compare to each other and the elite checks (Nex 845 CL, 5020 LL, and ... barley, done by Alberta research Council (ARC),
Information on Other Projects SARDA was involved in the following projects for which reports could not be made available due to a number of reasons. However, producers interested in these projects can contact SARDA. Information on these projects follows. New Crop Demos SARDA demonstrated potential crops to observe their growth in the area and assess feed back from the producers for further testing. Lupins, Faba beans, Soy beans, and Camelina were demonstrated in the MD’s of Smoky River and Greenview. The crops were seeded using recommended agronomic practices. Plots were toured during the annual tours of SARDA at both locations. No yield data were collected. Monitoring and Control of Case Bearer (C. deauratella) Larvae in stands of Red Clover Monitoring and field plot trials were continued for the third year in 2008. Results up to 2007 have been presented in the last annual report. The data for 2008 is being analysed by the AAFC and ARD researchers and a report would be available when completed. Wheat and Canola Yield Response to Fertilizer Formulations Containing Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur and Zinc These trials compared the crop yield response to different formulations of experimental fertilizer products from the Mosaic Fertilizer LLC as compared to the commercial fertilizers. These fertilizer formulations included varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and zinc. Each trial was done at two locations, MD’s of Smoky River and Greenview. The data is being analysed by the company. Wheat Response to Different Phosphorus Fertilizer Formulations These trials compared the crop yield response to different experimental phosphorus fertilizer products from the Mosaic Fertilizer LLC as compared to the commercial phosphorus fertilizer. These fertilizer formulations included varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and zinc. Each trial was done at two locations, MD’s of Smoky River and Greenview. The data is being analysed by the company. Testing barley varieties for Shochu Barley Shochu is one of Japan’s most popular alcoholic beverages. To produce shochu, barley is fermented then distilled not brewed. Shochu is made from high quality barley that can be pearled and must meet high standards for plumpness, uniformity and have a mean thousand kernel weight between 55-60 g. To achieve such standards, barley should be seeded early, preferably on canola stubble, at optimum seeding rates and to achieve optimum yield with balanced fertility; and harvested under ideal conditions at 18-20 % and dried at room temperature to 13 % moisture. The Shochu barley trial compared 22 varieties of barley that were seeded on May 27. The crop was harvested at 18-20 % and dried down at room temperature to 13% moisture. Samples have been sent for suitability to produce shochu. The report would be available when completed.
Polish Canola (Brassica Rapa) Variety Testing Program Eight lines / varieties from Private Polish Co-op testing breeding program were compared. The data were sent to the project coordinator for use in the breeding program. Evaluation of the Agronomic Performance of Stage 3A CL and RR Nexera Canola Lines Compared to Elite Lines in Mega Plots across Western Canada Project objective were to evaluate the agronomic performance and quality of 3A RR and CL Omega-9 lines and their comparison to commercial elite, elite and internal check varieties; and understand field performance to make recommendations for commercialization. The key question was what are the agronomic and quality characteristics of the 3A lines and how do they compare to each other and the elite checks (Nex 845 CL, 5020 LL, and 71-45 RR) in western Canada. The other question was can an initial area of adaptation be indentified for the new lines to assist with marketing of new lines. Eleven lines / varieties were compared using large plots. The data is being processed by Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. Effect of Planting Date on Potential of Small Grains for Swath Grazing, Silage and Greenfeed Field trials were conducted at the Falher (SARDA), Fort Kent (LARA), and Lacombe (AARD) sites. Two varieties of barley (AC Lacombe and Vivar), one variety of oats (AC Murphy) and one variety of triticale (Wapiti), were seeded approximately at weekly intervals starting from mid-May until late June (7 seeding dates). All corn plots, to be harvested along the 7 seeding dates of small grain cereals, were seeded with the first seeding date. Cereals were cut with a flail mower forage harvester to determine dry matter yield and nutritive values, at early dough stage for barley and triticale and milk stage for oat. Other parameters like heading date, canopy height and dry matter percentage were also measured. Three corn plots were harvested at the same time when the first barley crop of each seeding date wais harvested. The data are being analysed and a report would be available soon. Optimizing Competitive Ability for cereals in the regional variety trials Barley is a competitive crop with potential to be a valuable Integrated Weed Management (IWM) tool. European research has demonstrated reduced herbicide rates are effective when competitive barley cultivars are used. But substantial differences in cultivar competitive ability exist. In a trial intended to incur 25% yield loss, actual yield losses ranged from approximately 880%, % dockage was not always well-correlated with yield loss, and rankings for both components of competitive ability were found to be useful to maximize the competitive effects of barley cultivar competitive ability. Preliminary research at the ARC indicated that adding competitive ability to Regional Variety Trials is feasible at minimal additional cost. However, important constraints on adding competitive ability are: 1) plot size, 2) choice of weed, and 3) method of enumerating components of competitive ability and, 4) optimal weed and crop density. Project objectives were evaluation of competitive ability of cereal crops using the Regional Variety Trials (RVTs) and to determine an approach that can optimize evaluating competitive ability in the RVTs.
Two identical trials were conducted at four locations in Alberta, one for wheat and one for barley, done by Alberta research Council (ARC), SARDA, Battle River Research Group (BRRG) and Southern Applied Research Association (SARA). Observations included crop yield, weed density, and incremental time spent on the weedy portion. The 2008 was second year of this trial. Results from 2007 indicated a need for refinement of weed seeding rates. Larger plots (2m x 6m) were less variable than 2m x 4m plots. A complete report would be available soon. Water Quality from Households Using Surface Water Reservoirs in the Smoky River Area In 2008, the Smoky River Water Cooperative Ltd. approached SARDA requesting that a selection of water samples from households using surface water reservoirs should be tested for safety. Twenty samples were collected from rural households, considered to be representative of rural households in the municipality. These households employed a variety of filtering and treatment systems. This is the water these residents were using in their households during winter. Samples were drawn from household taps between October 22 and October 28. These 20 samples were tested for the presence of coliforms and E. Coli. Five of these samples were further tested under potable water standards and Health Canada Metals. Coliforms were present in 17 of the 20 samples. E. Coli was present in 4 of the 20 samples. “No health related parameters were exceeded in the 5 samples. Some aesthetic parameters were above the aesthetic objectives as outlined in the Canadian drinking Water Quality Guidelines, but these are not considered to be a concern from a health perspective. Pesticide Risk Reduction Strategy Initiative (PRRSI) SARDA participated in the PRRSI program of Agricultural Research and Extension Council (ARECA) in 2008. This program was administered by the member associations of ARECA throughout the province. It was incorporated into many events hosted by SARDA throughout the year. The two Annual Summer tours hosted by SARDA included a number of speakers that spoke on different aspects of integrated pest management (IPM) including crop scouting, insect identification, weed identification, and crop identification. The June 2008 issue of the SARDA newsletter “The Back Forty” included articles that dealt with aspects of IPM. SARDA also participated in an IPM survey that provided a snapshot of producers’ understanding and incorporation of the concept. SARDA members were mailed a flyer on “Reducing Pesticide Use”. SARDA will continue to promote IPM concepts and the report would be available when completed. Comparison of Triticale and Wheat Varieties for Ethanol Feedstock As the ethanol industry in western Canada develops there is need for a consistent supply of grain to meet the needs of industry. Varieties with high yield, test weight and starch concentrations, and low protein are important to maximize ethanol production. Traditionally, wheat and triticale varieties have been bred for higher protein levels. Currently there is little information on comparisons among the triticale and wheat varieties from various classes for their yield potential and grain quality for ethanol production. The objective of the trial is to evaluate effects of species, variety and environment on starch and straw yields and ethanol producing quality.
Ten varieties of triticale (AC Ultima, Pronghorn, Tyndal), Canada Western Soft White Spring (AC Andrew, Bishaj, SWS 349), Canadian Prairie Spring (5700PR, AC Crystal), Canada Western Red Spring (Superb) and Canada Western General Purpose (Hoffman) are being compared at a number of sites across Canada. Co-operators are Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Brian Beres), Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development (Calvin Yoder), and Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association. SARDA has conducted this trial in 2007 and 2008. At each location diseases ratings, plant height, lodging and maturity are measured. The varieties are harvested to compare grain yield, bushel weight and quality in terms of starch and protein. Straw yield is also determined as there is potential to use straw from annual cereals as a source of cellulosic fibre for ethanol production. Optimizing Agronomy for Production of Ethanol Grade Triticale Triticale has been identified as an annual cereal with strong potential for high yield and good grain qualities for ethanol production. Previous limited triticale agronomic work was done on varieties no longer grown in Alberta and was targeted at high yield and protein. The focus of this project is to develop production practices that allow for rapid germination, plump kernels and even maturity, which are most likely to produce highest starch yield. Co-operators are Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development (Calvin Yoder and Ross Mackenzie) and Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association. SARDA is conducting trials on the effects of seeding rates, seeding dates and nitrogen rates on the yield and quality of triticale grain for ethanol production. SARDA site is among a number of sites being co-ordinated and conducted by AARD across Alberta. Tolerance of Red and Alsike Clover Seedlings Under Seeded to Clearfield Wheat to Several Broadleaved Herbicides Red and alsike clover seed crops are established by under seeding to an annual crop such as wheat. The following year a seed crop is harvested. There are very few herbicides for controlling weeds that are safe for both wheat and clover seedlings. The registration of Clearfield wheat may provide an opportunity to apply a broadleaved herbicide that provides good weed control and is also safe for both Clearfield wheat and clover seedlings. This system could result in improved weed control and stand establishment, which would result in higher yield and quality during the first year of clover seed production. Objectives are to evaluate the tolerance of red and alsike clover seedlings under seeded to Clearfield wheat to broadleaved herbicides, and to compare Roundup Ready canola control among the herbicides. Co-operators are Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (Calvin Yoder), Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association and Peace Region Forage Seed Association. Two blocks of Clearfield wheat were seeded, one each with alsike clover and red clover. The six herbicide treatments were Check, Solo, Embutox, Basagran, Tropotox Plus, and MCPA amine. Plots for herbicide application were 2 m x 10 m long, with four replications. Herbicides were applied with a small plot sprayer at the three leaf stage of the wheat. Tolerance and weed control ratings were estimated throughout the summer. Wheat yield was also determined. Stand establishment and tolerance ratings on the clovers were measured in the fall after the wheat harvest and will be repeated in the following spring. Clover seed yields will be measured in the second year of the trial.
