Canada
September 5, 2006
Farmscape
(Episode 2237)
Source:
http://www.farmscape.ca/f1Scripts.aspx?m=INT&p1=692
Dr. Brian Fowler - University of
Saskatchewan
"A University of Saskatchewan
winter wheat breeder fears planned changes to kernel visual
distinction requirements for the registration of new wheat
varieties in Canada will do little to clear the way for the
registration of improved varieties of winter wheat.
"In June the Canadian Grain Commission announced plans to
restructure western Canadian wheat classes to facilitate the
registration of non-milling wheat varieties.
"Key changes intended to take effect August 1, 2008, will
include the creation of a new classification of wheat and the
elimination of kernel visual distinction requirements for the
minor classes but Kernel Visual Distinguishability (KVD)
requirements for red spring and durum wheats will remain in
place.
"Dr. Brian Fowler, a winter wheat breeder with the University of
Saskatchewan and coordinator of the Central Hard Red Winter
Wheat Coop Test, says KVD restrictions on mixtures of hard red
spring wheat with the other classes is where the largest problem
is."
|
Dr. Brian Fowler-University of Saskatchewan:
"The big problem is in our ability to register
because, in order to register a variety, it has to
meet KVD standards.
"I can't talk for the other classes but I can
certainly talk for winter wheat.
"Since 2002 we have not had a single entry that has
survived the registration process in winter wheat.
"They've all been eliminated because of apparent KVD
problems which are mixing of red winter and hard red
spring wheat kernel types and so the KVD has
essentially negated all plant breeding efforts in
the hard red winter wheat area for at least four
years." |
"Dr. Fowler admits over the
years he has been releasing new winter wheat varieties in the US
where they have been accepted without penalty.
"He notes these same varieties are being penalized in Canada and
in some cases couldn’t even be registered.
For Farmscape.ca, I'm Bruce
Cochrane."
*Farmscape is a presentation of
Sask Pork and
Manitoba Pork Council |
