Agronomists are present in many spheres of the agricultural world as plant and soil scientists developing innovative farm practices and technologies that not only boost crop yields but also control pests and weeds while concomitantly protecting the environment. It is a multifaceted profession that spans a spectrum of careers including professional practitioners, educators, scientific researchers, communicators, as well as advisers to farmers. In these roles, agronomists work toward a collective goal where the latest methods and tools for growing crops are implemented into a cropping system that is both profitable and sustainable. They also play a critical role in issues of global concern, including food and water security, air quality and climate change, soil loss and degradation, health and nutrition, animal production, and many others. Agronomists have had a significant influence in shaping the Canadian agricultural landscape. What are the new challenges awaiting agronomists? This article reflects on the past, present, and future of the profession.

Markets for biomass are emerging across Canada; however, considerable concern has been expressed regarding the ability of Canada’s arable land base to sustainably meet this emerging demand. Using Ontario as a case study, economic and environmental factors that must be considered when designing biomass production systems based on either crop residues from maize (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], or winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or on dedicated biomass crops such as Miscanthus (Miscanthus spp.) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) are reviewed. The Ontario agricultural land base is characterized by a growing prevalence of maize and soybean rotations, a high percentage of total arable land under the Canada Land Inventory categorized as Class 1 and 2, and geographically dispersed Class 3–5 land. Economic and environmental risks and opportunities of biomass production are demonstrated to be a function of the source of biomass, land availability, land classification, and existing land use patterns.

Global food security is a challenge, especially under changing climatic conditions. Recent advances in plant technology using plant-microbiome interactions promise an increased crop production. Indeed, all healthy plants or crop genotypes carry a beneficial microbiome, encompassing root- and seed-associated endosymbionts, providing mycotrophy and mycovitality to plants, respectively. Recent studies have found that mycovitality, or the endosymbiotic seed–fungus relationship and its key translational functions, bear tangible biotechnological benefits. Thus, this paper underlines the role of endophytes as early plant growth promoters under stressful environments. Notably, it explores the concept of plant prenatal care towards enhanced seed vigor, germination, and resilience, which results in an improved crop yield under stressful conditions. It presents an extensive research overview of endosymbiotic plant–fungi relationships with special focus on the wheat seed, an important source of staple food. Historical advances in terminology and scientific concepts on the subject are also presented to highlight the areas where further research is urgently needed.

Synchrotron techniques are powerful tools in material and environmental sciences; however, they are currently underutilized in plant research. The Canadian Light Source synchrotron at the University of Saskatchewan campus is the only such facility in Canada open to academic, government, and industrial clients. This review introduces the potential of synchrotron-based spectroscopic methods and its applications to agriculture and plant sciences. Relative ease of sample preparation, nondestructive analysis, high spatial resolution, and multiple response measurements within a single sample are among its advantages. Synchrotron-based Fourier transform mid-infrared spectromicroscopy, X-ray absorption, and fluorescence spectromicroscopy are included in the several approaches discussed. Examples range from evaluating protein secondary structure and nondestructive compositional analysis of leaf epicuticular wax and pollen surface lipids to cell wall composition and nutrient analyses. Synchrotron technology can help to initially identify key spectra related to plant properties for subsequent higher throughput techniques. One example is the adaptation of synchrotron techniques for lower resolution analysis in the field such as nondestructive elemental analysis for localization of nutrients in fruit crops using handheld high-throughput devices. In addition, interest in creating high-throughput systems based on synchrotron technology itself is driving the development of new hardware to meet these larger challenges.

Evaluation of orchardgrass families at two Utah locations identified significant genetic variation for winter injury but not for flowering or biomass production. Repeatability estimates ranged from 0.06 (biomass production) to 0.65 (winter hardiness). This population has utility for the development of cultivars with increased winter hardiness.

A greenhouse experiment with parsley was conducted to investigate the effects of organic liquid fertilizers on biomass yield, photosynthesis, root zone pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient concentrations of plant tissue and growing medium. Limed peat with 20 kg m^-3 composted chicken manure was used as the growing medium. Four organic fertilizer treatments based on chicken manure extract and lupin sap were compared with conventional inorganic liquid fertilizer and no liquid fertilizer (only solid fertilizer). Chicken manure extract resulted in a higher biomass yield than lupin sap (6.7 g dry matter compared with 5.8 g) but lower than inorganic fertigation (8.4 g). Photosynthesis was not influenced by type of fertigation. Growing medium pH was between 7.4 and 8.5 in all organic treatments and one to two units higher than in the inorganic treatment. Electrical conductivity was highest in the lupin sap treatment. The root zone concentrations of NH₄, K, Cl, and Na were found to be higher in the organic treatments. Inorganic fertigation, on the other hand, resulted in higher concentrations of NO₃, Ca, and Mg. Concentrations of P and most of the micronutrients were at deficit levels in the lupin sap treatment. The addition of extra micronutrients to lupin sap increased the tissue concentrations but not the biomass yield. Among the organic treatments, chicken manure extract showed the most favourable root zone conditions and biomass yield.

As legume crops fix nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere, there is concern that soil residual N from legumes grown in rotation with malting barley may result in unacceptably high protein content and have negative effects on quality. However, little research has been conducted to investigate this. Field pea, lentil, faba bean [as seed or as a green manure (GM) crop], canola, and wheat were grown in 2009, canola in 2010, and malting barley in 2011. The objective was to determine the effects of crops grown in 2009 on the quality of barley grown in 2011. Crops were direct-seeded at Lacombe (Alberta), Swift Current (Saskatchewan), and Brandon (Manitoba). Fertilizer N (urea) was applied in 2010 and 2011 at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha^-1. The legumes had few negative effects on barley quality compared with canola or wheat. Exceptions occurred at Lacombe where the lentil and faba bean GM crops increased protein and decreased kernel plumpness. This was not evident at other locations. Increasing N fertilizer rate negatively affected almost all malt quality parameters at all locations. The results indicate that growing legume crops prior to malting barley is less likely to reduce malting barley quality than applying fertilizer N.

There is little information on the biologically effective rate of halosulfuron applied after emergence (postemergence, POST) for the control of broadleaf weeds in corn under Ontario environmental conditions. Six field trials were conducted over a 2-yr period (2014–2015) to determine the biologically effective rate of halosulfuron applied POST for the control of velvetleaf, pigweed species, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, and eastern black nightshade in corn. Based on regression analysis, the predicted halosulfuron rates required to cause 5%, 10%, and 20% corn injury were 53, 138, and >560 g a.i. ha^-1 at 1 week after application (WAA), 109, 276, and >560 g a.i. ha^-1 at 2 WAA, and 493, >560, and >560 g a.i. ha^-1 at 4 WAA, respectively. The predicted halosulfuron rates applied POST for 95% control of velvetleaf, pigweed species, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, and eastern black nightshade were 10–13, 35–143, 25–57, >560, and >560 g a.i. ha^-1, respectively. The predicted halosulfuron rates applied POST to reduce velvetleaf, pigweed species, common ragweed, and common lambsquarters density by 80% were 9, 9, 7, and >560 g a.i. ha^-1, respectively. The predicted halosulfuron rates applied POST to reduce velvetleaf, pigweed species, and common ragweed dry weight by 80% were 2, 3, and 2 g a.i. ha^-1, respectively. Based on these results, halosulfuron applied POST at the registered rate of 34–68 g a.i. ha^-1 has the potential to control velvetleaf, pigweed species, and common ragweed but does not adequately control common lambsquarters and eastern black nightshade in corn.

This work was conducted to determine if a useful model could be developed for a portable visible/near-infrared spectrometer for non-destructively predicting dry matter content in ‘Lapins’ and other cultivars of sweet cherries. Absorptions at a range of 948–957 nm (default selected by the instrument model-building program) or 858–1008 nm (user selected) were used to create models associating absorption values with actual measured dry matter contents of cherries. The best model was created using the user selected waveband and this model was determined to be highly predictive of dry matter, with a resolution of 0.5% dry matter content. External validation of this model was carried out using three different sweet cherry cultivars (Staccato™, Sentennial™, and Sovereign™) and the model was found to be robust, i.e., quite accurate in predicting dry matter content in these other cultivars, with R² values of 0.96, 0.94, and 0.99, and root mean square error of prediction values of 0.51, 0.74, and 0.56, respectively. The results indicate that dry matter in sweet cherries can be predicted accurately and non-destructively using visible/near-infrared spectroscopy. In the case of the cherry cultivars tested in this paper, a model developed using ‘Lapins’ fruit was reliable in predicting dry matter in these other cultivars.

This study investigates the effects of timing of fungicide applications alone or in combinations on Fusarium head blight (FHB), seed deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations, dominant leaf diseases, grain yield, and thousand-kernel weight in winter wheat, spring wheat, and barley in the Atlantic region of Canada. The experiments were conducted for 3 yr (2010–2012), with fungicide treatment as the main factor. Selected commercially available fungicide treatments were applied at two timings: (i) Zadoks growth stage (ZGS) 39: check, propiconazole trifloxystrobin (125 g ha^-1), propiconazole (125 g ha^-1), and pyraclostrobin (100 g ha^-1); and (ii) ZGS 60: check, prothioconazole (200 g ha^-1), prothioconazole tebuconazole (200 g ha^-1), and metaconazole (90 g ha^-1). Results show that a single fungicide application was not sufficient to achieve a high yield with good seed quality. Reduction of visual FHB infection due to fungicide applications did not guarantee a reduction in seed DON concentrations. Fungicide application pyraclostrobin at ZGS 39 and prothioconazole tebuconazole at ZGS 60 was the best treatment, consistently providing the highest crop yield and seed quality, including lowered DON.

Cloudberry has good economic potential for Canada, but crop practices must be improved before commercial production can be established. Transplants usually consist of rhizome segments collected in natural populations; however, the very low root density of these transplants might partly explain their initial slow growth and high mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of mineral fertilization and auxin applications on root initiation and elongation. Three N–P–K fertilization treatments were applied at the planting of bare rhizomes in peatlands, while auxin applications were tested in both greenhouse and field experiments. Roots of fertilized plants were two to four times longer and more numerous than those of control plants after one complete growing season but fertilization did not lead to early rooting. Rhizome segments produced new shoots before investing in root production, suggesting that rhizome carbohydrate reserves are not sufficient to allow both the shoot and root to be produced at the same time. Auxin applications to the rhizomes incurred high mortality and did not stimulate root production in both the field and greenhouse experiments. We conclude that fertilizers applied at planting can improve cloudberry initial survival rate, rooting, and early shoot growth, which could eventually lead to improved plant cover and fruit yield.

Waterhemp is one of the most troublesome weeds in the US and is spreading into Ontario. In 2014, a waterhemp population was not controlled with glyphosate in a field in Lambton County, ON. This population was the first confirmed glyphosate-resistant (GR) waterhemp in Canada. In 2015, waterhemp seeds were collected from 48 fields in Lambton (32), Chatham-Kent (2), and Essex (14) counties to determine the occurrence and distribution of GR waterhemp in Ontario. Waterhemp plants were grown in a greenhouse and sprayed when 10 cm in height. In addition to glyphosate (a group 9 herbicide), collected populations were screened for resistance to imazethapyr and atrazine, representing herbicide groups 2 and 5, respectively. Visual control estimates for biomass reduction were completed at 1, 3, and 5 wk after application. Glyphosate-resistant waterhemp was confirmed in 40 fields, representing 82% of all sampled fields from the three Ontario counties. Of the 49 populations collected, all were resistant to imazethapyr (group 2) and 76% were resistant to atrazine (group 5). Of all the populations tested, 61% of all samples were found to be resistant to all three herbicide groups. This study is the first to confirm GR waterhemp in Ontario.

The epigenetic control of gene expression by histone methylation influences plant growth and development. OsiEZ1, encoding a putative histone methyltransferase for trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), was recently shown to be involved in the photoperiodic control of rice flowering. However, to date, the role of OsiEZ1 in organ development has not been characterized in detail. Here, we show that the loss of OsiEZ1 results in abnormal ligule and seed development. Morphological analysis showed that the ligules in flag leaves of the T-DNA insertion mutant osiez1 were shorter than those of the wild-type, whereas plant height and flowering time in the mutant were similar to those of the wild-type. In addition, the seed size and weight of the osiez1 mutant were reduced compared with those of the wild-type. Expression analysis showed that the transcript levels of the GRAIN WIDTH 2 (GW2) gene and chaperone protein gene PROTEIN DISULFIDE ISOMERASE-LIKE 1-1 (PDIL1-1) were reduced in the osiez1 mutant compared with the wild-type during seed development, while the expression levels of seed storage protein genes Glb and Gt were unchanged in the osiez1 mutant. These results suggest that OsiEZ1 may play important roles in ligule and seed development.

A premix of atrazine, bicyclopyrone, mesotrione, and S-metolachlor was recently approved for broad-spectrum weed control in corn in the United States. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the response of common waterhemp to various rates of the premix applied before emergence (preemergence, PRE) or after emergence (postemergence, POST) in corn. In greenhouse dose-response bioassays, PRE application of the premix at 975 g a.i. ha^-1 provided 90% control (visual estimates) of common waterhemp at 28 d after treatment (DAT). The POST doses to control 90% (ED₉₀) of common waterhemp at 21 DAT were estimated as 1157 and 1838 g a.i. ha^-1 for the 8–10, and 15–18 cm tall common waterhemp, respectively. Under field conditions, the premix applied PRE at the labeled rate (2900 g a.i. ha^-1) provided 98% and 91% control of common waterhemp at 14 and 63 DAT, respectively. The ED₉₀ values for the in-field POST dose-response bioassay were 680 and 2302 g a.i. ha^-1 at 14 DAT for the 8–10 and 15–18 cm tall common waterhemp, respectively. The root mean square error and the model efficiency coefficient values indicated a good fit for the prediction models. Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r_S) showed that corn yield was positively correlated (r_S ≥ 0.55; P < 0.001) with common waterhemp biomass reduction. The premix applied PRE provided higher corn yields compared with the premix applied POST. The new premix will provide an additional herbicide option with multiple effective modes of action to control common waterhemp in corn.

Soybean protein content is a valuable quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. The epistatic interaction of these genes can increase protein content observably. In this study, we used the multifactor dimensionality reduction method and a soybean high-density genetic map including 5308 markers to identify stable loci controlling protein content in soybean across 23 environments. In total, 31 897 046 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) – protein interaction pairs were detected. Among these, 46 stable SNP interaction pair associations with soybean protein content were identified under multiple environments, with 2 and 44 SNP pairs stably detected across four and three environments, respectively. Hot spot regions for interaction pairs were detected on linkage groups Gm17, Gm06, and Gm03, consistent with previous quantitative trait locus mapping. The epistatic effects and contributions of the stable interaction pairs ranged from 0.0008 to 0.5483 and 0.0003 to 0.5126, respectively. Eight SNP epistatic interaction subnets were constructed. Ten candidate genes from these interaction subnets showed a relationship with seed protein storage or amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism. The results of this study provide insights into the genetic architecture of soybean protein content and can serve as a basis for marker-assisted selection breeding.

TAF9 is one of the TATA-binding protein-associated factors (TAFs) that constitute the TFIID complex. We isolated a plant TAF9 ortholog from the Chimonanthus praecox (L.) Link cDNA library and named it CpTAF9. The CpTAF9 protein contained the conserved TAF9 and H2A superfamily domain, which is highly conserved among the TAF9s of other organisms. It also showed a specific tissue expression pattern that the transcript level of CpTAF9 was higher in mature leaves than in other tissues. In addition, CpTAF9 expression in wintersweet leaves could be induced by treatment with salt or high temperatures, or by exogenous abscisic acid application. Overexpression of CpTAF9 in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. under the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter improved salt and high-temperature stress tolerance to some extent. These results demonstrated that CpTAF9 may have a role in gene regulation associated with salt and heat stress responses in wintersweet, providing a foundation for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlined TAF-mediated control of the stress response processes in plant.

The role of hormones during fruit development and ripening in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is poorly understood. In this study, two strawberry cultivars (‘Jewel’ and ‘Wendy’) were chosen based on their shelf life quality, which were intermediate and excellent, respectively. Hexanal and growth regulators were applied to the fruit as two preharvest sprays. Fruits treated with “Enhanced Freshness Formulation” (a formulation with hexanal as a key ingredient) showed improvement in the shelf life of both cultivars. Auxin application reduced loss of fruit firmness and abscisic acid was able to accelerate the ripening process without having a significant effect on the relevant fruit quality parameters. The regulation of gene expression during ripening in relation to hexanal and hormones was examined in 21 genes potentially involved in cell wall degradation. Gene expression profiles showed similar patterns in the two cultivars, with more prominent amplitude in ‘Wendy’. The expression of hormone-responsive genes responded in an antagonistic manner to exogenous hormone applications, supporting their role in ripening and fruit development. Hexanal application induced a clear reduction in the transcript level of two phospholipase D genes and other key enzymes involved in cell wall degradation. These findings indicate that ripening in strawberry is associated with the expression of specific genes and the modulation of this gene expression by hexanal supports its role in increasing fruit shelf life.

Optimized biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in pea (Pisum sativum L.) could increase crop productivity and reduce nitrogen (N) fertilizer use in western Canada. We tested the BNF capabilities and growth of three pea nodulation mutants [Frisson P64 Sym29, Frisson P88 Sym28, and Rondo-nod3 (fix )] compared with check cultivars [CDC Dakota, CDC Meadow, Frisson, Rondo, and non-fixing negative control Frisson P56 (nod–)] under field conditions in Saskatchewan, Canada, in three environments. CDC Meadow and CDC Dakota produced greater dry biomass and seed yield but less fixed N compared with the mutants. On average, Frisson P88 Sym29 fixed 19% and 31% more N per plot compared with CDC Dakota and CDC Meadow, respectively. Rondo-nod3 (fix ) fixed 12% and 23% more N per plot compared with CDC Dakota and CDC Meadow, respectively. All lines grown at Saskatoon in 2015 had longer time to flowering, greater biomass, and greater grain yield but less amounts of N fixation compared with these lines grown at Saskatoon in 2014 or Floral in 2015. Compared with the commercial checks, Frisson P88 Sym29 and Rondo-nod3 (fix ) had a high percent N derived from the atmosphere and good nodulation under relatively high soil available N content, while requiring at least one week shorter growing period to reach maturity, indicating that these mutants have potential as parents in breeding for improved BNF in pea.

Short vegetative phase (SVP) like genes play a key role in floral transition and floral meristem identity. Although SVP-like genes have been isolated from various plant species, their orthologs have not been characterized in the important day-neutral ornamental plant Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. Here, a MADS-box gene was cloned from C. morifolium ‘Jinbudiao’ and designated as CmSVP. The open reading frame of CmSVP comprises 672 bp encoding a putative protein of 223 amino acids. Bioinformatics analyses showed that the gene was a member of the SVP gene family with homology to MADS-box transcription factors. Real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that CmSVP is preferentially expressed in the shoot apex and leaves and its expression is decreased in both flower buds and flowers. Transcription of CmSVP in Arabidopsis plants showed overexpression of CmSVP delayed blossoming for up to 30 d. It also inhibited development of apical flower in the main stem, which resulted in an abortive bud or inflorescence. Additionally, the transgenic Arabidopsis plants contained increased basal inflorescences and branches, whorled leaves, opposite leaves in branches, and absence of main stem cauline leaves. These findings suggest that CmSVP is not only involved in flower timing and floral meristem identity, but also regulates inflorescence architecture.

Common ragweed is a weed in the midwestern United States and eastern Canada that is difficult to control due to the evolution of an important resistance to multiple herbicides including glyphosate. Recently, a common ragweed biotype with 19-fold glyphosate resistance was confirmed in Nebraska. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of glyphosate resistance in a common ragweed biotype from Nebraska. Both target site and non-target site based mechanisms of glyphosate resistance were investigated using glyphosate-resistant (GR) and known glyphosate-susceptible (GS) common ragweed biotypes. A lower amount of shikimate was accumulated in the GR (≤65 µg mL^-1) compared with the GS (≥80 µg mL^-1) biotype at all glyphosate concentrations tested. Sequencing of the conserved region of the EPSPS gene revealed no mutations at the Thr₁₀₂ or Pro₁₀₆ residues and no variation in EPSPS copy number was detected. A higher translocation of ¹⁴C-glyphosate in the GR compared with the GS biotype was found, although there was no difference in the amount of ¹⁴C-glyphosate absorbed. Nonetheless, analysis of ¹⁴C-glyphosate absorption or translocation data using the rectangular hyperbolic model predicted a slower rate of absorption and translocation of glyphosate in the GR compared with the GS biotype, though more research is needed. These results indicate possible involvement of a non-target site mechanism bestowing resistance to glyphosate. The possibility that a slow rate of glyphosate absorption and translocation might have a role in preventing the buildup of the minimum inhibitory concentration of glyphosate required at the target site needs further research.

Climate change is projected to increase growing season length and temperature in Canada but how soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] will respond is uncertain. By modelling soybean responses to climate change scenarios, stakeholders can develop adaptation strategies. The CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean and STICS models were used to simulate soybean responses under baseline (1971–2000) and in near (2041–2070) and distant (2071–2100) future climate scenarios, including those resulting in altered seeding dates in eastern Canada. Field data collected in Ottawa were used to evaluate the models. The simulated seed yield using the CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean model showed an increase of about 14% (0.34 t ha^-1) in the near future and a decrease in the distant future under RCP8.5 and the STICS model estimated a decrease in both the near and distant future. When the crop parameters determining the life cycle were increased by 30% and 40%, the simulated seed yield increased by more than 5%–10% and 10%–20% and by more than 20%–30% and 27%–40% if combined with current harvest index levels. Our simulations showed that soybean seed yield would not benefit from a prolonged growing season under the projected future climate in eastern Canada, unless harvest index is maintained.

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of dandelion [Taraxacum officinale (Weber) ex Wigg.] and sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides Rousi) leaves grown in Poland (53°20′35″N, 14°58′10″E). Both the leaves of sea buckthorn and common dandelion were found to be a very good source of essential nutrients and elements. The dandelion leaves contained significantly more protein, fat, and crude fibre than those from sea buckthorn. Dandelion leaves also contained more phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Although the dandelion leaves were a good source of biologically active substances, sea buckthorn leaves exhibited a significantly higher level of antioxidant activity as measured by ABTS. Dandelion leaves were richer in tocopherols, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin while the sea buckthorn leaves contained higher levels of l-ascorbic acid.

Residual herbicides can cause injury to a future crop. Residual herbicides applied to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] or winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) may impact cover crops seeded in the same growing season. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of residual herbicides on oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L.) establishment and growth after 10 postemergence (POST) broadleaf herbicides were applied in winter wheat and 12 preemergence (PRE) and 7 POST herbicides were applied in soybean. Oilseed radish injury was assessed 14 and 28 d after emergence (DAE) and stand density and biomass were measured 28 DAE. Residual herbicides used for broadleaf weed control in winter wheat caused less than 5% oilseed radish visible injury and there was no reduction in stand density and biomass. In soybean, imazethapyr applied PRE caused 43% and 48% oilseed radish injury at 14 and 28 DAE, respectively. There was no decrease in oilseed radish stand density and biomass. Imazethapyr applied POST to soybean caused 47% and 59% oilseed radish injury at 14 and 28 DAE, respectively, and decreased oilseed radish biomass by 65%. There was no decrease in oilseed radish stand density. The results from this study conclude that many of the herbicides commonly used in winter wheat and soybean in Ontario do not negatively impact oilseed radish establishment and growth.

HYHEAR 3 summer rape (Brassica napus L.) is a Roundup Ready^®, high erucic acid, low glucosinolate cultivar. On average, HYHEAR 3 yielded 15.6% more seed, 4 g kg^-1 less seed oil, and 22 g kg^-1 less meal protein than Red River 1861 Roundup Ready^®, high erucic acid, low glucosinolate summer rape. HYHEAR 3 has an erucic acid content of 50.9% in isolated field trials of high erucic acid rapeseed (HEAR) genotypes and is adapted to the southern B. napus growing regions of western Canada.

AAC Redwater is a hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to the shorter season wheat-growing regions of the Canadian prairies. AAC Redwater was evaluated in the Parkland Wheat Cooperative Test in 2009, 2010, and 2011. AAC Redwater was significantly (P < 0.05) higher yielding than Katepwa (6.4%) and AC Splendor (7.5%) and was not significantly different in grain yield compared to CDC Teal and CDC Osler. AAC Redwater had maturity similar to AC Splendor, matured a day earlier than Katepwa, and was significantly earlier maturing (2 d) than CDC Teal and CDC Osler. AAC Redwater was significantly shorter than all check cultivars and had a similar mean lodging score to the check cultivars. AAC Redwater is resistant to moderately resistant to leaf and stem rust, comparable to AC Splendor. AAC Redwater was resistant to intermediate in its field reaction to stripe rust and intermediate in its reaction to the Ug99 stem rust race, similar to CDC Teal. At the time of registration, AAC Redwater met the end-use quality specifications of the Canada Western Red Spring wheat class.

HS-171 is a large-seeded edamame food-grade soybean genotype [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] with yellow hilum, low oil, and high protein and sucrose concentrations. It is adapted to the areas of southwest Ontario with 3100 or more crop heat units and has a relative maturity rating of 2.6.

HS-172 is a black-seeded food-grade soybean line [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] suitable for use to make douchi or fermented, salt-preserved black soybean. It is adapted to the areas of southwest Ontario with 3100 or more crop heat units and has a relative maturity rating of 2.5.