Evaluation of lines from a farmer participatory organic wheat breeding program

Involving farmers directly in early-generation selection may contribute to the development of well-adapted organic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm. This project involved a partnership between a professional breeder and farmers. Progeny from 19 spring wheat crosses were distributed to eight organic farmers (three populations per farmer) in southern Manitoba, Canada. Each farmer selected for three consecutive years, resulting in 23 unique advanced lines. The farmer-selected lines were compared with eight registered cultivars and one landrace cultivar in replicated field experiments at a total of three site years in 2014 and 2015. Although there was significant variation in agronomic performance of different farmer-selected lines, the farmer selections were generally taller, later maturing, more susceptible to lodging; farmer selections were higher yielding than the check cultivars at one site-year. When selecting from the same population, farmers produced distinctively different lines; differences were observed in disease response, days to maturity, height, lodging, and yield. The highest yielding wheats included farmer-selected lines, a heritage cultivar, and two modern checks, one bred for organic conditions and one with a unique insect resistance trait. This preliminary study shows the potential of farmers working together with a professional breeder to produce wheat germplasm for organic production. Results also confirm the value of certain conventional cultivars to organic production.