Reading Time: < 1 minute The University of Alberta is getting a research plot seeder and combine for its wheat-breeding program thanks to a $289,000 grant from the Western Grains Research Foundation. The program focuses on development of hard red (CWRS) and high-yield (CPS) spring wheat varieties, and also conducts research into genetics of disease resistance, nitrogen-use efficiency in wheat, […] Read more
U of A gets more funding from grains foundation
MARA getting ‘much-needed’ new digs
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Mackenzie Applied Research Association is getting a “much-needed” agronomy centre and repair shop at its Fort Vermilion site. Half of the funds for the $600,000 facility have been raised by local producers and half is being contributed by the Western Grains Research Foundation. “Our current research and workshop facility is antiquated and very expensive […] Read more
New cropping systems research chair to focus on the big picture
U of A scientist will focus on interactions between plants, soils, management, and environment
Reading Time: < 1 minute Western Grains Research Foundation is putting up $3 million for a research chair in cropping systems at the University of Alberta to study interactions between plants, soils, crop management, and the environment. The position will allow a dedicated scientist to work on farm-level management systems such as interdisciplinary considerations of crop, water and input use […] Read more
Website identifies your insect friends
WGRF works with Prairie Pest Monitoring Network to develop online and social media sites
Reading Time: < 1 minute Not all heroes wear capes. That’s the message behind a new communications campaign to increase awareness of some unsung heroes — beneficial insects. Recently launched by Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), the ‘Field Heroes’ campaign encourages growers and agronomists to consider beneficial insects in crop production recommendations and decisions. “Beneficial insects play a vital pest […] Read more
Pea-starch film protects foods against microbes
Researchers at the University of Manitoba have made bioactive edible films and coatings from the starch of yellow field peas to improve foods’ quality and safety. Dr. Jung Han, formerly of the U of M’s Department of Food Science, said in a release this week that his main goal was to make a bioactive material […] Read more
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