Five-year project enhances DON and tar spot research for better yields
Ontario corn growers are set to receive improved support in managing two major threats to their crops: DON mycotoxin contamination and tar spot.
A new five-year project will continue annual assessments of DON across corn hybrids through the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Ontario Corn Committee (OCC) while also funding research at the University of Guelph to improve disease modeling and hybrid resistance screening.
The project will help farmers select the most suitable corn hybrids for their fields and manage these diseases effectively, aiming to enhance both crop yields and profitability. By refining prediction tools and hybrid screening resources, growers will gain better knowledge of disease risks and management strategies.
“Our government is proud to support the Grain Farmers of Ontario as they develop innovative tools that will help protect corn crop production and help farmers across the province be more profitable,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
“This predictive and risk-mitigating tool is enabled by the research infrastructure, collaboration and world class innovation that exists right here in Ontario,” said Jones.
Led by the OCC and Professors Dr. Dave Hooker and Dr. Gursahib Singh at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, the initiative receives support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agri-Business (OMAFA).
Additional funding for DON trials comes from the Ontario Agri-Business Association, Greenfield Ethanol, Ingredion, Ontario Pork, Suncor, Alco Energy Canada, and participating seed companies. Field trials will be conducted at the Ridgetown Campus and the Huron Research Centre in Exeter.
“This initiative is an important investment in the future of Ontario’s corn production,” said Dr. Josh Cowan, director, researcher, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “By leveraging cutting-edge research and data, we’re empowering Ontario’s farmers to make more informed decisions, reduce risks, and ultimately increase the sustainability and profitability of their operations.”
The project acknowledges the support of government and industry partners for providing funding and research infrastructure essential for this important work in improving corn disease management.
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