DONcast 2008

The new SITE-SPECIFIC DONcast calculator will replace the generalized recommendations, previously provided to Ontario wheat producers in map format.  For 2008, wheat producers can receive on-line access to the more precise  Site-Specific DONcast, without a producer fee.  Weather INnovations Incorporated (WIN), sponsored by the wheat board (OWPMB) and many local farm input suppliers, will be providing this service.

To receive Site-Specific DONcast you MUST sign up.  The better the information that producers provide to the model, the better the predictions of DON will be.  Producers go “on line” to add their own wheat varieties and agronomy information for each field.  Site-Specific DONcast retains your input form so you can return to the web page and receive updated DON forecasts without re-entering your data.  Rainfall forecasts which are used in the model can be adjusted by the producer, if desired.  This will allow producers to “Plug and Play” and make more informed application decisions based on individual farm situations.  The map version of DONcast will not be produced.

Signing up for Site-Specific DONcast is fast and easy.  Go to www.weatherinnovations.com website and click on the SIGN UP NOW notice.  Consider signing up at least 4 weeks before “heading”.

WhEATcast: WIN has also developed a new wheat model called WHEATcast, which identifies when fungicides need to be applied for the control of powdery mildew and septoria blotch in winter wheat.  This model will be extensively tested this season.

SIGN UP NOW - www.weatherinnovations.com

Research Priorities

Investment in research is a long-term strategic initiative of the board that benefits all wheat producers. The OWPMB has sponsored and participated in decades of practical research that has resulted in economic gains for producers through enhancement of agronomic and quality traits. The overall objective of funding wheat research in Ontario is to add value to producers.

Value can be added through four different methods:

1. Increased returns per unit of production (bushel)
2. Decreased cost per unit of production (bushel)
3. Increased output per unit of land (bushels per acre)
4. Improved sustainability of the production environment

The Research and Market Development Committee uses the following objectives to enhance the wheat industry in Ontario:

• Identify the most important issues for research and market development

• Ensure the best return on investment by balancing priorities when selecting projects

• Complement the efforts of public and private researchers

• Access public funds to achieve results that will benefit the industry

• Collaborate, partner and contract equitably with research institutions, suppliers, and customers on research issues

The committee has identified several priority areas for support of research in Ontario. Each research priority relates to at least one of the four methods in its potential to add value to Ontario wheat producers. Several of these priorities add to value through more than one method.

The following sections outline each research priority area, and lists important issues to be addressed through research.

Overall Research Priorities

• Market Development and Quality Issues
• Disease and Insects
• Wheat Testing and Grading
• Agronomy and Production Issues

Market development and Quality Issues

Research in this area focuses on developing expanded uses of Ontario wheat and increasing the quality of Ontario wheat to expand market access and value.

Specific priority topics include:

• Demonstrate value of Ontario wheat to buyers that traditionally use wheat from other sources (i.e.
  increase proportion of Ontario wheat in blends)

• Breeding to improve quality traits (milling quality, protein %)

• Economics – impact of trade policies, U.S. Farm Bill on Ontario growers

• Develop identity preserved (IP) and segregation methods and standards to ensure proper channelling of
  wheat classes and subclasses

• Bio-Products – research into other industrial/alternative uses for wheat and wheat components

• Market analysis and opportunity – supply and demand factors that influence Ontario wheat prices

• Breeding of new classes of wheat for Ontario (durum, hard white)

  Disease and Insects

  Research in this area focuses on improving productivity and quality through managing important disease and insect pests. Fusarium head blight is currently the most important disease affecting wheat producers in Ontario.

  Specific research priorities include:

  • Support breeding to improve disease resistance traits (fusarium tolerance)
  • Evaluate current and upcoming chemical controls of fusarium
  • Develop and deliver disease development models to assist in disease management (fusarium forecasting DONCast)
  • Improve application rates, methods, and timing for control of pests
  • Biotechnology and genetic modifications to improve disease resistance
  • Wheat rust research – stripe, leaf, stem rust

  Wheat Testing and Grading

  Research in this area will improve the ability to assess value of wheat accurately and quickly. It will also lead to improved grading criteria based on objective, rapid techniques.

  Specific research priorities include:

  • Rapid testing for fusarium damage and DON toxin levels at grading
  • Rapid, inexpensive, accurate grading technology
  • Milling quality assessment using rapid, accurate equipment

  Agronomy and Production Issues

  Research in this area leads to improved ability for producers to grow a profitable wheat crop, through improved management and use of technology where appropriate.

  Specific research priorities include:

  • Breeding new varieties for improved agronomic traits (yield, winter survival)
  • Performance trials to assess variety performance
  • Nitrogen sources, rates and timing
  • Impact of underseeded red clover on wheat crop and soil
  • Biotechnology and genetic modification to improve yield
  • Weed control and control measures for problem weeds
  • Seeding date, rate, depth, techniques
  • Phosphorous and potassium sources, rates and timing