b'A close-up view of developing wheat heads in an OSU field plot. Orange Blossom CL+ was bred for early stripe rust resistance and improved yield under pressure.STRIPE RUST ANDleaf rust continue to pressure wheat growers across the Southern Plains, with shifting pathogen populations and unpredictable infection timing threatening both yield and grain quality. As growers weigh fungicide costs, disease timing and variety resistance, researchers are working to develop cul-tivars that offer broader protection and stronger agronomic performance.Oklahoma State Universitys latest Clearfield wheat release, Orange Blossom CL+, enters the landscape with a famil-iar genetic baseand a few new traits Orange Blossom Special:aimed squarely at todays rust-related risks. The release follows years of internal development and field trials. The variety features a familiar genetic backbone and The Rust Stops Here brings a combination of higher yield, early stripe rust resistance, and test weight comparable to its predecessor, Doublestop CL Plus.A new wheat variety blends familiarBuilding on a Trusted Foundationgenetics with fresh resistance andOSU wheat genetics chair and regents professor Brett Carver says the decision agronomic traitsbut emergingto build on Doublestop CL Plus genetics pathogens raise new questions. was intentional.Genetically speaking, we stayed close By Aimee Nielson, Seed World U.S. Editor to home with Doublestop CL Plus when breeding Orange Blossom CL Plus, he says. These two varieties share about 66% of their genes in common. Thus, we could really focus on grain yield and disease resistance with the confidence of knowing we had a strong foundation.64/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025'