Texas Wheat joins forces with Wheat Genetics Resource Center.
Each fall, Texas wheat research kicks off a new cycle of innovation, focusing on variety development, advanced breeding, and combating diseases and pests. In 2024, these efforts took a bold step forward by exploring wheat’s ancestral history to uncover genetic traits that could revolutionize the crop’s resilience and productivity.
Texas Wheat Joins Forces with Wheat Genetics Resource Center
In its 2024 budget cycle, the Texas Wheat Producers Board (TWPB) joined forces with the Wheat Genetics Resource Center Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC), aligning with other state wheat organizations and industry representatives. This collaboration taps into the center’s extensive wheat germplasm collection, curated for over 40 years to support breeding programs worldwide.
The IUCRC’s current funding cycle backs six significant research initiatives, including one spearheaded by Texas scientists.
Advancing Root Health Research with Cutting-Edge Technology
A standout project from this partnership focuses on identifying root traits that promote plant health and resilience. Texas-based researcher Okumoto Sakiko leads this initiative, employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study wheat lines for root characteristics. The findings aim to boost wheat’s ability to withstand Texas’ challenges, such as heat, drought, and water scarcity.
“We believe Texas farmers stand to benefit greatly from the research conducted within the IUCRC. This investment is a key part of our efforts to bring value to wheat farmers,” TWPB chair Chet Creel said in a Texas Wheat news release. “The potential to bring in beneficial traits from wheat’s ancestors is exciting. As farmers, we face production challenges every year. Having access to cutting-edge research that strengthens the resilience of our wheat varieties is crucial to managing these threats.”
Building Strategic Industry Partnerships
The TWPB sees this partnership as an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and expand its influence across the wheat supply chain.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the ability to work alongside companies, researchers, and key partners in the wheat industry,” said TWPB Executive Director Steelee Fischbacher. “It is very meaningful to have a focused effort for wheat research that includes farmers, millers, and input providers across the supply chain.”
By combining efforts with state organizations and industry stakeholders, the board aims to elevate Texas-focused research to new heights.
Leveraging a Legacy of Research Excellence
Texas’ wheat research legacy spans decades, led by experts like Jackie Rudd of Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Amarillo. Rudd has made strides in breeding wheat lines derived from wild collections, showing potential for disease resistance and enhanced performance.
Complementing the IUCRC partnership, the board continues to fund a range of projects, including breeding programs, end-use quality testing, pest management, and agronomic studies targeting pests like the wheat curl mite and hessian fly.
A Future Rooted in Innovation
With increasing pressures from environmental challenges, pests, and diseases, Texas wheat producers are doubling down on research to secure a competitive edge. Partnerships like the one with the IUCRC pave the way for breakthroughs that will sustain and grow the industry, ensuring a prosperous future for wheat farming in Texas.
