Farmers in Manitoba are being called upon to aid critical research aimed at improving wheat production amid changing climate conditions.
The University of Manitoba's "Mani Wheat Project," led by Dr. Cristina Rosell’s food science group, is gathering wheat samples from farmers to study the effects of pre-harvest sprouting, a significant issue caused by excessive rain and humidity before harvest.
Jenny Bouchard, the research manager, explains that pre-harvest sprouting degrades starch and protein in wheat, leading to lower quality grain and economic losses for farmers. The team hopes to identify specific wheat varieties, particularly Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS), that are more resistant to sprouting and better suited to Manitoba’s shifting environmental conditions.
Bouchard emphasizes the importance of the study in bolstering Manitoba’s agricultural economy and improving food security across Canada.