b"PGDCPGDC Puts the Focuson RegulationAt the first in-person Prairie Grain Development Committee meeting since 2020, enabling breeders through good policy was a focusbut dont count conventional breeding out yet.AT ITS FIRST IN-PERSONmeetingglucans, which are beneficial for human since 2020, members of the Prairie Grainnutrition, she said. Development Committee (PGDC) focusedThe ability to make health claims on what they do best: bringing innovativeassociated with these lines will also likely lines forward to be registered as cropincrease their appeal to consumers, she varieties in Canada. said.But as was on display this year in Banff, Alta. from Feb. 27-March 2, its not justRegulatory Matters Join the yield and disease resistance that make newConversation lines potentially game-changing ones. In wheat, rye and triticale, there were By identifying the specific characteristics19 lines recommended this yearnine that affect end-use quality in differentCanadian Western Red Spring, three food systems, Marta IzydorczyksCanada Prairie Spring Red, two Canadian research program at the Canadian GrainWestern Amber Durum, one Soft White,Glen Hawkins, chair for the PRCOB and seed Commissions Milling and Malting Grainone fall rye, one spring triticale and twoproduction manager/pulse breeder for DL SeedsResearch Laboratory can help breederswinter triticale lines.develop varieties that are optimized forThe PRCWRT is, at the moment, keeping those systems. This could lead to a morestatus quo in regard to its merit assessment efficient and effective use of crops andmethodology for wheat diseases in Western greater value for producers, processors andCanada, but the committee is looking consumers alike. at potential changes or updates to the Izydorczyk also serves as chair of theassessment. Prairie Recommending Committee for OatsWhile there doesn't seem to be any and Barley (PRCOB). immediate pressure to shift the current It was a somewhat unusual year for themerit definition or focus on different PRCOB, with a whopping six oat linesdiseases, were always keeping an eye out for and 12 barley lines up for consideration,any new diseases that may arise, committee including some hulless barley lines ideallychair Dana Maxwell said.suited to the food market. The five priority diseases that the These unique lines offer high levels of betacommittee is currently focusing on are Dana Maxwell, CEO of AgQuest and chair for the PRCWRT50seed.ab.ca"