Strong Straw Research Articles

A new variety of spring barley Boyarin and elements of varietal technology

The development of the Boyarin spring barley variety was carried out in 2008-2022, the improvement of varietal agricultural technology – in 2021-2022 in the soil and climatic conditions of the Kirov region. The Boyarin spring barley variety is characterized by a high yield (up to 6.15 t/ha in 2017), in some years exceeding the Belgorod 100 standard (by 0.9 t/ha in 2018). The variety is medium-early, the duration of the growing season is from 76 to 97 days; forms a highly productive stem (390 pcs/m2) due to good survival and bushiness of plants (2.0 pcs/plant), has a strong straw and is characterized by high resistance to lodging (5.0 points). The weight of 1000 grains is up to 47 g, the nature is up to 683 g/l, the protein content in the grain is up to 12.2 %. According to the quality of grain, it belongs to the varieties of grain-forage use. Since 2023, the Boyarin variety has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements Approved for Use in the Volga-Vyatka region. The article provides a scheme for creating a new variety of spring barley Boyarin and its economic and biological characteristics. When developing elements of varietal technology, new biofertilizers (Azolene, Azotovite, Phosphatovite, Kalivite, Nitroslak) andbiofungicides (Pseudobacterin, Flavobacterin, Alirin) were tested, which were used to treat seeds and plants in the "tillering" and "earing" phases. In relatively arid vegetation conditions (HTC = 1.23), no statistically significant yield increases were obtained from the use of all the studied preparations. With excessive moisture during the growing season of plants (HTC = 2.20) relatively high yield increases (1.31-1.58 t/ha with LSD05 = 0.50) were obtained in variants using biofertilizers Phosphatovite (seed treatment), Azotovite (plant treatment in the "earing" phase) and Kaliivit (treatment of plants in the "tillering" phase). The best biological protection against root rot at the level of 60.5 % was provided by the treatment of seeds with Nitroslak biofertilizer, which is not only a nitrogen fixator and phosphate immobilizer, but it also contains a binary mixture of microorganisms antagonists of phytopathogens.

Effects of rumen microorganisms on straw returning to soil at different depths

Slow decomposition of straw returning will lead to the aggravation of diseases and insect pests, affecting the growth of the next crop and causing the reduction of grain crops. This research was designed to investigate the effects of rumen microorganisms at different depths on straw returning to soil. By pot experiments finding, rumen microorganisms can accelerate straw decomposition. When straw returning to soil at 20 cm showed the best decomposition performance, which the straw degradation rate compared with the returning depth of 5, 10 and 30 cm, it has increased by 19.2%, 8.7% and 10.7%. At the optimal burial depth of 20 cm, the degradation rate of straw reached 46.4% on day 30, which 44.5% faster than that of the control. Moreover, the straw structure analysis proved that microorganisms derived from rumen fluids addition were conducive to destruction of functional groups and degradation of cellulose on straw surface. Additionally, it was demonstrated that rumen fluids could promote the rot of straw so that soil nutrients and enzyme activities were increased. According to high-throughput sequencing technology, the addition of rumen fluids significantly increased the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms with strong straw decomposition ability, including bacteria and funguses. Experimental results provided an innovative approach for further development and utilization of rumen microorganisms. Most importantly, it provides new ideas for speeding up the straw returning.

CDC Vantta durum wheat

CDC Vantta durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. CDC Vantta combines high grain yield potential, strong straw, and a semi-dwarf growth habit. CDC Vantta is resistant to leaf and stripe rusts and common bunt, and expresses high yellow pigment in the grain and superior pasta colour compared with check cultivars. CDC Vantta has low cadmium concentration and is eligible for grades of the Canada Western Amber Durum class.

Registration of ‘Epoch’ hard red winter wheat

Abstract‘Epoch’ (Reg. no. CV‐1195, PI 699379) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed cooperatively by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the USDA‐ARS and released in February 2021 by the developing institutions. It was selected from the cross ‘Hitch’/NW03666. The pedigree of NW03666 is N94S097KS/NE93459. The cross was made in 2009. The F1 generation was grown in Yuma, AZ, in 2010, and the F2 to F3 generations were advanced using the bulk breeding method at Mead, NE, in 2010–2011 to 2011–2012. In 2012–2013, single F3‐derived F4 rows were planted for selection. From 2015 on, Epoch was tested under rainfed or irrigated conditions in single replicate trials with replicated checks (2015) and in replicated alpha lattice trials (2015–2020). There was no further selection in Epoch other than to remove off‐types thereafter. Epoch was selected using both phenotypic and genomic selection for its ability to survive the winter, short stature with strong straw strength, agronomic performance under irrigation, resistance to diseases, and end‐use quality. Epoch seems to be narrowly adapted to irrigated production fields in Nebraska. The name Epoch was chosen because it marks the transition of leadership in the UNL Wheat breeding project from P. Stephen Baenziger to the new wheat breeder, Katherine A. Frels; hence, it marks the end of one era and the beginning of the next.

CDC Reign Canada Prairie Spring Red wheat

CDC Reign, a hard red spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), is adapted to the wheat growing regions of Western Canada and is eligible for the Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) market class. This conventional height wheat combines high grain yield and grain protein concentration with strong straw, intermediate resistance to Fusarium head blight, and excellent milling properties. CDC Reign is resistant to leaf rust and moderately resistant to stem rust and demonstrated end-use quality suitable for the CPSR market class.

Research Progress and Prospect of Mechanized Harvesting Technology in the First Season of Ratoon Rice

The first seasonal harvest technology of ratoon rice requires the least rolling with suitable stubble height required by agronomy when the ratoon rice is nearly mature. Mechanized harvesting in the first season of ratoon rice needs to finish harvesting, threshing, cleaning, straw treatment, grain transportation, grain collection and other processes at one time with a low rolling rate and low rolling degree. Limited by the production conditions such as wet and soft fields, and wet, thick and strong straw, harvest technology with high efficiency and a low rolling rate of ratoon rice in the first season has become the key technology and research focus affecting the yield of ratoon rice. In this paper, we analyzed the planting and popularization of ratoon rice in China, summarized the planting mode and agronomic characteristics of ratoon rice, highlighted the research status of mechanized harvesting equipment for the first season of ratoon rice, especially the specialized harvesters, and illustrated in detail the technical characteristics and research trends of key segments such as chassis, header, and processes such as threshing and cleaning, and straw and stubble treatment of ratoon rice harvesters. In addition, we summarized the application status and value of lightweight technology, performance monitoring and fault diagnosis technology, grain quality detection technology and automatic navigation technology of mechanized harvest in the first season, explained the main problems and reasons affecting the development of ratoon rice harvest mechanization in China, and illustrated the prospect of its research focus and tendency.

AAC Redberry hard red spring wheat

AAC Redberry hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has a grain yield significantly higher than the check cultivars Katepwa, and Lillian and is similar to Carberry. AAC Redberry matures in a similar number of days as Katewpa and Lillian, and is significantly earlier maturing than Carberry. AAC Redberry has an awned spike, and a low lodging score indicative of strong straw that is significantly lower than Katepwa and Lillian but significantly higher than Carberry. Plant stature is taller than Carberry, but shorter than Lillian and Katepwa. AAC Redberry expressed resistance to prevalent races of leaf rust, stem rust, yellow rust, loose smut, moderate resistance to common bunt and intermediate resistance to Fusarium head blight. AAC Redberry has quality attributes within the range of the check cultivars and is eligible for grades of Canada Western Red Spring wheat.

Isolation of a novel psychrotrophic fungus for efficient low-temperature composting

This study aimed to isolate psychrotrophic cellulose-degrading fungi and to investigate their application potential for composting in cold climate regions in China. One out of five psychrotrophic cellulose-degrading fungal isolates was identified as a novel fungal species, Aureobasidium paleasum sp. nov., with a strong straw degradation potential. Enzyme activity assays and FITR spectroscopy revealed high cellulolytic activities of this psychrotrophic fungus at lower temperatures, with high thermal adaptability from 5 °C to 50 °C (optimum at 10 °C). A. paleasum efficiently decomposed rice straws and cellulose at 10 °C compared to the common cellulose-degrading fungus Penicillium oxalicum. In comparison to P. oxalicum, A. paleasum shortened the thermophilic stage, enhanced compost maturity and improved compost quality. Our work suggests that the psychrotrophic fungus A. paleasum is efficient for rice straw degradation and composting at low temperatures, highlighting its application potential for composting in colder regions.

AAC Succeed durum wheat

AAC Succeed durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. AAC Succeed carries the Sm1 gene, which confers antibiosis-based resistance to orange wheat blossom midge [Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin)]. Averaged over three years, AAC Succeed yielded significantly more grain than Strongfield (7%) and AC Navigator (21%). AAC Succeed had a protein concentration significantly higher than Brigade and AC Navigator, and similar to Strongfield. AAC Succeed had significantly stronger straw as measured by lodging score than Strongfield, and similar to Brigade. AAC Succeed is eligible for grades of Canada Western Amber Durum, has low grain cadmium concentration, and has higher yellow pigment concentration than the check cultivars.

Registration of ‘Vision 50’ Wheat

Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station; Virginia Small Grains Board; Virginia Agricultural Council; Virginia Crop Improvement Association; Mennel Milling Company; Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (Blacksburg); USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture (Washington, DC)

AAC Viewfield hard red spring wheat

AAC Viewfield hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has a grain yield significantly higher than the check cultivars Katepwa and Lillian and is similar to Carberry. AAC Viewfield matures significantly later than Katewpa and Lillian but is similar to Carberry. AAC Viewfield has an awned spike, a low lodging score (indicative of strong straw), and significantly shorter plant stature than all checks. AAC Viewfield expressed resistance to prevalent races of yellow rust and stem rust, moderate resistance to leaf rust and common bunt, and intermediate resistance to Fusarium head blight. AAC Viewfield has quality attributes within the range of the check cultivars and is eligible for grades of Canada Western Red Spring wheat.

AAC W1876 hard red spring wheat

AAC W1876 hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has grain yield and time to maturity within the range of the check cultivars: Katepwa, Laura, Lillian, Carberry, and CDC Kernen. AAC W1876 has an awned spike, a low lodging score indicative of strong straw, and a short plant stature typical of a semidwarf wheat. AAC W1876 expressed resistance to prevalent races of leaf rust, moderate resistance to stem rust, and intermediate resistance to Fusarium head blight, yellow rust, common bunt, and loose smut. Compared with the Canada Western Red Spring check cultivars, AAC W1876 had improved flour yield and lower flour ash. AAC W1876 is eligible for grades of Canada Western Red Spring.

Registration of ‘UI Sparrow’ Wheat

‘UI Sparrow’ (Reg. No. CV‐1134, PI 680612) soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed and released by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station in August 2016. Soft white winter wheat is an important wheat class grown in Idaho and the rest of Pacific Northwest. Resistance to stripe rust is critical for winter and spring wheat cultivars grown in the Pacific Northwest. Resistances to dwarf bunt and snow mold are also important traits for winter wheat cultivars produced in the dryland areas of the Pacific Northwest. UI Sparrow, tested under the experimental designations IDO1108DH, is a semidwarf cultivar with strong straw, brown chaff, and long awns. It has excellent resistance to dwarf bunt, all‐stage resistance to all tested predominant races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici except for PSTv‐40, moderate to high levels of high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance to stripe rust, and high level resistance to snow mold. UI Sparrow was released as an alternative to ‘Eltan’, ‘Otto’, and ‘Xerpha’ in the low‐rainfall regions (<300 mm) and to ‘Bobtail’, ‘SY Ovation’, and ‘UI‐WSU Huffman’ in the intermediate‐ (300–500 mm) and high‐rainfall regions (>500 mm) of Idaho and Washington.

Registration of 01Ab9663 Spring Malting Barley Germplasm

Enlarging genetic pools of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm is important for keeping diverse genetic resources available for barley improvement. 01Ab9663 (Reg. No. GP‐209; PI 677387) is a six‐rowed elite line from the cross 93Ab375//92Ab5189/M83. 93Ab375 was derived from the cross Russell/82Ab2322//‘Morex’, and 92Ab5189 was the result of the cross 83Ab5432/85SR40. 01Ab9663 was advanced via the bulk method from the F2 to F5 generations. 01Ab9663 exhibited a 126 and 105% yield advantage over ‘Morex’ and ‘Tradition’, respectively, within 37 locations years of testing in our irrigated trials. It showed on average 81.8% malt extract, significantly higher than all the checks from 21 trials. 01Ab9663 has a semidwarf stature with strong straw, a desirable trait for lodging resistance. These excellent character traits make 01Ab9663 a good choice for germplasm development of future malt and feed lines.

AAC Brandon Hard Red Spring Wheat

AAC Brandon hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has grain yield and time to maturity within the range of the check cultivars: Katepwa, Laura, Lillian, Carberry, and CDC Kernen. AAC Brandon has an awned spike, a low lodging score indicative of strong straw, and a short plant stature typical of a semidwarf. AAC Brandon expressed resistance to prevalent races of leaf, stem, and stripe rust, and moderate resistance to fusarium head blight and loose smut. Compared with the five Canada Western Red Spring check cultivars, AAC Brandon has improved flour yield and lower flower ash. AAC Brandon is eligible for grades of Canada Western Red Spring.

AAC Spitfire Durum Wheat

AAC Spitfire durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. Averaged over four years, AAC Spitfire yielded significantly more grain than Strongfield, AC Avonlea, and AC Navigator, but the protein concentration was significantly lower than AC Avonlea and Strongfield. AAC Spitfire had significantly shorter and stronger straw than Strongfield. AAC Spitfire is eligible for grades of Canada Western Amber Durum, and it has low grain cadmium concentration and higher yellow pigment concentration than the check cultivars.

AAC Elie hard red spring wheat

AAC Elie hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has grain yield and time to maturity within the range of the checks. AAC Elie has an awned spike, a low lodging score indicative of strong straw, and a short plant stature typical of a semidwarf. These traits were comparable to the check Carberry. AAC Elie expressed resistance to prevalent races of leaf and stem rust, and intermediate resistance to fusarium head blight, yellow rust, common bunt, and loose smut. Compared with the five Canada Western Red Spring checks, AAC Elie has improved flour yield, and lower flower ash. AAC Elie is eligible for grades of Canada Western Red Spring.

Pintail general purpose winter wheat

Salmon, D. F., Helm, J. H., Graf, R. J., Albers, S., Aljarrah, M., Xi, K., Oro, M., Lohr, S. and Bergen, C. 2015. Pintail general purpose winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1271–1276. Pintail is an awnless hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar that was registered in 2012 and is eligible for grades of Canada Western General Purpose (CWGP) wheat. It was developed using wheat × maize-pollen doubled haploid techniques. Evaluated across western Canada from 2008 to 2010 relative to CDC Harrier, CDC Falcon and CDC Ptarmigan, Pintail expressed grain yield ranging from 98.6 to 105.8% of these CWGP wheat checks. Its area of greatest adaptation was in the parkland and semi-arid prairie regions of Alberta and western Saskatchewan, where cold tolerance is a primary concern. Pintail exhibited excellent winter survival, intermediate maturity, medium height and strong straw. Test weight was within the range of the checks, and kernel weight was lower than all of the checks. Pintail displayed moderate resistance to stripe rust, moderate susceptibility to stem and leaf rust, and susceptibility to common bunt and Fusarium head blight. The high yield and awnless spike of Pintail should make it particularly attractive in various livestock feed and forage applications.

CDC Fortitude durum wheat

Pozniak, C. J., Nilsen, K., Clarke, J. M. and Beres, B. L. 2015. CDC Fortitude durum wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1013–1019. CDC Fortitude durum wheat is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. This conventional-height durum wheat cultivar combines high grain yield potential with high grain pigment and protein concentrations and low grain cadmium. CDC Fortitude has strong straw with a solid stem (high degree of pith expression) conferring wheat stem sawfly resistance. CDC Fortitude expresses leaf, stem, and stripe rust, common bunt, loose smut and Fusarium head blight resistance similar to the current check cultivars.

AAC Current durum wheat

Singh, A. K., Clarke, J. M., DePauw, R. M., Knox, R. E., McCaig, T. N. and Cuthbert, R. D. 2015. AAC Current durum wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 589–594. AAC Current durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.) is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. AAC Current combines high grain yield, high grain protein concentration, strong straw strength, very high test weight, high grain pigment and strong gluten strength, and low grain cadmium concentration.