The effect of incorporating the midge resistance (Sm1) gene in wheat
Date
2013-03-05
Authors
Vera, C.L.
Smith, M.A.H.
Wise, I.L.
Fox, S.L.
DePauw, R.M.
Procunier, J.D.
Lukow, O.M.
Clarke, F.R.
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Abstract
Orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin), was first detected in Manitoba in
1901, but now is present in all three prairie provinces of western Canada. In severe infestations,
this insect may cause significant yield losses to spring wheat. To mitigate losses, midge-resistant
wheat varietal blends, consisting of cultivars carrying the Sm1 midge resistance gene and 10%
interspersed midge susceptible refuge, are now available to farmers. The refuge prevents this
resistance to be overcome by the insect. To test the field performance of these varietal blends,
relative to conventional midge-susceptible cultivars, four varietal blends were grown during four
consecutive years, at eight locations in the provinces of Manitoba Saskatchewan and Alberta, in
comparison to four conventional, midge-susceptible cultivars. Midge damage was higher in 2007
and 2010, than in 2008 and 2009. In general, the varietal blends, as a group, yielded more grain
than the susceptible cultivars, especially when grown in environments with high midge pressure
(5.5 - 35% seed damage). In environments with low midge pressure (0 – 2.6% seed damage), the
varietal blend average yield advantage was smaller but still significant, indicating that some of
the varietal blends had additional superior attributes, in addition to midge resistance. Significant
differences in midge damage were observed within the resistant and the susceptible groups of the
cultivars tested. Midge resistance did not protect wheat against loss of market grade.
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Part Of
Soils and Crops Workshop