AAC Crusader

Wheat

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: '5701PR' and 'Conquer'

Summary: The flag leaf of 'AAC Crusader' is longer than that of 'Conquer'. The anthocyanin colouration of the flag leaf auricles of 'AAC Crusader' is absent or very weak whereas it is medium to strong on 'Conquer'. Spike glaucosity of 'AAC Crusader' is weak to medium whereas it is medium to strong on '5701PR'. At maturity, the plants of 'AAC Crusader' are taller with a longer spike than those of '5701PR'. The culm of 'AAC Crusader' is curved whereas it is straight for 'Conquer'. The lower glume beak of 'AAC Crusader' is slightly to very slightly curved whereas that of 'Conquer' is straight.

Description:

PLANT: spring type, semi-erect to intermediate growth habit at the 5 to 9 tiller stage, matures mid-season

SEEDLING: absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of coleoptile, glabrous lower leaf sheaths and blades

FLAG LEAF: high to very high frequency of plants with recurved/drooping flag leaves, absent or very weak anthocyanin colouration of auricles, medium to strong glaucosity of sheath, absent or very weak glaucosity of lower side, glabrous blade and sheath

CULM NECK: medium to strong glaucosity, curvature present
STRAW: thin pith in cross section
SPIKE: weak to medium glaucosity, tapering shape, lax to medium density, erect and white at maturity, very sparse hairiness of convex surface of apical segment
AWNS: white, shorter than length of spike
LOWER GLUME: ovoid shape, long, medium width, glabrous, sparse internal hairs
LOWER GLUME SHOULDER: narrow to very narrow, slightly sloping to sloping shape
LOWER GLUME BEAK: medium to medium long, slightly to very slightly curved
LOWEST LEMMA: straight to very slightly curved beak

KERNEL: Canadian Prairie Spring red type, medium to dark red colour, large, long, medium width, elliptical shape, rounded cheek, long brush hairs, medium width and depth of crease
GERM: medium size, elliptical shape

DISEASE RESISTANCE: moderately resistant to moderately susceptible to Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum) and Common Bunt (Tilletia caries), resistant to Loose smut (Ustilago tritici) and Leaf Rust (Puccinia recondita), and moderately resistant to Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici)

Origin & Breeding History: 'AAC Crusader' (tested as 06W2527 and HY1603) originated from the cross 'AC Splendor' / '5701PR' which was made at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Cereal Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba during the winter of 2002-2003. A modified pedigree breeding method was used to develop 'AAC Crusader' with contra-season nurseries in New Zealand for the F3, F5 and F7 generations to hasten variety development. In 2006, twenty-nine F6:F8 lines were planted and screened for yield and agronomic performance along with resistance to leaf rust, stem rust, bunt and Fusarium head blight resistance. Yield, disease and quality testing occurred at the F9 and F10 generations in 3 replicate, multiple location tests. HY1603 was tested in the 2009-2011 High Yield Wheat Co-op Test.

Tests & Trials: Tests and trials for 'AAC Crusader' were conducted in 2011 and 2012 at Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. A RCB design experiment with 4 replicates was planted using 3.72 square metre harvested area plots, seeded at a rate of 269 seeds/square metre. The plots were 4.9 metres long with 5 rows spaced 15 cm apart. Measured characteristics were based on a mean of two years, with 20 measurements taken per variety each year.

Comparison tables for 'AAC Crusader' with reference varieties '5701PR' and 'Conquer'

Flag leaf length (cm)

Plant height (cm)

Spike length (cm)

Click on image for larger view

Wheat: 'AAC Crusader' (left) with reference varieties '5701PR' (centre) and 'Conquer' (right)