Alberta Grains has launched Advanced Management Trials (AMTs), a new small-plot research program that will evaluate how wheat and barley varieties respond to fungicide applications in different regions of the province. The 2025 trials are co-funded by Syngenta and SeCan, two industry leaders committed to supporting on-farm innovation.
Trials will take place at six locations across Alberta where disease is common or likely: Taber (under irrigation), Lacombe, Olds, Westlock, Vermilion and Falher. The sites were selected to reflect Alberta’s diverse growing environments and regional disease pressures. Each location features replicated plots of wheat and barley varieties that are either treated or untreated with fungicide.
“We recognize that wheat and barley varieties differ in their levels of disease resistance and their genetic response to crop inputs such as fungicides,” said Lara de Moissac, agronomy programs specialist with Alberta Grains. “This program will help farmers better evaluate yield and quality responses of different varieties under disease-prone conditions when fungicides are applied. The results of these trials will also clarify how the economics of fungicide applications can vary from one variety to another.”
The trials use a split-plot design and include four wheat and barley varieties selected in collaboration with the program’s seed distributor, SeCan. Full statistical analysis will be completed, and findings will contribute to future extension tools that support fungicide decisions and variety selection.
“SeCan is pleased to support Alberta-focused research that highlights how genetics and management work together,” said Trent Whiting, parent seed manager west with SeCan. “We see this as a valuable opportunity to generate practical data that will help growers get the most out of their seed investment.”
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