Hard Red Spring Research Articles

‘Velva’ Spring Wheat: An Adapted Cultivar to North-Central Plains of the United States with High Agronomic and Quality Performance

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growers and industry value adapted wheat cultivars with high quality attributes, essential criteria for maintaining wheat as a competitive crop in the spring wheat growing region of the United States. To address this goal, the breeding program at North Dakota State University (NDSU) aims to develop modern wheat cultivars using both traditional and modern breeding tools. Among these cultivars, ‘Velva’ (Reg. No. CV-1090, PI 665417) hard red spring wheat (HRSW) was developed at NDSU. It was released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2012. Velva was tested as experimental line ND811 and was released because it is well adapted to the wheat growing conditions of North Dakota. It combines high yield potential with good end-use quality and has a good disease resistance package including Fusarium head blight (FHB) [caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch)] and leaf diseases including stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn.), leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.), and leaf spotting diseases. Velva has the Lr21 gene that confers resistance to leaf rust. However, 2011 field observations showed that Velva is susceptible to the new race that overcomes the Lr21 gene. The name Velva was chosen after a small town in central North Dakota where Velva performed very well.

Rates of yield gain of hard red spring wheat in western Canada

Thomas, J. B. and Graf, R. J. 2014. Rates of yield gain of hard red spring wheat in western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1–13. The Manitoba and Saskatchewan Seed Guides dating back to 1972 represent an unused source of yield comparisons to re-examine current progress in western Canadian spring wheat cultivar yields. Adjusting for the shift in check cultivars over time showed that the yield rise due to new cultivars could be divided into two periods. Prior to the early 1990s, yields rose at a rate of about 0.33% per year; these low early rates agree with other published estimates from this period and were possibly influenced by a strong emphasis on replicating the quality of previous cultivars. From the early 1990s to 2013, yields rose by about 0.7% per year; this doubling of the earlier rate was significant based on the non-overlap of confidence intervals of comparable slopes. To compare rates published in the literature with these new rates, all slopes were adjusted to a common benchmark where mean yield = 100%. Following these adjustments, current rates in western Canada (about 0.67% per year) were comparable with a world average estimated to be about 0.62% per year. Variation in performance among Canada Western Red Spring cultivars based on the Seed Guides was significantly correlated with their on-farm yields based on Manitoba Management Plus Program (MMPP) crop insurance data (r = 0.81, n = 42). Beginning in 1991, on-farm yields rose by an average of about 1.4% per year both in Manitoba (Manitoba Management Plus Program data) and across the entire western wheat area (Statistics Canada data). This compares favorably with a world-wide rate of yield increase for wheat since 1991 of 1.16% per year. Although western Canadian on-farm yield gains were attributed to a combination of new cultivars and upgraded agronomy, the two influences were not separable in the Manitoba crop insurance data set. Opinions published in the farming press that rates of yield gain among western Canadian wheat cultivars are comparatively low were not supported by the evidence presented here.

Rates of yield gain of hard red spring wheat in western Canada

Thomas, J. B. and Graf, R. J. 2014. Rates of yield gain of hard red spring wheat in western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1-13. The Manitoba and Saskatchewan Seed Guides dating back to 1972 represent an unused source of yield comparisons to re-examine current progress in western Canadian spring wheat cultivar yields. Adjusting for the shift in check cultivars over time showed that the yield rise due to new cultivars could be divided into two periods. Prior to the early 1990s, yields rose at a rate of about 0.33% per year; these low early rates agree with other published estimates from this period and were possibly influenced by a strong emphasis on replicating the quality of previous cultivars. From the early 1990s to 2013, yields rose by about 0.7% per year; this doubling of the earlier rate was significant based on the non-overlap of confidence intervals of comparable slopes. To compare rates published in the literature with these new rates, all slopes were adjusted to a common benchmark where mean yie...

Application of flue gas desulfurization gypsum and its impact on wheat grain and soil chemistry.

The 11 major electricity-generating coal combustion stations in the northern Great Plains have the potential to produce almost 1 million Mg of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) annually, which is a very attractive fertilizer (Ca and S) and amendment for sodic and acid soils. The potential environmental impacts of applying FGDG to soils in this region have not been fully investigated. The objectives of this research were to determine the influence of FGDG on soil chemical characteristics and to determine the impact that FGDG has on hard red spring wheat ( L.) yields and element analysis of the grain. Flue gas desulfurization gypsum and commercial gypsum were applied at rates of 0, 2.24, 11.2, and 22.4 Mg ha to two soils in southwestern North Dakota in the spring of 2007. Soil and grain chemistries were monitored for two growing seasons. Wheat grain yields and elemental analysis of the grain were generally not affected by the gypsum treatments, indicating that the gypsum products did not negatively affect plant productivity. In addition, soil elemental analysis was similar across the treatments at both sites in both years. The results from this study indicate that its application to soil at rates used for sodic soil remediation (Mg ha) did not negatively affect the chemistries of either the soils or the wheat evaluated in this study compared with a commercial gypsum product or control soils.

AAC Bailey hard red spring wheat

DePauw, R. M., Knox, R. E., Cuthbert, R. D., Singh, A. K. and McCaig, T. N. 2014. AAC Bailey hard red spring wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 175–181. AAC Bailey hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) had grain yield within the range of the checks with maturity significantly earlier than the mean of the checks. The quantity of protein of AAC Bailey was significantly less than Lillian but gluten strength was stronger than Lillian as measured by farinograph. AAC Bailey is eligible for grades of Canada Western Red Spring. AAC Bailey expressed resistance to prevalent races of leaf rust and stem rust, moderate resistance to common bunt, and moderate susceptibility to loose smut. AAC Bailey frequently had lower fusarium head blight disease index and lower deoxynivalenol concentration than Lillian and Laura.

Occurrence of Deoxynivalenol and Deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside in Hard Red Spring Wheat Grown in the USA

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin found in wheat that is infected with Fusarium fungus. DON may also be converted to a type of “masked mycotoxin”, named deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G), as a result of detoxification of the plant. In this study, DON and D3G were measured using gas chromatographic (GC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in wheat samples collected during 2011 and 2012 in the USA. Results indicate that the growing region had a significant effect on the DON and D3G (p < 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between both methods (GC and LC-MS) used for determination of DON content. DON showed a significant and positive correlation with D3G during 2011. Overall, DON production had an effect on D3G content and kernel damage, and was dependent on environmental conditions during Fusarium infection.

Analysis of Deoxynivalenol and Deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside in Hard Red Spring Wheat Inoculated with Fusarium Graminearum

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin affecting wheat quality. The formation of the “masked” mycotoxin deoxinyvalenol-3-glucoside (D3G) results from a defense mechanism the plant uses for detoxification. Both mycotoxins are important from a food safety point of view. The aim of this work was to analyze DON and D3G content in inoculated near-isogenic wheat lines grown at two locations in Minnesota, USA during three different years. Regression analysis showed positive correlation between DON content measured with LC and GC among wheat lines, locality and year. The relationship between DON and D3G showed a linear increase until a certain point, after which the DON content and the D3G increased. Wheat lines having higher susceptibility to Fusarium showed the opposite trend. ANOVA demonstrated that the line and location have a greater effect on variation of DON and D3G than do their interaction among years. The most important factor affecting DON and D3G was the growing location. In conclusion, the year, environmental conditions and location have an effect on the D3G/DON ratio in response to Fusarium infection.

Optical‐Mechanical System for On‐Combine Segregation of Wheat by Grain Protein Concentration

Grain segregation by grain protein concentration (GPC) may help growers maximize revenues in markets that offer protein premiums. Our objective was to develop an on‐combine system for automatically segregating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by GPC during harvest. A multispectral optical sensor scans the grain as it is conveyed by the combine’s grain bin‐filling auger. Light from the optical probe is transmitted through a fiber optic cable to a spectrometer, which determines the spectral characteristics of the grain. This information is processed by the instrument control software that is programmed to calculate GPC from a chemometric model. The continuous GPC output is simultaneously fed to a binary computer algorithm for triggering a logic circuit and operating a mechanical diverter valve that diverts the grain into either one of two bins. Field tests of the system were conducted during harvest of hard red spring wheat using a Case IH 1470 combine modified with front and rear bins. Front and rear bins were compared in terms of the mean and frequency distribution of the optically sensed GPC. In addition, the grain in each bin was manually sampled and tested in the laboratory for GPC. Results showed that it is possible to use the GPC measured by an optical sensor to effectively control a mechanical diverter valve for routing the grain into one of two bins on a combine. An advantage of this approach is that prior knowledge of harvesting zones is not required.

A Canadian Ethanol Feedstock Study to Benchmark the Relative Performance of Triticale: I. Agronomics

A need has been identified for alternative crop(s) with high grain yield, low grain protein concentration, and high starch for the ethanol industry. The objective of this study was to benchmark the relative performance of triticale (×Triticosecale ssp.) to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) classes currently utilized for ethanol production. Sixteen cultivars—three triticale, four Canada prairie spring (CPS) wheat, three Canada western soft white spring wheat (CWSWS), two Canada western red spring (CWRS) wheat, and four Canada western general purpose (CWGP) candidate cultivars—were grown at 36 locations across western Canada from 2006 to 2009. The performance of these cereal classes can generally be summarized as triticale = Hoffman (CWGP) = CWSWS &gt; CPS white &gt; CPS red &gt; CWRS for most variables. The triticale and white wheats produced 12 and 13% more grain, respectively, than the hard red spring wheats. Among the triticales, AC Ultima’s and Pronghorn’s yield potential were most notable because they exceeded the CWRS cultivars AC Barrie and AC Superb by an average of 32% and the CPS red cultivars 5700PR and AC Crystal by 18%. The triticales and Hoffman matured later than most other cultivars. Pronghorn consistently displayed low levels of fusarium head blight (FHB), Septoria nodorum blotch, and powdery mildew, but elevated ergot levels were observed for all triticales. We conclude that triticale would be superior to CPS and CWRS wheat and similar to CWSWS in many agronomic traits desired by ethanol fermentation plants and is superior for biomass production.

The Influence of Polymer‐Coated Urea and Urea Fertilizer Mixtures on Spring Wheat Protein Concentrations and Economic Returns

The economic benefit of using controlled‐release N fertilizers on hard red spring wheat (HRSW, Triticum aestivum L.) depends on its cost/price ratio, grain yield, and availability of discount and/or premium prices for protein concentration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of five different proportions (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of polymer‐coated urea (PCU) in the N fertilizer mixture applied at three different N rates on (i) HRSW grain yield and protein concentration and (ii) whole‐plant dry matter and total N accumulation, and (iii) also to perform an economic analysis. As the proportion of PCU in the fertilizer mixture increased, the grain yield decreased in Environment 1 and remained the same in Environment 2. Cool dry conditions in Environment 1 delayed N release from PCU causing N deficiencies during the critical yield‐development phase and resulting in lower grain yield as the PCU proportion increased. In contrast, this was not the case in Environment 2. As the proportion of PCU in the fertilizer mixture increased, protein concentrations increased in both environments indicating that PCU increases soil‐N availability later in the growing season, regardless of the early season weather conditions. The proportion of PCU in the fertilizer mixture did not affect total N accumulation and post‐harvest soil NO3–N concentrations. The results of this study suggest that adding a portion of PCU in the fertilizer mixture can increase HRSW grain protein concentration and provide economic benefits to producers if discount prices are around $20 per Mg or greater.

Monitoring of Fusarium Trichothecenes in Canadian Cereal Grain Shipments from 2010 to 2012

A method involving dry grinding, rotary sample dividing, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was evaluated for the analysis of eight Fusarium trichothecenes in cereal grains. Processing of whole cereal grains by the method produced representative test portions for the analysis of deoxynivalenol (DON). Method validation data, as well as the successful participation in various international proficiency tests, demonstrated the analytical method produced accurate and precise results. The evaluated method was used to monitor DON, 3- and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, nivalenol (NIV), T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, and fusarenon-X in shipments of Canadian wheat, durum, barley, corn, rye, and oats transported between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2012. DON was the most frequently measured trichothecene, found in 231 of the 303 samples at concentrations up to 2.34 mg/kg; NIV was the next most frequently observed trichothecene, but its occurrence was limited to barley. Concentrations of DON were significantly associated with wheat class and grade. The median DON concentration in durum (0.09 mg/kg) was lower than that for hard red spring (0.21 mg/kg). Lower grades of wheat also contained higher median concentrations of DON than higher grades, supporting the current use of Fusarium damaged kernels as a grading factor to manage DON.

Effect of pre-harvest sprouting on physicochemical changes of proteins in wheat

High moisture before harvest can cause sprouting of the wheat kernel, which is termed pre-harvest sprouting (PHS). The aim of this study was to examine the variation in physicochemical properties of proteins in PHS-damaged (sprouted) hard red and white spring wheat genotypes. Specifically, protein content, enzyme activity and degradation of proteins were evaluated in sound and PHS-damaged wheat. Protein contents of sprouted wheat samples were lower than that of non-sprouted samples; however, their differences were not significantly (P > 0.05) correlated with sprouting score. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) buffer extractable proteins (EXP) and unextractable proteins (UNP) were analyzed by high-performance size exclusion chromatography. PHS damage elevated endoprotease activity and consequently increased the degradation of polymeric UNP and free asparagine concentration in wheat samples. Free asparagine is known to be a precursor for formation of carcinogenic acrylamide during high heat treatment, such as baking bread. Free asparagine content had significant correlations (P < 0.01) with sprouting score, endoprotease activity and protein degradation. Genotypes with higher endoprotease activity tend to exhibit a larger degree of degradation of UNP and higher free asparagine concentration in sprouted wheat samples.

Hard White Versus Hard Red Wheats: Taste Tests and Milling and Baking Properties

ABSTRACTMolecular markers for the red grain color (R) loci controlling seed color and the polyphenol oxidase (Ppo‐A1) locus controlling polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in seed have recently been developed. These markers provided the opportunity to convert the hard red spring wheat cultivars Choteau and Hank to white‐seeded versions with high and low PPO levels, respectively. These sets of near‐isogenic lines provided material to test the effects of seed color and PPO activity on a range of end‐use quality traits. We tested recurrent parents Choteau and Hank, along with near‐isogenic derivatives with white seed, in two replicated trials in Bozeman, Montana, for end‐use quality parameters. The white‐seeded lines consisted of both high‐ and low‐PPO near‐isogenic lines. The primary impact of white seed was the production of whole wheat bread with a perceived sweeter taste relative to the red‐seeded lines. Noodle color was not consistently impacted by the level of PPO variation despite relatively large reductions in PPO level. The alleles for white seed color did not appear to impact agronomic traits. These results suggested that hard white low‐PPO hard spring wheat would be advantageous in terms of conferring brighter color to Asian noodles and a sweeter taste to whole wheat bread.

Polymeric proteins and their association with grain yield in hard red spring wheat lines

Development of high yielding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties with acceptable end-use quality is a major focus in breeding programs worldwide. Variations in molecular weight (Mw) distribution of endosperm proteins are known to influence end-use quality traits. This paper reports the relationship of the size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) profile of endosperm proteins with grain yield. Flour samples were previously analyzed for Mw distribution of sodium-dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extractable and unextractable proteins using the SE-HPLC protocol. Correlations were calculated between grain yield and HPLC absorbance data obtained at 0.01-min retention time intervals. Although both SDS-extractable and unextractable proteins had positive correlations with grain protein content, only SDS-unextractable very high Mw polymeric proteins (UVHP) had no negative association with grain yield, while SDS-extractable fractions rich in low Mw polymeric proteins had a negative correlation (r = −0.41) with grain yield. These results suggest that in an effort to increase grain yield, breeding programs should target grain yield and also increase levels of UVHP and decrease SDS-extractable polymeric proteins, thereby, maintaining acceptable bread-making quality.

Registration of ‘WB9879CLP’ Hard Red Spring Wheat

‘WB9879CLP’ hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (Reg. No. CV‐1086, PI 666046) was developed by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2012 to the commercial partner Westbred, a subsidiary of Monsanto. WB9879CLP is a two‐gene Clearfield wheat for use with the imidazolinone herbicide Beyond (BASF). WB9879CLP was developed by backcrossing alleles for resistance to the imidazolinone herbicide class into the recurrent parent ‘Choteau’. Choteau has solid stems, which provide resistance to the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus Nort.). The wheat stem sawfly is a major yield‐reducing pest in large areas of Montana and surrounding regions. Alleles for herbicide resistance at TaAHAS1D and TaAHAS1B were selected during the backcrossing process and line derivation using polymerase chain reaction markers developed by BASF. Two years of replicated yield trials at a total of 16 sites showed that WB9879CLP is similar to Choteau in most agronomic characteristics. WB9879CLP showed no symptoms of damage at any of 13 testing sites when imidazolinone herbicide was applied at two times the recommended rate. WB9879CLP is the first Clearfield solid‐stem wheat variety for sawfly infested sites in Montana and adjoining regions.

Molecular genetic mapping of QTL associated with flour water absorption and farinograph related traits in bread wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) flour functionality during the dough development and baking processes is an important quality attribute considered by the baking industry. A flour with high water absorption during mixing means more water and less flour is needed, compared to a flour with less water absorption. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing water absorption and dough rheological properties of hard red spring wheat. QTL were mapped on a genetic linkage map that comprised 531 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and diversity array technology (DArT) marker loci. Composite interval mapping with 139 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was used to identify QTL within and across two field environments. Six QTL on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 4B, 4D, and 5A were detected for farinograph water absorption. These QTL also confirmed earlier studies that flour water absorption is a function of protein content, starch damage, and gluten strength. In this study, dough rheological properties such as dough development time, dough stability, mixing tolerance index, and time to breakdown were influenced by the high-molecular weight glutenin genes Glu-B1 and Glu-D1.

Application of seed-row potash to spring wheat grown on soils with high available potassium levels

Karamanos, R., Flore, N. A. and Harapiak, J. T. 2013. Application of seed-row potash to spring wheat grown on soils with high available potassium levels. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 271–277. Two experiments were conducted at numerous locations across western Canada from 1990 to 1994 to ascertain the response of hard red spring (CWRS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to seed-row applied K fertilizers. Soil test K levels at all sites (location×year combinations) exceeded the critical level for western Canada of 125 mg NH4OAc-extractable K kg−1, the concentration below which the probability of a K deficiency is high. In the first experiment, days to maturity and yield for wheat were statistically similar whether or not KCl was applied in the seed row. When the cultivar Roblin was grown significant (P&lt;0.05) yield reductions as a result of seedrow placing low rates of potassium fertilizers were obtained. The second experiment showed that maturity and yield did not respond to treatments including KCl, K2SO4, or CaCl2 fertilizer applied in seed row. Furthermore, spring wheat responses for any of the preceding treatments were not different relative to the control (no K fertilizer applied). These findings bring into question the benefit of seed-row K fertilizer application to hard red spring (CWRS) wheat production on K-sufficient soils in western Canada.

Vesper hard red spring wheat

Thomas, J., Fox, S., McCallum, B., Fetch, T., Gilbert, J., Menzies, J., Wise, I., Smith, M., Gaudet, D., Niziol, D., Humphreys, G. and Brown, D. 2013. Vesper hard red spring wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 315-321. Vesper is a high-yielding, hard red spring wheat that is adapted to the wheat-growing regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative Registration Trials of 2007, 2008 and 2009, Vesper out-yielded five check cultivars by an average of 12%, and Unity, which was the highest yielding check, by 4.6%. Lodging, height and maturity scores of Vesper were all intermediate (similar to the check mean). Pre-harvest sprouting resistance of Vesper was equivalent to the poorer checks (Katepwa and CDC Teal). Kernels of Vesper were heavier than all five checks and test weight was high (exceeded only by Unity). Vesper was resistant to leaf rust and was moderately resistant to stem rust and Fusarium head blight. Vesper was intermediately resistant to loose smut and was susceptible to co...

Stubble options for winter wheat in the Black soil zone of western Canada

Irvine, B. R., Lafond, G. P., May, W., Kutcher, H. R., Clayton, G. W., Harker, K. N., Turkington, T. K. and Beres, B. L. 2013. Stubble options for winter wheat in the Black soil zone of western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 261–270. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production has yet to reach its full potential in the Canadian prairies. Alternative stubble types are needed to help overcome the challenge of timely planting of winter wheat in late-maturing canola (Brassica napus L.) fields. A study was conducted in the prairie provinces of Canada to determine ideal stubble types for winter wheat and select spring cereals grown in the Black soil zone. Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), canola, pea (Pisum sativum L.), barley grain or silage (Hordeum vulgare L.), and oat (Avena sativa L.) stubbles were established at four locations in western Canada. A new study area was established at each location for 3 yr. In the year following establishment, winter wheat, hard red spring wheat, barley, and oats were grown on each stubble type at each study area. Winter wheat and spring cereal crops often yielded best and had greater grain protein concentration on barley silage, pea, and canola stubbles relative to other stubble types. The yield and grain protein concentration of spring cereals was best when grown on pea stubble. Winter wheat production attributes varied most among site by crop combinations, and further investigation indicated the source of this variability may be from winter wheat plantings on canola and pea stubble. Among the optimal stubbles, less variable results were observed when winter wheat was grown on barley silage stubble, suggesting proper crop residue management would reduce the variability observed in canola and pea stubble. Our results suggest stubble alternatives to canola are available for winter wheat plantings in western Canada.

Vesper hard red spring wheat

Thomas, J., Fox, S., McCallum, B., Fetch, T., Gilbert, J., Menzies, J., Wise, I., Smith, M., Gaudet, D., Niziol, D., Humphreys, G. and Brown, D. 2013. Vesper hard red spring wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 315–321. Vesper is a high-yielding, hard red spring wheat that is adapted to the wheat-growing regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative Registration Trials of 2007, 2008 and 2009, Vesper out-yielded five check cultivars by an average of 12%, and Unity, which was the highest yielding check, by 4.6%. Lodging, height and maturity scores of Vesper were all intermediate (similar to the check mean). Pre-harvest sprouting resistance of Vesper was equivalent to the poorer checks (Katepwa and CDC Teal). Kernels of Vesper were heavier than all five checks and test weight was high (exceeded only by Unity). Vesper was resistant to leaf rust and was moderately resistant to stem rust and Fusarium head blight. Vesper was intermediately resistant to loose smut and was susceptible to common bunt. Spikes of Vesper showed two forms of resistance to wheat midge: antibiotic resistance (no larvae observed in the field) and antixenotic resistance (reduced egg numbers laid by caged ovipositing females). Over 3 yr of testing, end use quality of Vesper was rated as eligible for the Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) market class of wheat. Kernels of Vesper were relatively hard with consequent high water absorption.