Location: Plant Science Research
Project Number: 6070-22000-019-033-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 30, 2026
End Date: Jan 1, 2030
Objective:
The goal of the research is to facilitate the development of bread wheats that are adapted to the mid-Atlantic region, where there is growing interest in sourcing local wheat for the artisan bread industry. These wheats need strong resistance to the diseases most common to the region, especially because some growers will produce them organically. The most important diseases that must be targeted are powdery mildew, Fusarium head blight, and Septoria nodorum blotch. Cooperator is an expert in powdery mildew.
Approach:
Approach #1: Bread wheat lines are crossed in the greenhouse to obtain new combinations of desirable traits. Seed of the offspring is harvested and planted in the field. Desirable individuals are selected, and generations are advanced.
Approach #2. Selected lines are screened for disease resistance and other important traits in field nurseries. Cooperator will provide assistance with identification of mildew-resistant individuals.