Two new durum varieties and one new hard red spring wheat variety from the North Dakota State University breeding program offer promising traits for both farmers and millers.

Durum
ND Riveland and ND Grano are the two new durum wheat varieties from Elias M. Elias, NDSU durum breeder. Both are low-cadmium accumulating varieties. Cadmium is a trace element that can be found in some soils. Cadmium became an issue in the early 1990s when it was identified by international food safety organizations as a potential concern in certain crops, such as flaxseed, sunflowers and durum. Cadmium uptake is influenced by a variety’s genetics, and by the soil and the growing season environment.

The development of these two lines with the genetic capacity to limit cadmium uptake is significant for durum producers in North Dakota and Montana, according to the U.S. Durum Growers Association.

An added benefit is the fact that both varieties offer high yield potential and good end-use quality.

Spring wheat
ND VitPro is the hard red spring release from Andrew Green, NDSU spring wheat breeder. Its unique advantage over many current varieties is the outstanding kernel and milling traits it possesses, especially for vitreous kernel levels and high protein content. It is similar to Glenn for test weight and Fusarium resistance.

Overall, ND VitPro has a good disease package and improved straw strength compared to other recent NDSU releases. It has shown strong yield potential in statewide trials, but ranks lower than other elite yielding lines currently available, according to Green.

Source: ND Wheat Commission