United Grain Growers is helping fund breeding efforts by researchers at Agriculture Canada, in Swift Current, that could lead to the development of a new type of rye. An agreement between UGG and Ag Canada was recently signed that gives Proven Seed, UGG’s seed brand, exclusive rights to market new rye varieties developed under the agreement.
The new ryes would be “low-pentosan” semi-dwarf varieties. Traditional rye varieties are high in pentosans, or soluble fibres. Pentosans are believed to reduce digestibility in feed grains, and cause foaming in fermentation tanks, therefore limiting the ways rye is now used.
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Reducing pentosan content would create new end-use potential for rye, according to Russell Jeffrey, manager of Proven Seed. “This research will turn rye into a valuable feed grain and industrial crop. That means more marketing opportunities for farmers.”
The research will run under the direction of Grant McLeod, researcher at the centre in Swift Current, the only rye breeding institution in Canada. McLeod said a low-pentosan rye variety is still several years away.
“We hope to have the first commercial low-pentosan variety released within 10 years. That’s a relatively short time for the development of winter type cereal crop. Along with the low pentosan trait, we’re also looking for improved agronomic characteristics.”
Proven Seed will contribute funding to the project, and conduct variety testing trials. Facilities and equipment will be provided by Ag Canada at Swift Current.
– United Grain Growers
