11 www.seed.ab.ca | fall.2018 problems including pollution of water sources for humans, livestock and aquatic species, and emission of nitrous oxide, a very potent greenhouse gas. In addition, production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers is very energy-intensive and generates carbon dioxide. “So, although nitrogen fertilizers provide farmers with great tools to increase cereal crop productivity, they come with costs that are a burden both for farmers and the environment,” says Ziemienowicz. “It is generally recognized that the introduction of biological nitrogen fixation into cereals and other major non- legume crops would be one of the most significant contributions that biotechnology could make to agriculture.” Substantial Progress Eudes and Ziemienowicz began this research in 2014 with a two-year proof-of-concept study, funded by AWC and Alberta Innovates. Last year’s research was funded by AWC and the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission. Recently, the research was approved for three-year co-funding by all three of these agencies. In this upcoming work, Ziemienowicz and Eudes will be collaborating with AAFC wheat breeders Drs. Robert Graf and Harpinder Randhawa. “We are open to investing in the full spectrum of available technologies,” notes Comin. “Technology changes really quickly in farming just as in any other industry. So we need to make sure that Alberta producers have every possible tool in their toolbox and that they keep up with technology changes.” Ziemienowicz and Eudes’ research so far has involved triticale. “Most procedures that we employ in this project work more efficiently in triticale than in wheat,” says Ziemienowicz. “Once we obtain nitrogen-fixing triticale, we will transfer this trait into wheat using interspecies breeding techniques. Moreover, lessons learned from development of this trait in triticale will help us to apply it to other crop species.” These seedlings, which are from non-engineered triticale seeds, will grow into microspore donor plants for the AAFC nif cluster work. Our genes only come in blue. When you purchase SeCan certified seed you’re getting the promise and performance of SeCan genetics. And with certified seed, you’re investing in the future of plant breeding and new varieties that contribute to your bottom line. Make the comfortable choice. Choose SeCan certified seed. For genes that fit your farm, visit www.secan.com Ad Number: SEC_CERT17 Campaign: Certified Seed Date Produced: October 2017 Publication: Alberta Seed Guide Size: 7.125” x 3.25” SEC_CERT17_ABSG_SEC_CERT17_ABSG.qxd 2017-10-15 5:49 PM Page 1