p7/20/07 Implementing external review recommendations of WSU wheat breeding

Washington Ag July 20, 2007 Recommendations of an external review of the wheat breeding program at Washington State University have led to several initiatives by the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. Speaking at the recent Spillman Field Day CAHNRS Dean Dan Bernardo said one initiative is creation of a new WSU Wheat Research Advisory Committee. Bernardo: "It will be comprised of WSU folks as well as industry folks. Again, just to have regular frequent communication concerning our priorities, industry's priorities, and making sure that we are communicating well with the needs of the industry and how we are meeting those." Bernardo said a ten-year plan for wheat research at WSU will also be developed. Bernardo: "All of this will involve active engagement of the Washington Wheat Commission and the wheat producer groups." That outside review team had said one challenge facing WSU wheat breeding is growing competition from wheat varieties released by other states and the private sector. A government survey of wheat varieties planted in Washington for 2007 shows the top four winter wheat varieties are WSU releases and WSU's spring wheats also gained ground. I'm Bob Hoff.