Quality Matters

The role of variety identification in Canadian grain quality assurance

Canada has a reputation as a consistent supplier of quality grain. Strict control of varieties is an important component of Canada's grain quality assurance system, and variety identification technology is one tool the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) uses to support this system.

In Canada, varieties of wheat and barley are registered for specific end uses. Each of the eight functionally different milling classes of wheat in western Canada is composed of varieties with defined processing characteristics. Varieties within a class also have a characteristic kernel size, shape and appearance, such that kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) may be used to identify and segregate the classes. KVD allows adherence to tight tolerances for wheats of other classes in Canadian grade standards, protecting important processing characteristics of shipments.

However, KVD cannot deal with varieties that have kernel characteristics of a particular class but are ineligible for that class because they are not registered in Canada. Visually indistinguishable varieties may not meet the quality criteria of the class they resemble and could compromise quality if they are included in a shipment.

Determining variety composition of a wheat sample from protein electrophoregrams

To address this issue, the CGC has developed non-visual methods for variety identification. Two protein-fingerprinting techniques are used: gel electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography. Because not all varieties can be distinguished by these methods, the CGC has also developed microsatellite-based DNA fingerprinting to augment its testing capabilities. These three biochemical methods are used to support grain grading and inspection, to monitor the variety composition of export shipments, and to provide assurances for variety-specific shipments of wheat and barley.

Microsatellite analysis on an automated DNA analyzer

The demand for variety identification testing is increasing because customers are seeking grains with more specific quality characteristics and for more diverse end-uses. Furthermore, KVD requirements are perceived by some as an impediment to the registration of new varieties that fulfill these specific and diverse needs. If visual requirements are relaxed to facilitate variety development, the demand for testing will be even greater.

To meet increasing demands, the CGC wishes to expand the variety identification testing capacity of Canada's private sector and is committed to transferring its technology to private sector service laboratories. There has already been some response to this opportunity.

The CGC is also continuing its research into improved and more efficient variety identification technologies. This work and other CGC research will help Canada continue to provide buyers of Canadian grain with the quality of grain they require and rely upon.