AAC Connery

Wheat

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'CDC Utmost', 'Carberry' and 'Stettler'

Summary: The intensity of anthocyanin colouration of the coleoptile of 'AAC Connery' is medium to strong whereas it is weak for 'CDC Utmost'. The plants of 'AAC Connery' are shorter than those of 'CDC Utmost' and 'Stettler'. The spike of 'AAC Connery' is longer than those of the reference varieties. The spikes of 'AAC Connery' have awnlets whereas those of 'Carberry' and 'Stettler' are awned. At maturity, the spike attitude of 'AAC Connery' is inclined whereas it is erect for 'Carberry' and 'Stettler'.

Description:

PLANT: hard red spring type, semi-erect growth habit at the 5 to 9 tiller stage, medium frequency of plants with recurved flag leaves, heads emerge and mature mid-season

SEEDLING: medium to strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration of coleoptile, glabrous lower leaf sheaths and blades

FLAG LEAF: absent or very weak anthocyanin colouration of auricles, weak glaucosity of sheath and lower side of leaf blade, glabrous blade and sheath

CULM: absent to very sparse density of hairiness of uppermost node, medium to strong glaucosity, straight neck

SPIKE: medium to strong glaucosity, parallel-sided shape, medium to lax density, awnlets present, white at maturity, inclined attitude at maturity
LOWER GLUME SHOULDER: broad, elevated shape
LOWER GLUME: long, medium width, glabrous
LOWER GLUME BEAK: short, straight to slightly curved

STRAW: thin pith in cross section

KERNEL: dark red colour

BREAD MAKING QUALITY: good
DISEASE REACTION: resistant to Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici); resistant to moderately resistant to Leaf Rust (Puccinia triticina) and Loose Smut (Ustilago tritici); moderately resistant to Common Bunt (Tilletia laevis, Tilletia tritici); and moderately resistant to moderately susceptible to Fusarium Head Blight (Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium species)

Origin & Breeding History: 'AAC Connery' (tested as 'B0664&AQ028' and 'PT245') is a doubled haploid line derived from the cross 'Somerset' / 'BW865' made in 2003 at the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Using the maize pollen method, a total of 543 doubled haploid lines were generated and were entered in field evaluations as three sequential subsets. In 2007, one line, 'B0664&AQ028' derived from the second subset of 163 doubled haploid lines and were grown near Irwell, New Zealand, in late 2007 and assessed for plant height, resistance to lodging and shattering, and maturity. In 2008, 74 selected lines were inoculated with Common Bunt and planted in disease nurseries near Swift Current, Saskatchewan and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and selected for disease and agronomic traits. In 2009, 12 lines were assessed for agronomic performance, yield, disease resistance, and grain quality and kernel characteristics. Through this breeding process, the experimental line, 'B0664&AQ028' was identified as meeting all selection criteria at each stage. In 2010, 'B0664&AQ028' was evaluated in the Western Bread Wheat 'A_2' test, and as 'PT245' in the Parkland Cooperative Test from 2011 to 2013.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trials for 'AAC Connery' were conducted at the Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre, Swift Current, Saskatchewan in 2013 and 2014. Plots consisted of 4 rows, each 5 metres long with an inter-row spacing of 23 cm with 4 replications per variety arranged in an RCB design. There were 40 leaf and 20 spike measurements. Plant height measurements were recorded as an average in each replicated plot. Means are based on a two year average. Mean differences are significant at the 5% probability level based on LSD values.

Comparison tables for 'AAC Connery' with reference varieties 'CDC Utmost', 'Carberry' and 'Stettler'

Plant height (cm) (including awns)

Spike length (cm) (excluding awns and awnlets)

Click on image for larger view

Wheat: 'AAC Connery' (left) with reference varieties, 'CDC Utmost' (centre left), 'Carberry' (centre right) and 'Stettler' (right)