PROJECT OVERVIEW

Leaf Spots of Oat: An Emerging Challenge to Oat Production in Manitoba in the 2000's

Dr. Andy Tekauz

Cereal Research Centre

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

(204) 983-0944

ARDI Project:

Total Approved:

Date Approved:

Project Status:

#04-619

$139,500

March 21, 2005

In-Progress

Increased production, as has happened for oats in Manitoba, often leads to a change in disease patterns, with those diseases that survive and over-winter in straw and stubble, e.g., leaf spots and Fusarium head blight, becoming more prominent.  Nothing is known about the performance of oats to three of these leaf spot diseases, which, until recently, have been of only minor importance.  Leaf spots kill leaf and stem tissues and result in thin, stained kernels, leading to lower grain yields and undesirable-looking seed.  To protect oats’ reputation as a healthy food choice and a premium feed grain, and to maintain Manitoba’s leading status as an exporter of highest quality oats, any new challenges to production must be explored.

This project aims to evaluate the impact oat leaf spot diseases are having in Manitoba, assess the performance of our current varieties to these, evaluate control measures, and find sources of effective genetic resistance to incorporate into future varieties.  This is being done in tandem with a project on Fusarium head blight, which has similar objectives and outcomes, that is, to ensure oats have a sustainable future in Manitoba as a desirable, sought-after, high-value crop that will support the local industry and enhance farm incomes.

Partnership funding is from the Western Grains Research Foundation and the North American Millers Association.

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