Genetic improvement in nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield of barley
Project lead:
Dr. Yadeta Kabeta, Research Scientist, Alberta Agriculture and Rural
Development
Start Date: April 2013
End Date: March 2016
Alberta Barley’s contribution: $25,000
Partners:
- Alberta Barley
- Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund
- Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions
Total funding from other partners: $487,500
Summary:
The project aims to develop barley varieties with a superior ability to take up
and utilize nitrogen, so that the rate of nitrogen fertilization can be reduced
while continuing to improve grain yield.
Recent updates:
Hundreds of newly developed barley lines were evaluated for nitrogen use
efficiency (NUE) in the last three and a half years through this project. The
lines with the best NUE were selected and advanced. The selected lines showed
up to 10% higher NUE than the check cultivar. The NUE lines yield well under
high N conditions and show comparatively less yield reduction under the low N.
Benefits for farmers:
The availability of nitrogen-efficient barley varieties will reduce input
costs, increase profit margins and make the Alberta barley industry more
competitive in a global marketplace. High nitrogen use efficiency also reduces
nitrogen loss to the environment and potential negative impacts on water and
air quality. This contributes to environmentally responsible production
practices and helps cultivate social license for the industry.