b'to access water in drought conditions, can achieve canopyAbiotic stress tolerancecold, drought, heat, etc.are very close-up faster and more fully, better protects the soil fromdifficult things to breed for, says Research ScientistRobert Graf, moisture loss, and can withstand environmental stress fora winter wheat breeder with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada longer than a weak crop.in Lethbridge, Alta. Though doing everything right usually includes seedingThe challenge has several aspects:early, Gabert cautions an early start doesnt prove an advantage First, variation for the trait that you hope to incorporate in all growing conditions.needs to naturally exist somewhere so you can borrow those Multiple studies show healthier soils can reduce damagegenetics. It can often take an extensive search all over the world caused by weather extremes. A study led by the Manitobato find plants, ideally of the same species, which express the Forage and Grassland Association between 2009 and 2015tolerance youre looking for. After that, the breeding process showed when conditions bounced from drought to flood tobegins.drought, healthier soils acted as a buffer against both moisture Second, researchers need the right environment to select for extremes because they pulled in and retained more moisture.the particular stress toleranceto breed cultivars which can Agronomist, Soil Scientist and Founder of the Soil Healthwithstand cold weather. For example, researchers need cold Academy, Ray Archuleta, agrees.temperatures which provide just the right differentialkilling In a recent soil health webinar presented by three Albertanthose that are weak but allowing the best to survive. applied research associations, he showed water infiltration Thirdly, the genetics of environmental stress tolerance are results for three soil types. A rotationally grazed pasture samplevery complex. In contrast, breeding for resistance to some absorbed 12.4 inches of moisture per hour, a continuouslydiseases often only requires one or two effective genes, and grazed pasture sample pulled in 2.1 inches/hour, and athe development of molecular markers to track the resistance is conventionally managed cropland sample managed just 0.5easier.inches/hour. Finally, and perhaps most challengingly, cultivars which We dont have a run-off problem; we have an infiltrationare released to producers must exhibit much more than problem, says Archuleta. And we wonder why were alwayssimply tolerance to one stressthey also need to offer all of complaining about drought. the desired yield, agronomic, disease resistance and quality Two of the best ways to improve soil health and soil structure,characteristics. both of which are critical to water infiltration, are planting coverAt this point, we simply dont have all of the information crops and keeping living roots in the soil for as much of the yearnecessary, explains Graf. But over time, the development of as possible.genomic selection models and molecular markers is increasing our ability to select from the huge numbers of plants that are Breeding Better Varieties required. A key factor in farmers ability to meet volatile weather intoVolatile and/or unusual weather can also impact disease and the future is research. While scientists are working hard onpest spread.improving drought, heat, cold and excess moisture toleranceFor example, says Graf, Projections suggest that wheat SEC_WEB17_ABSG_SEC_WEB16_ABSG.qxd2017-10-156:03 PMPage 1across many crops, expect a long, slow road to improvement. stem sawfly is likely to become a more widespread problem in SEC_WEB17 Publication: Alberta Seed Guide Size:7.125 x 3.25GGeenneessoonnlliinneeProduced by: SeCan Ad Number:Product/Campaign Name: WebDate Produced: October 2017 For genes that fit your farm , visit secan.comGenes that fit your farmis a registered trademark of SeCan.SEC_WEB17Fall 2020 33'