Innovating Wheat: Insights from Dr. Clair Keene on Variety Updates and Advanced Research

The 72nd Annual National Hard Spring Wheat Show is set to highlight cutting-edge research and practical applications for wheat growers and agronomists. A key feature of the event is Dr. Clair Keene’s “Wheat and Durum Variety Update.” Dr. Keene, an NDSU Extension agronomist for small grains and corn, will not only showcase her findings but also present the innovative work of her graduate student, Jose Bais, on hard red spring (HRS) wheat varieties.

Wheat and Durum: Variety Performance Under Scrutiny

Jose Bais’s research is a comprehensive analysis of 14 site-years of data on the yield and quality of four HRS wheat varieties: Glenn, Frohberg, Faller, and SY Valda. Conducted across northwest Minnesota and North Dakota, the study examines how varying levels of fertilizer and fungicide inputs affect critical parameters like yield, protein content, and end-use quality.

What sets this project apart is its holistic approach. Beyond the field, Bais has evaluated the impact of these treatments on milling efficiency, dough strength, and bread-baking performance. From grinding samples to baking bread, this research spans the entire wheat production process. Supported by the North Dakota Wheat Commission, this work aims to provide actionable insights for improving both productivity and quality.

Dr. Keene’s Contributions to Wheat Research

Dr. Keene brings a wealth of experience to her role as an NDSU agronomist. With a Ph.D. in agronomy and a track record of impactful research at the Williston NDSU Research Extension Center, her work focuses on small grains, pulses, and sustainable cropping systems in the MonDak region.

Currently, Dr. Keene’s program is centered on enhancing wheat and corn production in North Dakota. Her interests include:

Collaborating with breeders to evaluate traits that matter to farmers.
Increasing sustainability through innovative rotations and introducing perennial grains like Kernza intermediate wheatgrass.
Mitigating disease risks such as Fusarium head blight (FHB) using targeted fungicide treatments.

The Future of Sustainable Wheat Production

Dr. Keene’s ongoing research highlights the importance of adapting to evolving challenges in wheat production. By combining advanced breeding techniques, sustainable practices, and comprehensive quality testing, her work is helping growers optimize inputs, improve profitability, and meet rising market demands.

The insights shared by Dr. Keene and Jose Bais emphasize the need for integrated approaches in wheat production. From field trials to flour quality, this research bridges the gap between agronomic practices and end-user requirements. For wheat growers, millers, and scientists, the takeaways from this year’s Wheat Show could set new benchmarks for yield, quality, and sustainability.

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Innovating Wheat: Insights from Dr. Clair Keene on Variety Updates and Advanced Research

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