net-form and spot-form), scald, rusts and smuts, so barley will have inbuilt sustainable control of diseases to promote a clean environment.
- Enhance end-use quality and durable grade protection by tailored end-use quality screening for enzyme activity, lower beta-glucan and increased extract, as well as by improving genetic control of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, low to no glycosidic nitrile and/or balanced pre-harvest sprouting, so barley will meet the diverse needs of the industry.