Glacier FarmMedia – Manitoba farmer-industry-research-government collaborations are the typical modus operandi of Manitoba’s four crop diversification centres.
The studies highlighted during an Aug. 6 field tour at the the Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre near Carberry were no exception.
Winter wheat shows climate, wildlife benefits
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Spider mites big soybean problem this season
Spider mite issues have been geographically limited but significant where they occur, said John Gavloski, an entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture.
Winter wheat was noted as a resilient crop option, one that’s good for the birds as well.
Alex Griffiths of Ducks Unlimited Canada presented research that has found significant wildlife habitat benefits to the crop alongside agricultural potential.
“Winter wheat provides excellent nesting habitat for both waterfowl and other upland game birds,” Griffiths said.
The study has shown that a nest has a 38 per cent chance of hatching in winter wheat, compared to spring wheat where there was 12 per cent chance of surviving to hatch, Griffiths said. The group also found only one nest in every 55 acres of spring wheat.
The research suggested that winter wheat gives 24 times more nesting habitat than spring wheat.
Flax research addresses producer concerns
Seed treatment trials in flax are attempting to address longstanding producer concerns about the crop’s waxy seed coat affecting treatment adhesion.
The research focuses on practical benefits, said Morgan Cott, an agronomy extension specialist with the Manitoba Crop Alliance.
“I’m more concerned about the benefits of a seed treatment for getting the profit off the ground, having a little bit of strength so that we can grow a strong plant,” she said.
The flax industry has seen significant variety shifts, with CDC Rowland growing from 32 per cent to 62 per cent market share in Manitoba between 2023 and 2024, according to Sonia Wilson, oilseeds specialist with Manitoba Agriculture.
Bio-stimulant testing reflects global trends
Researchers at the MCDC are also testing biostimulants on soybeans as interest grows in natural crop enhancement products. They represent a US$1.5 million global market, with 33 per cent of American producers having tried some form of biostimulant product, said Baljeet Singh of Assiniboine College.
“Biostimulants are natural products that naturally enhance the plant’s capability to absorb nutrients from the soil. They also make plants little stronger … so that you withstand pest attacks,” Singh said.
