Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) have developed a fast and accurate method for identifying and quantifying toxins in fusarium-infected cereal grain, an innovation that could reduce toxins that are harmful to both animals and humans. It could also help farmers who have struggled with trusting the toxin tests of buyers. […] Read more
Tag Archives university of saskatchewan — page 2
Researchers develop a quick test for DON
Science Notes: Innovation could reduce toxins harmful to both animals and humans
Study looks at how soils hold carbon
Science Notes: Whether carbon is held or released by soil has many influences
Researchers are using synchrotron light to better understand the impact of climate change on more than three trillion metric tonnes of soil carbon around the world. Using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan, scientists from across the United States investigated the plant root mechanisms that control long-term storage of carbon in […] Read more
Locally designed mask offers better breathing on the farm
Farmers finding an Ontario-designed mask aimed at the Chinese market helpful
Agriculture wasn’t the target market when Peter Whitby and Richard Szasz first hit upon the idea of creating a better air filtration mask while on a trip to China. In fact, O2 Canada had it sights set firmly on Asia and its notoriously polluted air as the best place to make a difference in how […] Read more
Mechanical exoskeletons may one day reduce effort, injury risks for farmers
Researchers are looking to test the technology on farmers doing their daily tasks
Glacier FarmMedia – Farming is a real pain in the back. But a bolt-on solution is on the way. Years of prolonged bending, lifting and shovelling contributes to back pain and is typical of many tasks in agriculture. “We know that farmers get very high rates of back injury. Even higher than in some other […] Read more
Wild boar groups small so far in Ontario
There is concern about growing numbers of feral hogs due to their potential role in African swine fever transmission
Reported sightings of large groups of wild pigs – known as “sounders” – in Ontario are still limited to one or two instances in the Parry Sound/Magnetawan district, although there are reported sightings across much of the rest of the province.. Government and non-governmental scientists tracking the animals’ movements believe Ontario still has the opportunity […] Read more
Canadian neonic, metabolite research shows insecticide effect on insect navigation
Locusts in wind tunnels exposed to neonics lost their ability to move themselves where they wanted
Drunk drivers are more likely to get in an accident because the alcohol in their blood impairs vision and delays reaction time. University of Saskatchewan biologists have identified a comparable phenomenon in locusts, when the insects are exposed to a small dose of insecticide. Why it matters: Farmers require a wide range of pesticides to […] Read more
Vaccine development becoming faster
The process being used in Canada will help bring vaccines to market quicker
Glacier FarmMedia – Reverse vaccinology is a promising method for creating vaccines that in the near future will protect livestock from prevalent and chronic diseases. Differentiating an infected animal from a vaccinated animal has long been a problem and global trade hinges on the safety and biosecurity of a country’s livestock. The new technology allows […] Read more
Game-changing breeding technique makes progress
University launches a four-year research project into apomixis, a ‘disruptive technology’ for plant breeding
University of Saskatchewan researchers are making good progress on a “disruptive technology” that will turn crop breeding on its head. Apomixis is a form of asexual seed production found in numerous wild plant species such as buttercups, Kentucky bluegrass and St. John’s wort. “The mother plant makes seeds that have embryos that are genetic clones […] Read more
Getting the most efficient nitrogen use
Soil testing is vital to identify where nitrogen is needed
A significant amount of nitrogen applied to fields is never taken up by plants. Understanding how much nitrogen (N) crops actually need can help decrease needless expenses and potential environmental issues. Why it matters: Nitrogen loss to the environment can damage local water sources causing human health concerns and harm to aquatic life. Inefficient fertilizer […] Read more
Wheat’s bigger future
New genetic tools are emerging after the sequencing of the wheat genome
The sequencing of the wheat genome means researchers will finally have access to genetic tools to help with wheat development — an advantage other crops have had for years. It should also mean that Ontario growers will see quicker-developed varieties with traits like fusarium head blight resistance. Wheat’s genome was finally sequenced earlier this year […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
