July 17, 2025 (Calgary, AB) - Alberta Grains has launched Advanced Management Trials (AMTs), a new small-plot research program that will evaluate how wheat and barley varieties respond to fungicide applications in different regions of the province. The 2025 trials are co-funded by Syngenta and SeCan, two industry leaders committed to supporting on-farm innovation.

Trials will take place at six locations across Alberta where disease is common or likely: Taber (under irrigation), Lacombe, Olds, Westlock, Vermilion and Falher. The sites were selected to reflect Alberta’s diverse growing environments and regional disease pressures. Each location features replicated plots of wheat and barley varieties that are either treated or untreated with fungicide.

“We recognize that wheat and barley varieties differ in their levels of disease resistance and their genetic response to crop inputs such as fungicides,” said Lara de Moissac, agronomy programs specialist with Alberta Grains. “This program will help farmers better evaluate yield and quality responses of different varieties under disease-prone conditions when fungicides are applied. The results of these trials will also clarify how the economics of fungicide applications can vary from one variety to another.”

The trials use a split-plot design and include four wheat and barley varieties selected in collaboration with the program’s seed distributor, SeCan. Full statistical analysis will be completed, and findings will contribute to future extension tools that support fungicide decisions and variety selection.

“SeCan is pleased to support Alberta-focused research that highlights how genetics and management work together,” said Trent Whiting, parent seed manager west with SeCan. “We see this as a valuable opportunity to generate practical data that will help growers get the most out of their seed investment.”

“Understanding the value of fungicide applications across a variety of crops and regions is essential to good stewardship,” said Tara McCaughey, head of technology solutions & sustainable ag with Syngenta Canada. “We are proud to partner with Alberta Grains and contribute to research that helps farmers protect their crops and make informed decisions.”

The AMTs are part of Alberta Grains’ broader effort to deliver regionally relevant, farmer-focused research. By generating high-quality data on how different varieties respond to fungicide applications, the trials aim to support more informed, economical and sustainable crop management decisions for wheat and barley growers across the province.

For more information and future results, visit albertagrains.com. 

For media requests please contact:

Harley Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing
Alberta Grains
media@albertagrains.com
403-371-2132

Christina Stroud
Head, Corporate Affairs Canada
Syngenta Canada Inc.
519-212-6193
christina.stroud@syngenta.com

Trent Whiting
Parent Seed Manager West
Secan
780-887-3639
twhiting@secan.com

About Alberta Grains:

Alberta Grains is a farmer-directed organization that represents the interests of and serves as the single voice for all of Alberta's wheat and barley producers.

About SeCan:

SeCan is a consortium of approximately 600 independent Canadian seed businesses engaged in seed production, processing and marketing. As “Canada’s Seed Partner”, SeCan actively seeks partnerships that promote success in Canadian agriculture. SeCan is the largest supplier of certified seed to Canadian farmers, with more than 400 varieties in 28 crop types developed by public and private sector breeding programs. Collectively, SeCan members are major supporters of seed variety research and development, returning more than $165 million in royalties and research funding since inception in 1976.

About Syngenta:

Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 100 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world’s population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & X.