Field studies with two types of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars were conducted at Lethbridge in 2012 and 2013 and at Picture Butte in 2012 to determine the effects of irrigation on the dry matter (DM) yield and on net returns. The irrigated cultivars (Longview and Blue J) and dryland cultivars (Rangelander and Rambler) were arranged on plots in a randomized complete block design with four irrigation treatments and replicated five times. For the optimal irrigation treatment (W₁), soil water content was maintained between 60 and 90% of available water in the designated root zone. Other irrigation treatments received 75% (W₂), 50% (W₃), and 25% (W₄) of the irrigation water applied to the optimal treatment. The mean DM yields of irrigated alfalfa cultivars were greater than one of the dryland cultivars in both locations. The mean total DM yields for W₂ and W₃ at Lethbridge for Blue J, Longview and Rambler were greater than those of W₁, although the differences were not always significant. The net returns, calculated by using the same price for all alfalfa harvests were similar across the cultivars and irrigation treatments excepting Rangelander, where the returns were lower. The results obtained from this study indicated a trend towards comparable yields and net returns between the optimal and the 75% irrigation treatment with 40% depletion of available water at the root zone, for the irrigated alfalfa cultivars and a dryland type Rambler.

The granule size distribution of starch strongly influences its physicochemical properties and the functionality of wheat. Twelve wheat cultivars grown in east China's Huanghuai region were used for investigating the granule size distribution, amylose content, and their interrelationship. The results showed that the volume distribution of starch granules show the typical bimodal with peak values in the ranges of 4.44-5.36 µm and 21.7-23.82 µm, respectively. Surface area distribution of granules was also bimodal with peak values in the ranges of 2.53-3.06 µm and 19.8-21.7 µm, respectively. The limits between the two populations both occurred at 10 µm. A typical population of number distribution of granules with peak values in the range of 0.52-0.67 µm. Proportions of granules <2.6 µm, 2.6-10 µm, and 10-40 µm were in the range of 10.06-13.63%, 28.54-41.6%, and 45.4-61.3% of total volume, respectively. Proportions of granules <10 µm were in the range of 99.9% of the total number. The amylose content was significant and negatively correlated to volume percentage of granule <10 µm, and significant and positively correlated to the volume percentage of granule 22-40 µm.

The composition and physicochemical properties of oat flour with respect to β-glucan content and its solubility and viscosity were investigated. Eight oat cultivars grown in 20 prairie locations for three consecutive years were examined in this study to establish how cultivar, growing location, and their interaction influence the abovementioned attributes. It was found that the β-glucan content was primarily influenced by oat cultivar, while growing location and the interaction between cultivar and location had minimal effect. Among the eight cultivars, HiFi had the highest β-glucan content (5.82% w/w), while Derby had the lowest (4.37% w/w). Growing location, oat cultivar, and their interaction had a significant effect on β-glucan solubility and viscosity. The β-glucan solubility differed among oat cultivars, where 28.44-34.28% of the β-glucan present in the oat flour could be solubilized at 37°C. Viscosity was evaluated by consecutive fixed speed tests at shear rates of 1.29-129 s^-1. Results showed that shear rate, growing location, and cultivar affected viscosity. The flow behavior index (n) for all β-glucan dispersions indicated shear-thinning behavior. HiFi had the highest β-glucan solubility and viscosity among all the cultivars analyzed. The findings provide insight into raw material selection and variations in raw material characteristics when targeting specific oat product applications.

Exposure to low temperature during germination and vegetative growth is a limiting factor to the establishment and development of rice seedlings. Higher cold tolerance of japonica than indica subspecies is well documented. However, reports of cold tolerance in indica genotypes are rare. We screened a large number of indica rice genotypes for cold tolerance during germination and initial vegetative growth. The indica genotypes IRGA 959-1-2-2F-4-1-4-A and IRGA 959-1-2-2F-4-1-4-D-1-CA-1, derived from the same cross, were characterized, respectively, as tolerant and sensitive to low temperature. Indexes of photosynthetic performance during light absorption were heavily affected by cold in both genotypes, but recovered after cold exposure only in the tolerant genotype. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT (at the vegetative stage) and CAT and APX (at the germination stage) were higher in the tolerant than in the sensitive genotype. Expression of 20 genes previously related to cold response in rice was evaluated. Expression of OsLIP9 and OsWCOR413 were higher in the tolerant genotype upon or prior to cold exposure, respectively. The two sister lines show different molecular and physiological responses to low temperature stress. Further in-depth studies with these lines may help to identify new cold tolerance mechanisms in rice.

Dynasty is a dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with excellent yield potential and resistant to races 17 and 73 of anthracnose.

The breeding line ACUG10-1 named as Bolt (CFIA registration no. 7366) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is resistant to anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus)] with an upright plant architecture, suitable for direct harvest and high yield potential. Bolt is recommended for the dry bean growing areas in southwestern Ontario.

AAC Montrose is a six-row spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar developed by the Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. It has high yield and good resistance to lodging, neck break, and straw break. AAC Montrose performs well in Ontario.

The freshwater aquatic plant species Stratiotes aloides (water soldier) is native to Europe and central Asia, where it occurs in seasonally pleustonic or submergent populations. It has been imported into and cultivated in Canada as an ornamental plant. Recently it has been found escaped or persisting at five locations in south-central Ontario. A large population has established in the Trent River where it was likely present for several years prior to its discovery in 2008. The tendency of S. aloides to form dense floating mats can alter aquatic communities through competition and allelopathy, and is likely to inhibit navigation and recreational activities in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence drainage system should it spread more widely in eastern North America. In Europe it is often abundant in ditches where it impedes flow and increases sedimentation. Moderate success at control has been achieved using herbicides (diquat) in the Trent River population, but manual removal has been inefficient. In spite of these control efforts, the plant is continuing to spread vegetatively downstream. An integrated management plan has been proposed to address its control by: (i) prevention of new introductions (pathway restriction); (ii) early detection and rapid response (newly established or found populations); and, (iii) eradication of known populations.

Virginia mallow is a plant from the central and eastern states of North America. A large amount of high quality biomass obtained from V. mallow led to interest in this plant for bioenergy purposes. Unfortunately, high incidence of white rot disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum destroyed plantations of this plant. In previous attempts, various control strategies were not successful and all treatments failed (including the use of Coniothurium minitans). The aim of the study was to find and evaluate yeast-like fungi for biocontrol of S. sclerotiorum, evaluate the optimal thermal condition for biocontrol efficacy, and describe possible modes of action of potential biocontrol organisms. In dual bioassay test with 19 strains of yeast-like fungi with S. sclerotiorum, antagonistic potential were obtained. At different temperatures variations in antagonistic activity of yeast-like fungi were observed. At all tested temperatures (i.e., 4, 12, and 23°C), positive results were obtained. Extracellular enzymes were produced by the majority of antagonistic yeast, such as: amylases (the most frequent), chitinases, proteases, pectinases and xylanases. In this research, reduction in white rot symptoms on V. mallow stems was significant (P < 0.05). The highest inhibition of disease was observed after treatment with strains (114/64) Candida albidus and (117/10) Pichia anomala.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) cultivars differ for adaptation in southern Ontario, and delayed or decreased acquisition of freezing tolerance in the fall could explain, in part, the diminished longevity observed in some germplasm. A field study was conducted to determine the relationship between LT₅₀, the lethal temperature at which 50% of plants die, and physiological parameters related to freezing tolerance, in three cultivars with varying adaptation in southern Ontario: Guelph Millennium (GM) > Jersey Giant (JG) > UC 157 (UC). The experiment was replicated at two sites in one location, in each of two years. LT₅₀ values for GM were lower (increased freezing tolerance) than those for UC in early October; levels for JG were intermediate. In late-October and early-November, the cultivars did not differ. Increased freezing tolerance was associated with high low-molecular-weight fructan (LF), protein and proline concentrations and low sucrose concentration in the rhizome, and high sucrose and proline concentrations and low LF concentration in the storage roots. Acclimation traits were generally consistent over years and deviations may have been related to differing temperature profiles. Results indicate that winter survival of asparagus is in part determined by timely fall acclimation allowing plants to survive exposure to early frosts.

1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (ACCD) cleaves ACC, the immediate precursor of the ethylene, decreasing the level of ethylene and inhibition of plant growth resulted by environmental stresses. Here, TaACCD was cloned from the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum ACCC30536. Its open reading frame was 1047 bp long encoding a 37 kD protein of 348 aa, and a pI of 5.77. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated this protein to be closely related to ACCD from T. asperellum T203 (ACX94231). Transformation of Populus davidiana × P. bolleana with TaACCD, increased salinity tolerance of transgenic plants Pdb-ACCD3 and Pdb-ACCD5. Transgenic plants could survive at salinity of 200 mM NaCl, whereas untransformed control poplar Pdb-NT could withstand salinity to 150 mM NaCl. Transformed plants accumulated higher amounts of chlorophyll compared to Pdb-NT plants. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was regulated by TaACCD under salt stress, as shown from higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as NBT and DAB staining. Evans blue staining showed that TaACCD maintained membrane integrity in Populus under salt stress conditions. Additionally, TaACCD expression decreased ethylene content of transgenic plants compared to nontransgenic plants, but salt content in plant leaves didnt show obvious difference under same salt concentration. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first demonstration that the TaACCD gene from T. asperellum ACCC30536 can enhance tolerance of Populus to salt stress.

Fathom (CFIA registration no. 7544) is a full-season navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with a high yield potential, and resistance to anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum ) and common bacterial blight (CBB; caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli). Fathom is recommended for the dry bean growing areas in southwestern Ontario.

Yeti is a full-season white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with tall bush plant architecture; high yield potential andgood cooking quality. Yeti is adapted to and recommended for the dry bean growing areas in Southwestern Ontario.

Effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on antioxidant enzymes activities and endosperm cell division of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were investigated. Results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activity in flag leaves of both cultivars is elevated by application of ABA and it is correlated with less membrane damage: lower malondialdehyde (MDA). Exogenous ABA significantly increased endosperm cell number and endosperm division rate, finally increased grain weight. Although ABA treatment decreased endogenous zeatin riboside (ZR) content in flag leaves from 7 to 28 days after anthesis (DAA), indole acetic acid (IAA) levels were significantly increased by spraying with ABA. Correlation analysis showed that endogenous contents of ZR, ABA, and IAA in grains were positively and significantly correlated with grain-filling rate. IAA content in leaves was positively and significantly correlated with grain-filling rate. The results suggested that increased grain weight of ABA-treated plants was due to higher antioxidant abilities of flag leaf resulting in longer maintenance of photosynthetic capacity and higher grain-filling rate.

Germin-like proteins (GLPs) are ubiquitous plant glycoproteins (belonging to the cupin super family) that play diverse roles, including abiotic stress resistance in many plant species. To identify the molecular functions underlying abiotic stress responses, the expression of germin-like protein encoding genes of soybean GmGLPs was analyzed. qRT-PCR analyses of 21 GmGLPs transcripts abundances were conducted in soybean leave tissues. The results showed that GmGLPs transcripts were highly abundant upon treatments with high salinity, PEG6000, abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl viologen (MV). The peaks of transcript copiousness induced by PEG6000 and NaCl were mostly observed after 18 h, while some genes expressed earlier than 4 h after abiotic stress treatment. A specific GmGLP7 gene, that was highly abundant under salinity, drought, ABA and MV conditions, was further characterized. The ectopic overexpression of GmGLP7 (Glyma.08G226800.1) in transgenic Arabidopsis enhanced drought, salt, and oxidative tolerance and resulted in hypersensitive phenotypes toward ABA-mediated seed germination and primary root elongation, compared to the wild-type. Taken together, these results suggest that GmGLP7 positively confers abiotic tolerance in plants.

In western Canada and in many agricultural areas around the world, new crop genotypes are evaluated over a number of locations and years in multi-environment trials (MET) to investigate yield, yield stability, agronomic, and quality characteristics, with the ultimate goal to predict future genotype performance in commercial fields. This evaluation informs decisions about the commercial value of new crop genotypes, with a primary user of this information being farmers. Currently in many regions of Canada as the first step in analysis of this MET data, values usually are expressed as a percentage of a designated check genotype value at each site-year (trial), usually followed by a relatively simplistic statistical analysis of this percentage data. There are a number of problems with this traditional approach including selection of an appropriate check genotype or genotypes, and the necessary consistent performance of the check genotype over a number of locations and years. Following the recent approach of other countries and jurisdictions, MET spring wheat genotype yield data (kg ha^-1) that had been collected from 2000 to 2009 from various locations in Manitoba, Canada were subjected to mixed model statistical analysis. The results of the mixed model analysis compared very favourably to the historical traditional approach, and proved to be superior in situations such as a specific year in the dataset (2007) when the designated check genotype performed anomalously poorly. These results indicated that as little as five trial sites in a single year provided sufficient data for reliable prediction of a new genotype's yield performance, given a background dataset comprised of approximately 45 spring wheat genotypes tested over eight years. The wheat genotype yield data also was subjected to estimation of several different stability measures to investigate differences in yield stability between genotypes in the dataset. Results indicated relatively stable yield performance for most genotypes over a range of site-years (environments).