The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission has committed almost 1.5 million dollars to support wheat research projects in the coming year.
The chair of SaskWheat, Bill Gehl of Regina, says research this year will focus on disease resistance, new varieties, and drought-tolerance.
He adds work is underway to find fusarium head blight resistant wheat varieties.
He says there are some good advancements in hard red spring wheat but durum remains a concern and more work is needed on durum.
He says a new CPS red wheat will be released in the next couple years showing full resistance to fusarium head blight.
Gehl adds projects this year will also work on intensive wheat management, an effort to try to maximize yields.
Other projects include comparing wheat allergens in ancient grains along with modern wheats.
The study will see if dietary problems are related to modern crop breeding.
Gehl says other funds go to market development and advocacy.
Source : CKRM