Lead Researcher (PI): Yadeta Kabeta

Institution: Western Crop Innovations

Total WGRF Funding: $63,667

Co-Funders: Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Alberta Grains, Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission, Beef Cattle Research Council

Start Date: 2023

Project Length: 4 Years

Objectives:

i) Apply genomic information to the decision-making process to increase the quality and speed of trait selection and build a platform for FCDC breeding including incorporating data from field remote, traditional phenotyping, genotyping data and genomic selection.
ii) Improve the adaptation of barley to the diverse soil and agroclimatic conditions in western Canada, enhance drought tolerance and water use efficiency, improve nitrogen use efficiency, build multiple disease resistance characteristics, improve lodging resistance, increase the rate of genetic gain in grain/forage yield, and enhance the nutritional value of barley as a feed grain and forage.
iii) To increase yield and enhance lodging resistance and end use quality of malt barley.