By Scout Nelson
North Dakota is set for a farming revolution. This year, two unique wheat breeds entered the scene: ND Thresher and ND Allison.
ND Thresher is a spring wheat gem from NDSU's breeding program. What's impressive is It stands shorter, showcases formidable straw strength, and combats diseases like Fusarium head blight and stem rust. The yield is high, especially in the east. Plus, expect top-tier protein content and excellent milling and baking qualities.
Andrew Green, a lead expert from the Department of Plant Sciences, tipped his hat to the past, naming it after the iconic threshing machines. The goal is to respect North Dakota's rich farming history. Farmers can look forward to efficient harvests, thanks to its timely drying.
ND Allison made its debut as a winter wheat contender. Its lineage? A blend of the Canadian variety, Accipiter, and South Dakota's 2013 release, Ideal. Notably, it stands a tad shorter than the Jerry variety and blooms a day later. It promises winter survival, satisfactory processing, and a wide adaptation with bumper yields. What's more, it's friendlier to acidic soils.
The brains behind it are Francois Marais from the Department of Plant Sciences. Fun fact: Winter wheat names are a nod to inspirational women from various backgrounds.
Photo Credit: istock-zhaojiankang
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Wheat