ANNUAL WHEAT NEWSLETTER
Volume 39
Edited by J. S. Quick, Department of Agronomy, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO, USA; Financial arrangements made by Ian B. Edwards,
Treasurer, Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Johnston, IA, USA. Carolyn
Schultz, Senior Secretary, CSU Department of Agronomy, typed and collated
the information for the printing of this volume. Facilities and assistance
during manuscript editing were kindly provided by Colorado State University.
* * * * * *
Additional regional editing and manuscript solicitation were done by:
J. S. Noll, Canada Dept. of Agriculture, Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada
R. A. Fischer, CIMMYT, Mexico, D. F., Mexico
K. S. Gill, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana,
Punjab, India
T. E. Miller, Plant Sci. Res., Cambridge Laboratory,
Norwich, England
H. A. van Niekerk, Small Grain Center, Bethlehem, South
Africa
B. C. Curtis, Former CIMMYT Wheat Director, Retired
* * * * * *
This volume was financed by voluntary contributions - list included. The
information in this Newsletter is considered as personal contributions.
Before citing any information herein, obtain the consent of the specific
author(s). The Newsletter is sponsored by the National Wheat Improvement
Committee, USA.
* * * * * *
1 June 1993
460 copies printed
Publications Services, Colorado State University
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
ZOLTAN BARABAS 1
ROBERT L. BURTON 2
DAVE JOHNSTON 3
HOWARD N. LAFEVER 4
COLIN N. LAW 5
CHARLES C. RUSSELL 6
ERVIN WILLIAMS, JR. 7
I. SPECIAL REPORTS 8
Minutes - Wheat Crop Advisory Committee 8
Minutes - National Wheat Improvement Committee 9
Members - National Wheat Improvement Committee 23
Wheat Workers Code of Ethics 24
Wheat Database Organization and 1992 Progress Report 24
USDA Research on Wheat and Rye, 1863 to 1972 27
II. CONTRIBUTIONS 71
PRIVATE COMPANIES
AGRIPRO BIOSCIENCES
Rob Bruns, John Moffat, Joe Smith, Jim Reeder - Berthoud, CO
Barton Fogleman, Erwin Ridge - Jonesboro, AR
Koy Miskin, Gregory Holland, Curtis Beazer - Brookston, IN
CARGILL HYBRID SEEDS, INC. 74
D. R. Johnston, S. W. Perry, J. E. Handwerk, Sally R. Clayshulte,
D. P. Shellberg - Fort Collins, CO
Nestor Machado, Pedro Paulucci, Hector Mertinuzzi - Argentina
R. P. Daniel, D. Donaldson, Garry Lane, Michael Materne, M. J.
Nowland, C. J. Tyson, D. J. Wilson, P. Wilson - Tamworth, Australia
GOERTZEN SEED COMPANY76
Kenneth, Kevin, and Betty Goertzen - Haven, KS
HYBRITECH SEED INTERNATIONAL, INC. 77
John Erickson, Jerry Wilson, Steve Kuhr, Dennis Delaney, Jerry
Wilson, Bud Hardesty, Karolyn Ely - Wichita, KS; Gordon Cisar -
Lafayette, IN; Hal Lewis - Corvallis, OR
HYBRINOVA78
A. Gervais - Les Ulis Cedex, France
NORTHRUP KING COMPANY79
Fred Collins, June Hancock, Craig Allen - Bay, AR
PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC. 80
Johnston, IA - I. B. Edwards
Windfall, IN - G. C. Marshall, W. J. Laskar, K. J. Lively
St. Mathews, SC - B. E. Edge, P. L. Shields
Frouville, France - G. Dorencourt, R. Marchand, O. Vanderpol
Sevilla, Spain - J. M. urbano, M. Hidalgo, M. Peinado
Sissa (Parma), Italy - M. Tanzi
Pandorf, Austria - G. Reichenberger
Winford, Cheshire, England - Ian Edwards, Simon Jones
Buxtehude, Germany - H. Schoenwallder, Ian Edwards
SVALOF WEIBULL AB85
Poinville, France - J. P. Jossett, et al.
Landskrona, Sweden - G. Svensson
TRIO RESEARCH, INC. 85
J. Wilson - Wichita, KS
ARGENTINA 86
F. Bidinost, B. Ferro, F. Salvagiotti, S. Beas, N. C. Guzman,
C. A. Pipoll, J. Casati, R. Roldan, W. Londero, J. C. Funes,
J. C. Miranda, M. J. Miarka, D. Bonelli, G. Manera, R. Maich,
C. Olmos, C. Ferraris, F. Gil, C. Bainotti, N. Contin - Cordoba
M. L. Appendino, G. M. P. Camargo, N. Zelener, M. Argeaga,
E. Suarez, G. Covas, Laura Bullrich, G. Tranquilli, E. Cetour,
B. Formica, L. Faraldo - Castellar
AUSTRALIA 90
NEW SOUTH WALES
C. W. Wrigley, CSIRO, Sydney
J. Bell, G. N. Brown, D. Backhouse, N. L. Darvey,
L. W. Burgess, R. A. McIntosh, D. R. Marshall,
J. D. Oates, R. Park, R. Roake, F. Stoddard, P. J. Sharp,
D. The, C. R. Wellings - Sydney and Cobbitty
L. O'Brien, F. W. Ellison, R. M. Trethowan, A. B.
Pattison, D. J. Mares, S. G. Moore et al.
R. A. Hare - Tamworth
QUEENSLAND 96
P. S. Brennan, P.M. Banks, L. R. Mason, J. A. Sheppard,
R. W. Uebergang, P. J. Keys, M. L. Fiske, I. C. Haak,
P. I. Hocroft, J. C. Ross, P. J. Agius, S. Kammholz
G. B. Wildermuth, R. B. McNamara - Toowoomba
R. G. Rees, P. S. Brennan, G. J. Platz - Toowoomba
BRAZIL 99
J. C. S. Moreira, C. N. A. de Sousa, E. P. Gomes, L. J. A.
Del Duca, J. F. Philipovsky, E. M. Guerianti, P. L. Scheeren,
C. E. O. Camargo, S. D. dos A. de Silva, A. L. Barcellos et al. -
Passo Fundo
A. C. P. Goulart, F. de A. Paiva - Dourados, M. S.
BULGARIA 112
V. Vassilev, S. Stoyanova, K. Kolev, A. Dimov - Sadovo
CANADA 114
ALBERTA 115
D. F. Salmon, et al.
MANITOBA 116
J. A. Kolmer, F. Townley-Smith, D. Leisle,
P. L. Thomas, et al.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND 123
H.W. Johnston, H.G. Nass
SASKATCHEWAN 124
R. M. De Pauw, J. M. Clarke, et al.
CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF 126
Zhaosu Wu, Shirong Yu, Xizhong Wei, Quimei Xia, Youjia Shen,
Jiming Wu, Yong Xu, Xhaoxia Chen, Guoliang Jiang - Nanjing
Ying-Jie Wang - Henan
Zuoji Lin, Shenghui Jie, Xidan Zhou - Henan
Li Huimin, Zhao Fengwu, Li Hongwa, et al. - Heibi
Tiecheng Huang, Qixin Sun, et al. - Beijing
Luxiang Liu, et al. - Beijing
CROATIA 136
Bogdan Koric - Zagreb
Slobodan Tomasovic - Zagreb
CZECH REPUBLIC 138
Z. Stehno, M. Vlasek, L. Dotlacil, P. Bartos, J. Kosner,
L. Kucera, V. Sip, M. Skorpik, et al. - Prague
ESTONIA 144
O. Priilinn, T. Enno, H. Peusha, M. Tohver - Tallinn
GERMANY 146
E. Kazman, R. Bothe, T. Lelley - Gottingen
J. von Kietzell, A. Fessehaie, K. Rudolf - Gottingen
A. Boerner, J. Plaschke, G. Schlegel, et al. - Gatersleben
HUNGARY 153
Z. Kertesz, J. Matuz, L. Bona, et al. - Szeged
L. Balla, Z. Bedo, L. Lang, L. Szunics, Lu. Szunics,
I. Karsai, Gy. Vida, et al. - Martonvasar
B. Barnabas, et al. - Martonvasar
INDIA 168
R. N. Sawhney, et al. - New Delhi
S.M.S. Tomar, et al. - Wellington
J. G. Bhowal and G. Guha - Wellington
D. Singh - New Delhi
R. G. Saini, et al. - Ludhiana
R. Asir, V. R. K. Reddy - Coimbatore
J. S. Bijral, et al. - R. S. Pura
H. S. Dhaliwal, et al. - Ludhiana
G. S. Sethi, et al. - Palampur
ITALY 191
B. Borghi, M. Perenzin, M. Cattaneo, Y.M. Qiao, R. Castagna,
N.E. Pogna, R. Redaelli, M. Corbellini, et al. - Lodigiano
M. Pasquini, et al. - Rome
JAPAN 198
S. Ito, M. Watanabe, A. Sato, T. Hoshino - Tohuku
N. Watanabe - Gifu
MEXICO 200
R. A. Fischer, G. Varughese - CIMMYT
P. N. Fox, et al. - CIMMYT
A. Morgunov, R. J. Pena, S. Rajaram - CIMMYT
MOROCCO206
M. Mergoum, et al. - Settat
PAKISTAN 208
M. Husain - Bahawalpur
PARAGUAY 210
P. C. Wall - CIMMYT
ROMANIA 210
M. Moldovan, et al. - Turda
N. S. Saulescu, Mariana Ittu, Gh. Ittu - Fundulea
RUSSIA 212
S. Polikarpov, et al. - Kurgan
S. P. Martynov, T. V. Dobrotvorskaya - Tver
M. Evdokinov - Omsk
I. M. Shindin - Khabarovsk
N. S. Vassiltchouk, et al. - Saratov
A. Federov - Moscow
SOUTH AFRICA 230
Z. A. Pretorius, F. J. Kloppers, C. S. Van Deventer,
M. T. Labuschagne, M.C.B. Coetzee, A. M. Botha, et al -
Bloemfontein
G. F. Marais, R. de V. Pienaar, et al. - Stellenbosch
H. A. Van Niekerk, H. A. Smit, J. L. Purchase,
D. B. Scott, et al. - Bethlehem
B. Lombard, J. P. Jordaan, et al. - Sensako
F. du Toit, S. S. Walters, A. Brummer - Pannar, Ltd.,
Bainsvlei
TURKEY 241
H. Braun, T. S. Payne - Ankara
UKRAINE 243
L. A. Zhivotkov, et al. - Mironovka
UNITED KINGDOM 244
NORWICH, Cambridge Laboratory, Institute of Plant Science Research
A. J. Worland, J. W. Snape, T. E. Miller, et al.
NORWICH, John Innes Institute
J. S. Heslop-Harrison, A. R. Leitch, T. Schwarzacher,
K. Anamthawt-Jonsson, et al.
PBI, CAMBRIDGE
S. J. Brown, P. I. Payne
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 252
ARKANSAS 252
R. K. Bacon, E. A. Milus, et al.
CALIFORNIA 256
C.A. Curtis, Bahman Ehdaie, A.J. Lukaszewski,
J. G. Waines, et al.
COLORADO 260
J. S. Quick, G. H. Ellis, R. Normann, A. Saidi,
J. S. Stromberger, H. Dong
GEORGIA 262
J. W. Johnson, B. N. Cunfer, J.J. Roberts,
G.D. Buntin, R.E. Wilkinson
IDAHO 265
R.S. Zemetra, E. Souza, S. Guy, et al. - Moscow & Aberdeen
Warren Pope - Moscow
ILLINOIS 268
F. L. Kolb, E. D. Nafziger, W. L. Pedersen, et al.
INDIANA 269
H. W. Ohm, H. C. Sharma, I.M. Dweikat, S.A. MacKenzie, D.
McFatridge, F. L. Patterson, G. Shaner, R.M. Lister, D. M. Huber,
G. Buechley, R.H. Ratcliffe, R.H. Shukle, S. Wellso, G. G.
Safranski, S. Cambron
KANSAS 277
T.S. Cox, R.G. Sears, B. S. Gill, M. B. Kirkham, G. H. Liang,
T. Harvey, T. J. Martin, et al.
O. K. Chung, G. L. Lookhart, V. V. Smail, J. L. Steele, et al.
T.J. Byram
KENTUCKY 302
D. A. Van Sanford, et al.
LOUISIANA 304
S.A. Harrison, P. Colyer, S. H. Moore, C. Hallier
MARYLAND 305
D. J. Sammons
MICHIGAN 307
P. K. W. Ng
MINNESOTA 307
R. Busch, L. Van Bueningen
A. P. Roelfs, D. L. Long, D. H. Casper, M. E. Hughes, J. J.
Roberts
D. V. McVey, R. H. Busch
MISSOURI 317
J. P. Gustafson, K. D. Kephart, G. Kimber, A. L. McKendry, et al.
MONTANA 319
L. E. Talbert, P. L. Bruckner, et al.
NEBRASKA 321
P.S. Baenziger, C.J. Peterson, D.R. Shelton, R.A. Graybosch,
D. D. Baltensperger, L. A. Nelson, D. J. Lyons, G.L. Hein, et al.
NEW YORK 327
M. E. Sorrells, W. R. Coffman, G. C. Bergstrom, et al.
NORTH DAKOTA 332
E. M. Elias, J. A. Anderson, C. R. Reide
W. R. Moore, B. L. D'Appolonia, K. Khan
OHIO 339
K. Garland, W.A. Berzonsky, et al.
OKLAHOMA 342
D. R. Porter, J. A. Webster, C. A. Baker, J.D. Burd, N.C. Elliot,
D. K. Reed, R.L. Burton
R. M. Hunger, G. L. Sherwood
OREGON 347
W. E. Kronstad, R. S. Karow, C.S. Love, D. K. Kelly, R. W. Knight,
M. D. Moore, S. E. Rowe, N. H. Scott, M. C. Verhoeven
SOUTH DAKOTA 349
J. C. Rudd, H. J. Woodard, G. Buchenau, et al.
TEXAS 352
Mark Lazar, L.R. Nelson, G.E. Hart, D. Marshall,
M.E. McDaniel, B. McDonald, Lloyd Rooney, John Sij,
N.A. Tuleen, W.D. Worrall, G. L. Peterson, et al.
UTAH 358
D. J. Hole
R. S. Albrechtsen
VIRGINIA 359
C.A. Griffey, D.E. Brann, E. Stromberg, M.K. Das,
A. Herbert, J. M. Johnson
WASHINGTON 361
C. F. Kozak, et al.
T. D. Murray, et al.
R. E. Allan, S. S. Jones, R. F. Line, M. W. Simmons,
C. F. Morris, J. A. Pritchett, L. M. Little,
B. K. Sowers, et al.
YUGOSLOVIA 373
Miroslav Kuburovic, et al.
M. S. Milovanovic, et al.
III. CULTIVARS AND GERMPLASM 378
B. Skovmand - Wheat Cultivar Abbreviations
H.E. Bockelman, D.M. Wesenberg, S. Niets, A. Urie, B. J. Goats
- Evaluation of National Small Grains Collection Germplasm
J. S. Quick - CSSA Cultivar and Germplasm Registration
IV. CATALOGUE OF GENE SYMBOLS, 1991 SUPPLEMENT 400
R. A. McIntosh, G.E. Hart, M.D. Gale
V. ANNUAL WHEAT NEWSLETTER FUND 417
VI. VOLUME 40 MANUSCRIPT GUIDELINES 420
VII. MAILING LIST 421
VIII. FAX/TELEPHONE LIST 427
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ZOLTAN BARABAS
Dr. Zoltan Barabas, Professor of Agronomy, Member of the Hungarian
Academy of Sciences died on 23 January 1993, after a serious illness at the
age of 67 years, in Szeged, Hungary. He is survived by his wife Ilona, two
children and 5 grand-children. Dr. Barabas was born in 1926 in Budapest,
Hungary. After getting his degree at the University of Agricultural Sciences
he started his career at the same place as a teaching assistant. Later he
work as a seed production inspector for two years.
In 1951 he started his research work on flax and sorghum breeding.
From 1960 he was the head of sorghum breeding programme at the Agricultural
Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Martonvasar for
nine years. During this period he introduced grain
sorghum hybrids in Hungary. With this activity he was the first in Europe in
improving sorghum hybrids. Four hybrid cultivars were released by him.
Those are still grown in Hungary. Since 1969 he has served the Cereal
Research Institute of the Hungarian Agriculture Ministry, as the Leader of
the Wheat Breeding Programme. He contributed essentially in the development
and release of 18 wheat cultivars. Meanwhile he introduced the durum wheat
to Hungary.
Zoltan had a wide range of scientific interests, and had an excellent
ability to see the future trends in the science and governed his and his
colleagues' activity to the oncoming problems. He studied the genetic and
physiological background of male-sterility, hybrid vigour and mutations in
sorghum and wheat. He demonstrated experimentally the evolutionary sex
divergence, inducing monosex dioecious forms from bisexual monoecious
plants. As a first he induced genetic male sterile series in sorghum. He
used a number of special breeding methods such as acceleration the
vernalization process by cytokinins, experimental endeavours of the non-
race-specific resistance in breeding studies of disease tolerance without
pesticides by the Center Pivot method, and measurements in somatic and
reproductive heterosis and mutation effects. He worked for achieving
patented cultivars and methods to develop hybrid cereals by more profitable
ways. The patents were based on marker genes and nutritional mutants. He
first suggested and helped to apply the anther culture method to achieve
adequate homogeneity during the breeding work. He encouraged us also to
think unconventionally. His scientific career will be an example for all of
us.
Z. Barabas was a well known and respected person among the
scientists in Hungary and world-wide as well. He was a Member of EUCARPIA,
Chairman of Scientific Council of Agricultural Biotechnology Center,
Godollo, Hungary, and Vice-Chairman of the Szeged Academy Committee.
He established the periodical, "Cereal Research Communications" and
successfully edited it for over 20 years. Zoltan was not only an
outstanding theoretical and practical scientist, but he was our master at
the same time. He established a successful "wheat breeding school" in
Szeged.
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ROBERT L. BURTON
Dr. Robert L. Burton of Stillwater, OK, died Wednesday, February 3,
1993, in the St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa at the age of 56. Bob was
born in the small town of Antlers, OK on August 23, 1936. He received his
B.S. degree in 1963, and his M.S. in 1964 working on insect diets and
rearing techniques, both from Oklahoma State University (OSU). He joined
the USDA-ARS in 1964, and his first assignment was in Tifton, GA. He
transferred to Stillwater in 1970 and received his Ph.D. in Entomology, also
at OSU, in 1974.
At the time of his death, Bob was director of the USDA-ARS Plant
Science and Water Conservation Laboratory and adjunct professor of
entomology at OSU. He also served as national technological coordinator for
the ARS Russian Wheat Aphid (RWA) program. The RWA was first detected in
the United States in 1986. Since then, the pest has infested 16 of the
western states and is now approaching a billion dollars in total damage.
Under his direction, the laboratory responded dynamically to this pest.
It was the first to identify the RWA and then provided most of the initial
information to the industry as literature and one-on-one communications
through invited presentations and phone responses. During the last five
years, Dr. Burton dramatically changed the direction of the research
approach to deal with the urgency of this problem on the Great Plains. To
implement this change, he secured significant new funding for the unit,
developed several new projects and redesigned others, hired and relocated
scientists, and constructed new facilities. His mission was to develop
programs of fundamental and applied research that involve specific and novel
approaches and multidisciplinary programs such as integrated pest management
(IPM). Stillwater is now recognized as having the most highly concentrated
RWA effort with the broadest scope.
In addition, Bob pioneered research on the impact of conservation
cropping systems on greenbug population dynamics by discovering the
"repellency" action of crop residues and other background effects such as
canopy. This phenomenon, unknown in wheat and grain sorghum until his
research, represents a significant breakthrough that is practical yet
simple: a cultural means of control ideally suited for use in present and
future sustainable cropping systems.
He authored and co-authored 126 scientific publications during the last
28 years and made more than 100 scientific presentations in the United
States and abroad. He was recognized as a world authority in the area of
insect diets and the laboratory production of insects.
Bob was a member of numerous professional societies including the
Entomological Society of America, the Georgia Entomological Society, the
Southwestern Entomological Society, the Kansas (Central States)
Entomological Society, the South Carolina Entomological Society, the
Oklahoma Academy of Science, the Soil and Water Conservation Society, and
the International Soil Tillage Research Organization. He also belonged to
the honor societies Sigma Xi and Phi Sigma. He had served as program
chairman of the 1992 Southwest Branch meeting of the Entomological Society
of America and had received the outstanding performance awards from ARS in
1991 and 1992. His interest in conservation and wildlife extended into his
personal life as well. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of Quail
Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited.
Dr. Burton is survived by his wife Sylvia and his two sons Robert and
Brian. Memorials may go to the OSU Foundation, Dr. Robert L. Burton
Memorial Fund for Entomology, H-100 Student Union, Stillwater, OK 74078.
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DAVE JOHNSTON
Dave Johnston retired December 31, 1992, after 35 years as a wheat
breeder.
Dave was born in Everett, Massachusetts, on November 14, 1930. Although
a city boy by birth, he spent summers working on a farm and developed a love
of agriculture. This led him to attend the University of Massachusetts
where he mastered in Agronomy. After graduation in 1952, he spent four
years in the Navy.
In the Fall of 1956, he enrolled in Graduate School with the Department
of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota. In January
of 1958, his wheat breeding career began as he was offered a University of
Minnesota full time staff position as a Research Associate with the wheat
program under Dr. Elmer Ausemus. During his time there, the cultivar,
Chris, was released and the lines which later became Polk, Fletcher, and Era
were in advanced stages of testing.
In July, 1967, Dave left the University and began working for Cargill,
Inc. - the first person hired on the company's wheat research program.
During the early years with Cargill, his efforts were mostly on development
of spring cultivars and spring hybrid components. Two cultivars were
released during this period. Since the mid-seventies, the major portion of
his effort was on the development of restorer lines for the winter program.
Over the years, ten hybrids were made commercially available. He is
recognized as one of the foremost authorities on restorer breeding in wheat.
Dave and his wife will remain in the Fort Collins area, dividing their
time between the flatland and the hills to the west and maybe even a trip
east or south or ?. P.S. Dave says thanks for the "surprise" cards from
the breeders in the states of Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and
Nebraska. As you might guess, they were opened and appreciated over a cool
brewski!
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HOWARD N. LAFEVER
Dr. Howard "Hal" Lafever retired from the Ohio Agricultural Research and
Development Center/The Ohio State University in 1992. He attended Purdue
University where he received his B.S. (1959), M.S. (1961), and Ph.D. (1963)
degrees in agronomy and plant breeding/ genetics.
During his 27-year career, Dr. Lafever was a leading breeder for the soft
red winter wheat region. His efforts resulted in the release of nine public
soft red winter wheat varieties, including such widely-grown varieties as
'Titan', 'Cardinal', and 'Dynasty'. In 1985, he was instrumental in
establishing a basic licensing agreement with the Agricultural Genetic
Research Association (AGRA). Since its inception, AGRA has marketed five
soft red winter wheat varieties and has contributed funds, generated from
the sales of these varieties, to further wheat breeding research. Dr.
Lafever also expanded the Ohio breeding effort by initiating new spelt and
oat breeding programs. 'Champ' spelt and, the recently released, 'Armor'
oat were developed from these programs. In 1991, Dr. Lafever was recognized
for his contributions to the seed industry of Ohio by being elected an
Honorary Lifetime Member of the Ohio Seed Dealers Association.
Dr. Lafever published and presented numerous papers on the tolerance to
aluminum and the mineral nutrition of wheat. The Ohio program was one of
the first to include selection for aluminum tolerance in the development of
new wheat varieties. As a result, several of the Ohio varieties are
productive in acid soil regions of Ohio. In 1989, because of his
significant service and research contributions to wheat breeding/genetics,
Dr. Lafever was elected an Agronomy Society and a Crop Science Society of
America Fellow.
In retirement, Hal hopes to continue to do some small grains breeding as
well as to travel and pursue his hobby interests. His public career as a
small grains breeder and researcher was truly a model of productivity. We
wish him the same success and productivity in all of his future endeavors.
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COLIN N LAW
Professor Colin Law, the Head of the Cambridge Laboratory, Norwich,
retired in November l992 after 32 years in the UK Agricultural and Food
Research Council research service. Colin joined the Plant Breeding
Institute in Cambridge in l960 after his BSc in Genetics at Birmingham
University and a PhD at University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. His early
years with Ralph Riley in the Cytogenetics Department at PBI were spent
pioneering the use of wheat aneuploid genetic stocks for the genetical
analysis of quantitative characters, particularly those of economic
importance. The methods of analysis and genetic stocks developed by Colin
during the l960s and l970s are now in use worldwide both by geneticists and
breeders. During his career very few characters of the wheat plant escaped
his attention and his work with genes controlling
vernalization response, photoperiod response, plant height, cold tolerance,
salt tolerance, resistance to many important diseases and bread making
quality has provided the foundation for the next generation of cereal
geneticists.
Throughout his career Colin was an inspiration to many students and
colleagues and he instigated a great number of national and international
collaborations. One of the most successful collaborations was the formation
of the European Wheat Aneuploid Cooperative in which he single-handedly
brought together all the laboratories in Europe working on wheat and related
species. EWAC still thrives today and is the major vehicle for European
cooperation on wheat genetics and cytogenetics.
In l972 Colin took over as Head of the Cytogenetics Department. In
addition to actively pursuing his own research interests he was among the
first to recognise the importance of molecular genetics. Under his
leadership, the Molecular Genetics Group grew to the point where it spawned
a new Department, and the PBI became a model for other organizations
worldwide in showing how practical and commercial breeding programmes could
benefit from fundamental research in genetics, physiology and molecular
biology.
In l987 Colin took over as Head of the Cambridge Laboratory which was
formed from the PBI research groups that were not part of the privatisation
package sold to Unilever. He sacrificed much to take on the considerable
new responsibilities, but his success in this post can be judged from the
excellent facilities of the present Cambridge Laboratory at the John Innes
Centre, which he oversaw from design to completion, and from the fact that
almost the entire mobile staff, and all the science, was transferred
efficiently and intact to Norwich in the Spring of l990.
Colin Law is one of the small handful of researchers to have shaped
cereal genetics and cytogenetics and, in doing so, has provided tools that
make life considerably easier for those of us who follow him. We all wish
him well in his retirement and we hope that he will now find time to return
to some of the research that he has had to put aside while shouldering the
administrative burden of Head of the Cambridge Laboratory during the last
five years.
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CHARLES C. RUSSELL
Dr. Charles (Charlie) C. Russell, Professor of Nematology, retired June
31, 1992 after 25 years of teaching and research service in the Department
of Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University. Charlie earned a B.S.
degree in the Department of Entomology at the University of Florida in 1960.
He subsequently completed his degree requirements for the M.S. in Nematology
in 1962, and continued on to earn the Ph.D. degree in 1967 from the same
university. Although an entomologist at heart and by training, he began his
professional career as a Plant Nematologist in 1967 in the Department of
Botany and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University. His primary
responsibilities involved research on plant parasitic nematodes on wheat.
However during his career, he cooperated with many collaborators across
several disciplines. Thus, his research endeavors encompassed other crop
species: peanuts, sweet potato, soybeans, and alfalfa,
and involved varied aspects of nematicide testing, soil fumigation studies,
biological control, nematode resistance, and other aspects too numerous to
mention.
Charlie is a native Floridian and grew up near Sanford Florida where he
led an adventuresome life during his early years as an amateur herpetologist
and avid fisherman. Such hobbies among a myriad of other pursuits attest to
the fact that he was never much for wasting time frivolously.
Charlie's professional career as a graduate student and as a faculty
member was highlighted by his enthusiastic approach toward life and his
willingness to help others. He always had time for students with problems to
provide wise counsel and guidance. This also was reflected in his teaching
responsibilities where his rapport with students and enthusiasm for teaching
was always obvious. He always received the highest teaching ratings from
students because he was genuinely concerned about students and their growth
as individuals and professionals.
Dr. Russell's expertise as a plant nematologist contributed to many
programs across several disciplines at Oklahoma State University. His
expertise will be missed in the Department. Charlie and his wife are living
on a farm near Glencoe, Oklahoma about 20 miles from Stillwater, Oklahoma.
--------------------
ERVIN WILLIAMS, JR.
Ervin Williams, Jr. retired in June, 1992, after 18 years of service to
Oklahoma State University and the Cooperative Extension Service.
Ervin was born in Kansas in 1926.
After receiving his B.S. degree from Kansas State University in 1951 he
joined the military and was part of a U.S. Army Military Police Company from
1951-1953. After fulfilling his military service, Ervin returned to Kansas
State University and worked as a technician in the cereal rust program of
Dr. C. O. Johnston. During this time, Ervin became a graduate student,
studied the effects of environmental conditions on races of Puccinia
recondita f. sp. tritici under the direction of Dr. Johnston, and received
his M.S. degree in 1960.
Ervin became an instructor (1960-1964) and than an assistant professor
(1964-1969) in the Department of Agricultural Services at New Mexico State
University. He moved to Stillwater,
OK in 1969, where he begin to work toward a Ph.D. in the Botany and Plant
Pathology Department at Oklahoma State University under the direction of Dr.
Harry C. Young, Jr. Ervin was not only a research assistant for Dr. Young
where he assisted in the operation of Dr. Young's program of breeding for
disease resistance in wheat, but also was an instructor for the department.
After receiving his Ph.D. in 1973, Ervin was a research associate for Dr.
Young until 1974. Ervin then became an Assistant Professor (Extension State
Specialist) in the Department of Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State
University. During the next 18 years, Ervin became an Associate and than
Full Professor in Extension Plant Pathology, and worked on many different
crops, including peanuts, small grains, alfalfa, field corn, sorghum and
cotton. Ervin's primary responsibility, however, was extension plant
pathology on wheat and other small grains. He was well known for his
research in the control of common bunt and loose smut, and had numerous
extension and research publications in this area. As a result of his work
and other contributions to extension, Ervin received several awards during
his career including recognition by the Oklahoma Association of County
Extension Agents in 1986 for his Crop Production Program, a Ciba-Geigy
Recognition Award in 1987 from the National Association of County
Agricultural Agents for outstanding contributions to agriculture, and
Extension Achievement Awards from the State Extension Service in both 1988
and 1989.
Ervin and his wife Johnna plan to remain in the Stillwater area,
although trips are planned to enjoy their three children and (at this point
in time) one grandchild. We wish Ervin and Johnna a long, happy, and well-
deserved retirement.
--------------------
CHARLES C. RUSSELL
Dr. Charles (Charlie) C. Russell, Professor of Nematology, retired June
31, 1992 after 25 years of teaching and research service in the Department
of Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University. Charlie earned a B.S.
degree in the Department of Entomology at the University of Florida in 1960.
He subsequently completed his degree requirements for the M.S. in Nematology
in 1962, and continued on to earn the Ph.D. degree in 1967 from the same
university. Although an entomologist at heart and by training, he began his
professional career as a Plant Nematologist in 1967 in the Department of
Botany and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University. His primary
responsibilities involved research on plant parasitic nematodes on wheat.
However during his career, he cooperated with many collaborators across
several disciplines. Thus, his research endeavors encompassed other crop
species: peanuts, sweet potato, soybeans, and alfalfa, and involved varied
aspects of nematicide testing, soil fumigation studies, biological control,
nematode resistance, and other aspects too numerous to mention.
Charlie is a native Floridian and grew up near Sanford Florida where he
led an adventuresome life during his early years as an amateur herpetologist
and avid fisherman. Such hobbies among a myriad of other pursuits attest to
the fact that he was never much for wasting time frivolously.
Charlie's professional career as a graduate student and as a faculty
member was highlighted by his enthusiastic approach toward life and his
willingness to help others. He always had time for students with problems to
provide wise counsel and guidance. This also was reflected in his teaching
responsibilities where his rapport with students and enthusiasm for teaching
was always obvious. He always received the highest teaching ratings from
students because he was genuinely concerned about students and their growth
as individuals and professionals.
Dr. Russell's expertise as a plant nematologist contributed to many
programs across several disciplines at Oklahoma State University. His
expertise will be missed in the Department. Charlie and his wife are living
on a farm near Glencoe, Oklahoma about 20 miles from Stillwater, Oklahoma.
--------------------
I. SPECIAL REPORTS
Minutes of The Wheat Crop Advisory Committee
Nov. 19, 1992
College Park, MD
Committee members in attendance were T.S. Cox (acting Chair), O.
Anderson, J.G. Waines, J.S. Quick, D.V. McVey, R.H. Busch, K.
Briggs, B. Skovmand, I.B. Edwards, R.F. Line, C.F. Murphy (ex-
officio), and H.E. Bockleman (ex-officio).
Minutes of the 1991 meeting, as published in the 1992 Annual Wheat
Newsletter, were approved by voice vote.
Officers and membership. The acting Chair will solicit nominations
by mail for the offices of Chair and Vice-Chair to fill expiring
terms, and for membership nominations to fill expiring first terms
of Waines, Quick, and McVey (all three are eligible for second
terms.)
Germplasm collection. Waines discussed a response by Dr. Calvin
Spurling (ARS Plant Explorer) to a WCAC letter concerning the need
to collect wild wheats in SE Turkey before a large irrigation
project is installed there. Dr. Spurling indicated those species
that probably would not be endangered by the project (e.g., weedy
Aegilops) and others that might (Ae. speltoides and wild Triticum
spp.). Since the latter species were those originally of most
concern to the WCAC, Waines will write a proposal, to be approved
by WCAC, to collect those species in specified areas of SE Turkey
in 1994.
Germplasm evaluation. Bockleman reported that evaluation of wheat
accessions in the US Small Grains Collection is proceeding, and
that entry of data into GRIN is accelerating. He submitted a list
of PI assignments made in the past year. The Committee briefly
discussed the "core collection" or "subsample" concept, and as in
past years, little enthusiasm was expressed for developing a core
in wheat.
Canadian germplasm activities. Briggs reported on germplasm
activities in Canada. Ag Canada at Winnepeg has been designated a
"node" for the small grains collection in Canada, in charge of
collection, regeneration, and evaluation. Winnepeg is also the
biotech center for monocots. Certain stations have been designated
to take the leading role in wheat research for different regions,
including the Northern area (Beaverlodge), Western Prairie - durum
and dryland (Swift Current), Eastern Prairie (Winnepeg), and
Rockies and Southwest (Lethbridge). Ag Canada has virtually
abandoned triticale research.
CIMMYT germplasm activities. Skovmand reported that CIMMYT is
still working to complete its germplasm database, and is 2/3 of the
way toward getting all data entered. The database has three parts:
pedigree management, gene bank system, and field-trial data
management. CIMMYT is struggling with the problem of deciding how
much material to conserve; at present, they are storing 3 to 4000
new lines per year. One possibility is to bulk closely-related
sister lines. CIMMYT has proposed the formation of a Global
Advisory Board on Genetic Resources, which would include
representatives of CIMMYT, ICARDA, and IBPGR, among others. This
board would review the status and make recommendations regarding
the nearly 600,000 wheat accessions held in collections worldwide.
The first action regarding formation of the board may occur at the
International Wheat Genetics Symposium in Beijing in the summer of
1993.
Wheat Genome Database. Anderson discussed progress being made on
the Wheat Genome Database. Five researchers around the country are
taking responsibility for entering data on various marker and trait
groups. Entered so far are the molecular map of T. tauschii from
Kansas State, the North American Barley map, and other
miscellaneous data. Access to the database is best done on a UNIX
machine through INTERNET, but can be done over phone lines and/or
with other equipment using XWindows.
GRIN. Bockleman and Mark Bohning (ARS, GRIN, Beltsville) discussed
the GRIN 3 design and new computer to be used for running it.
There also is now a PC version of GRIN on diskettes, available on
request. The wheat database is the largest of any crop in GRIN, at
50Mb. Because all wheat accessions in GRIN have the original
taxonomic designations they had when deposited, the nomenclature is
often confusing. Waines will work with Bohning and John Wiersma
(ARS taxonomist, Beltsville) to make nomenclature in GRIN more
informative.
Quarantine. Skovmand reported that there are no changes in the
quarantine situation for seed coming to the US from Mexico. CIMMYT
seed production for international distribution has been moved to a
site 3 hours south of Mexico City, in an area in which wheat has
never been grown, to minimize chances of Karnal bunt infection.
Murphy and Bockleman noted that USDA Beltsville Quarantine Lab will
still send seed overseas for wheat researchers for no charge.
Because of high APHIS fees for phytosanitary certificates,
Beltsville spent $17,000 on certificates last year.
Funding proposals. The WCAC voted to recommend that $5000 from ARS
Genetic Stocks funds be used to pay a portion of the $21,500 cost
of a walk-in cold storage room at UC Riverside, to be used to store
seed of wheat genetic stocks and related wild species. The
remainder of the cost has been pledged to Waines by various
sources, so construction may begin in 1993. Jim Peterson (ARS,
Lincoln) noted that a previously allocated $4000 had been used to
increase Dr. Rosalind Morris' genetic stocks and that these soon
will be deposited at the Nat'l Seed Storage Lab.
The Committee recommended that against funding this year by ARS
through its germplasm evaluation program a proposal by Dr. Phil
Bruckner et al. at Montana State for screening winter wheats for
resistance to stem sawfly. (See attached letter).
PVP. Alan Atchley of the Plant Variety Protection Office reported
that the 50 wheat cultivar applications he faced when he took over
his job in January '91 have been processed, and future applications
should be taken care of expeditiously. He expressed concern that
the Variety Review Board in commenting on revised PVP exhibit C
suggested dropping the use of standard cultivars. The consensus of
the WCAC was that standards should be retained.
Next year's meeting. Skovmand invited the WCAC to hold its 1993
meeting at CIMMYT's headquarters in Mexico. It was agreed to do so
if the National Wheat Improvement Committee meeting is held there.
[The NWIC accepted an invitation to do so the next day.]
The meeting was adjourned by voice vote. Stan Cox, CAC Chair
--------------------
Minutes of the National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC)
Meeting
November 20-21, 1992
College Park, Maryland
Committee Members in attendance were: R.G. Sears, Chair; C.J.
Peterson, Secretary; R. Bacon; H.F. Bockelman; R. Bruns; R. Busch;
D. Butcher; T.S. Cox; R. Frohberg; G. Hareland; D. Hole; L. Joppa;
R. Line; D. Sammons; D. Van Sanford; W.D. Worrall; R. Zemetra.
Absent: C. Qualset; G. Statler; C. Haugeberg (ex-officio member).
Non-Committee Members: O. Anderson, ARS, WRRC Albany, CA; A.
Atchley, Plant Variety Protection Office, NAL Bldg, Beltsville MD;
K. Briggs, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; H. Brooks, ARS-NPS,
Beltsville, MD; I. Edwards, Pioneer, Johnston, IA; W. Martinez,
ARS-NPS, Beltsville, MD; D. McVey, ARS, Cereal Rust, St. Paul, MN;
C. Murphy, ARS-NPS, Beltsville, MD; J. Quick, Colorado State Univ.,
Fort Collins, CO; H. Shands, ARS-NPS, Beltsville, MD; B. Skovmand,
CIMMYT, Mexico; G. Waines, Univ. of California, CA.
PRELIMINARIES
Chairman Sears called the meeting to order and members and
guests were introduced. WELCOMES were presented by Dr. Bryan
Johnson, Director of the Maryland Agriculture Experiment Station,
and Dr. Richard Weismiller, Chairman, Department of Agronomy,
University of Maryland.
MINUTES OF THE 1991 MEETING
Minutes were published in AWN38: Busch asked for a motion to
waive reading them. Zemetra moved, Bockelman seconded, passed.
RESPONSES TO 1991 LETTERS
Only one letter was sent in 1991, commending NPS staff
Martinez and Murphy for their contributions to the NWIC. The
letter was acknowledged by Dr. Plowman, Administrator, ARS.
ANNUAL WHEAT NEWSLETTER
The following reports are included by J.S. Quick, Editor, and
I. Edwards, Treasurer, of the Annual Wheat Newsletter. Cost of
preparation and publication continue to be a problem relative to
supporting revenue. Suggestions for reducing and covering costs
include a per copy charge, development of endowment account for
Newsletter, or distribute copies on diskettes.
1992 Annual Report to NWIC, J.S. Quick, Editor
The editing and publishing of Volume 38 of the Annual Wheat
Newsletter (AWN) followed the format of previous newsletters and
was the second volume directly printed in reduced font size
entirely from computer files. There were 465 copies printed and
each copy had 343 pages. Ten copies of Volume 38 and about 20 of
Volume 35 are still available. A summary of information about each
volume printed since 1954 (Volume 1) was published in the AWN,
Volume 32 (1986). The number of pages has increased by 150 since
1980, the number of contributions has increased considerably, and
the cost of publication increased significantly in 1992. Due to
rising costs, an effort was made to reduce the number of copies
printed by encouraging multiple use. Cost of production was
reduced from about $4500 in 1987 to about $3900 in 1988, increased
to $5416 in 1989. to $4690 in 1991 due to limited distribution, and
increased to $6310 in 1992 due to increased pages per volume. Cost
per copy is about $12.00.
In addition to the total cost of production, Colorado State
University Agronomy Department has contributed part of my time,
computer facilities, and some occasional letter typing. An
Agronomy Department secretary, Carolyn Schultz, has done an
excellent job of manuscript preparation since 1983.
All AWN address lists are computerized, and mailing and
sorting has become simple and routine. We are requesting all
workers provide their manuscripts on computer disks if at all
possible. All text will be entered into computer files and laser
printed with reduced font size to save space. Manuscripts can also
be provided through the BITNET system. About 300 requests for
manuscripts and financial assistance are sent to U.S., Australian,
and Canadian wheat workers each January. The requests for
manuscripts and financial contributions from other foreign
scientists are included as an insert in the Newsletter mailing in
June. Additionally, regional manuscript and financial solicitation
and coordination are done by scientists in other countries.
The cost of producing Volume 39 will probably be similar to
that for Volume 38. I believe it is now feasible and financially
necessary to consider: 1) AWN distribution by diskette, 2)
reduction in distribution, 3) increase in voluntary contributions,
4) subscriptions, etc. Suggestions from the NWIC would be
appreciated. Ian Edwards, AWN treasurer, has done an excellent job
of securing cooperative and institutional financial contributions
allowing us to maintain a sound financial position.
1992 Annual Report to NWIC
I.B. Edwards, Treasurer
ITEM DEBIT CREDIT BALANCE
1. Balance reported
June 1, 1992 AWN $5484.53
2. Mailing request letter $ 43.84 5440.69
3. Envelopes 11.00 5429.69
4. Photocopy charges 37.50 5392.19
5. Mailing, Vol. 38, July 1992 966.91 4425.28
6. Printing and binding 4550.86 <125.58>
7. Typing and editing, Vol. 38 700.00 <825.58>
(Carolyn Schultz)
8. Misc. bank charges 5.00 <830.58>
9. New contributions (since June 1) $ 270.00 <560.58>
10. Interest on checking 53.83 <506.75>
====================================================================
Comments:
1. The total cost of Volume 38 was $6,310.11. This costs divided
by 465 copies printed is about $12.06/copy. Volume 38 is 108 pages
longer than Volume 37 (343 vs 235), and 25 more copies of Volume 38
were printed. The total printed pages of Volume 38 was 54 percent
greater than that of Volume 37, and the total cost was 35% higher.
Volume 38 was printed entirely from computer files.
2. Current funding balance, at the present time, is $<506.75>
compared with $<247.22> a year ago. It must be noted that there is
still an outstanding balance owing for production costs in the
amount of $610.11. In the past four years, contributions have not
matched the rising costs, and this is an area of concern.
3. Although corporate contributions have increased in recent
years, this past year showed a decline. A number of institutions
and companies require an invoice in order to make payments. We are
encouraging them to notify your Treasurer as to the amount they
wish to donate, and we will gladly furnish an invoice. Private
contributions remain our major source of revenue. We will need
very strong appeal in 1993 to keep the Annual Wheat Newsletter
solvent.
USDA-ARS RESEARCH FUNDING UPDATE
Howard Brooks reported that ARS will have a flat budget in
FY93, essentially losing $19 million to salary increases. New
monies are all coming from Congress with very specific target
locations and research areas. Frustration in ARS is Congress
dictating to ARS where to locate funds and what to do with them,
leaving no room for administrators to make needed or desired
changes in current programs. There were over 200 phrases in the
current ARS budget approved by congress recommending ARS action,
but providing no money to accomplish these actions. ARS is also
now over its personnel ceiling of 8,150 by about 300 employees.
ARS needs $250,000 per new scientist, and same funding goal for old
projects. Currently $25 million is spent on wheat for 116 SY's, so
essentially would need additional $4 million or drop scientists by
16. Some concern exists over potential shifts in research
priorities with new secretary of agriculture.
Purdue has received $900,000 new money direct from Congress
for three wheat research positions: BYDV molecular biologist;
Fungal pathology molecular biologist; and Entomology position with
emphasis on Hessian Fly. None of the positions have yet been
filled. The NWIC is pleased that new positions were established in
areas that need research.
Dr. Murphy discussed problem areas in current ARS wheat
research units. Most critical is the Plant Science Unit at
Manhattan which cannot maintain 3 positions at this time, with only
$300,000 total funds. Montana had asked for $200,000 new money for
a Smut Research Position at Bozeman, but only received $100,000.
This is not enough to fund a full position so ARS will not fill
until additional funds are obtained. Funding for the program at
Pullman, WA on foliar diseases and smuts, which includes rusts as
well as flag smut, is only $125,000. There are numerous other
research units in various states of financial stress, but Manhattan
is currently the worst. Murphy repeated the frustration of the NPS
with its inability to make funding or program changes due to lack
of new funds and potential political backlash over changes.
Drs. Shands and Murphy emphasized the need to keep ARS
informed and work together to obtain new positions for specific
commodities. Shands indicated that the new administration will
bring a new focus on mission oriented research and research
enhancing national competitiveness. The National Research
Initiative (NRI) will be specifically targeted in the future.
GERMPLASM ISSUES
Dr. Shands indicated the desire that germplasm be made
available for use as parent material. Status of Intellectual
Property Rights was discussed. Patent lawyers are now discussing
ways to allow uses of germplasm when a utility patent is applied.
ARS is evolving a new policy on germplasm release, and germplasm
exchange in relation to release policies. The new policy is
expected in a few months. Included in the policy is that ARS
researchers can participate in royalty bearing variety releases,
and that states are not restricted to 0 cash return on co-releases
with ARS. ARS will take a more open stance in participation in
licenses to promote products. The policy also promotes a stronger
research exemption in patented materials developed by ARS. Shands
wants to push for a stronger research exemption in all agricultural
patents and separate out agricultural patents from other areas.
ARS and ASA are co-sponsoring a meeting on Intellectual Property
Rights in January, 1993.
Shands discussed the challenge of the decision by ASA to not
allow Crop Science registration for germplasms or varieties unless
seed was deposited in the NSSL and made available for exchange.
Some researchers want complete control of seed and allow use only
by contract while still registering in Crop Science. Concern is
over appearance of using Crop Science for advertising and potential
compounding of problems with international exchange. Restrictive
clauses in germplasm releases will continue to be a problem until
challenged in court. In a straw poll, the NWIC agreed with the
current ASA position regarding deposition of seed with
registration. Crop Science also is considering requiring that
originator be responsible for distribution of seed when agreeing
to registration. ASA also has interest in registering patented
materials, but not until a research exemption is obtained.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Dave Sammons reported on 1992 NWIC legislative visits. The
Legislative teams visited for approximately a half an hour in 29
congressional offices and left information packets at 3 additional
offices; a total of 18 senate and 14 house offices were contacted.
Issues supported were those identified in the 1991 NWIC meeting: 1)
funding for leaf rust position at Kansas State, Manhattan; 2) Wheat
genetic stocks at Columbia, Mo.; and 3) Total grain quality issue
at Grain Marketing Lab., Manhattan. Sears indicated that he
received acknowledgement from 8-10 legislators indicating need for
NWIC involvement and appreciation of information. However, Kansas
representatives were obligated to support Phase II of Throckmorton
Hall rather that leaf rust position. NWIC is still learning how to
work with legislature and identify a Champion for causes. The NWIC
needs follow up and: 1) recognition, 2) grower support, and 3) user
group support.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHEAT GROWERS (NAWG) FOUNDATION
Dina Butcher was introduced as the new Director of the NAWG
Foundation. She was formally with North Dakota Wheat Commission.
She expressed the desire to have the NWIC work closely with NAWG on
national research issues and pledged NAWG's help with NWIC lobbying
efforts by suggesting the need for growers with NWIC legislative
committee to obtain additional interest from representatives.
Butcher suggested the need to maintain contact and communications
and suggested that NAWG could help follow up when NWIC committee
had completed their visit. NAWG priorities include concentrating
on alternative or industrial uses rather than food. Murphy
commented that NAWG and Corn Grower group have not helped much in
research efforts as research is low on their priority list.
Butcher emphasized the need to generate local support of research
and need for growers to understand issues. An additional lobbyist
at NAWG was needed.
A possible joint meeting of North American Wheat Workers and
NAWG was suggested for 1994 in New Orleans. Bruns reported, after
discussion with Regional Chairs, that a joint meeting would be
difficult to coordinate and organize. They suggested need for a
more central location and less expensive site for the wheat workers
meeting such as Kansas City or Dallas.
WHEAT CROP ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
Chair Stan Cox reported on key issues from the previous
evening meeting as follows:
1) G. Waines indicated that a proposal to collect wild wheats in
SE Turkey prior to initiation of a large irrigation project was
rejected. In his reply to the proposal, Dr. Calvin Spurling, ARS,
indicated that some species proposed for collection would not be
endangered. Waines will write a new proposal with more specific
target areas and species.
2) Funding proposals: The Wheat CAC recommended that $5,000 from
ARS Genetics Stocks funds be used to pay a portion of the $21,000
cost for a walk-in cold storage room at UC Riverside. The walk-in
is to be used for seed storage of wheat genetics stocks and related
species. The remainder of funds have already been pledged to
Waines. J. Peterson noted that $4,000 allocated in 1991 had been
used for increase of Dr. Rosalind Morris' genetic stocks, and that
these will soon be deposited in the National Seed Storage Lab.
3) A. Atchley, Plant Variety Protection office reported that the 50
wheat cultivar applications he faced when taking his new position
in January '91 have been processed. He expected that future
applications will be processed more expeditiously. Atchley
discussed a proposal for dropping check cultivars on the revised
PVP exhibit C. The consensus of the CAC was that checks should be
retained, but updating of the cultivars should be considered. It
was suggested that this be done in consultation with the NWIC and
CAC.
4) A suggestions was made that the CAC be a sub-committee of the
NWIC rather than free-standing. No action was taken.
5) B. Skovmand reported on CIMMYT germplasm database development.
CIMMYT is struggling with decisions on how much material to
conserve, presently storing 3 to 4,000 new lines yearly. Bulking
of closely related sister lines was discussed. CIMMYT has proposed
formation of a Global Advisory Committee on Germplasm with first
action occurring at the International Wheat Genetics Symposium in
Beijing.
6) H. Bockleman and M. Bohning discussed the GRIN 3 software
design and new computer system for operations. A PC version of
GRIN on diskette is now available, on request. The wheat database
is largest of any crop and requires 50Mb storage. Wheat accessions
in GRIN have the original taxonomic designations entered when
deposited, so that nomenclature is often confusing. Waines will
work with Bohning and John Wiersma, ARS Taxonomist, to clarify
nomenclature and make information more useful.
RESEARCH FUNDING NEEDS AND INITIATIVES
D. Van Sanford reported on the need for a germplasm position
in the southeast to work on resistances in Septoria, scab, and leaf
rust. Septoria Nodorum produces significant losses each year and
scab is expected to increase with increased surface residues for
erosion control. Southern wheat workers have met with oat workers
group and discussed possible joint wheat-oats disease specialist
position. Locations considered were Stuttgart, AR or Raleigh, NC.
Murphy favored locating position in North Carolina because of
isolation and size of research unit at Stuttgart. Possible
legislative champions could be Bumpers from Arkansas or Price from
North Carolina. Concern was expressed for wide focus of position,
which may affect potential for success. Motion was made by Van
Sanford: NWIC supports the need for a small grains germplasm
enhancement position for diseases in the SE. Seconded by D.
Sammons and motion carried. Item is to be included in legislative
agenda. Representatives of SE region are to consider optimal
location and position focus and provide information to legislative
committee.
R. Sears reported on critical state of ARS funding in the
Plant Science Unit at Kansas State Univ. A 1991 initiative by the
U.S.-Grain Marketing Research Lab to develop 4 new ARS positions,
including funding for leaf rust work, and to bring the GMRL
facility up to ACE code failed. The need for regional germplasm
support was discussed. R. Bruns made a motion, seconded by J.
Peterson, for the NWIC to vigorously support efforts to obtain
additional funding for the ARS Plant Science Unit at Kansas State,
using money from old or new sources. Several expressed concern
over potential impact of redirection of current funds and research
efforts. Murphy indicated that money could not be shifted between
locations without permission from Congress. D. Hole modified
motion to drop use of either old or new money. Modified motion
passed. Item will be added to legislative initiative.
R. Sears reported that the Smut research position at Bozeman,
MT is not being filled due to inadequate funds. R. Line indicated
that others were working on smut, but efforts did not have focus.
Sears suggested writing letter to Plowman urging filling of the
position. Murphy agreed this would be appropriate, although it may
not be filled anyway. I. Edwards suggested including this item
with legislative agenda as pathology package for wheat. Discussion
of advantages and disadvantages of single item or packaging of
initiatives followed. Intent is to include in legislative
initiative, leaving legislative committee flexibility to package as
appropriate.
STATUS OF U.S. RESEARCH FUNDING
Regional representatives reported on surveys results regarding
status of public research funding. Peterson reported general
trends in HRWW region were decreased research funding from state
appropriations and Hatch funds. State commodity board funding and
industry contracts have increased. There was disagreement on
whether current research areas targeted in competitive grants were
in the best interest of agriculture. Most surveyed did not know
how target areas were established or have not have input into the
process. Most also disagreed when asked if their peers were
involved in the grant review and selection process. Van Sanford
reported on SE survey showing need for increased Hatch funds and
difficulties in obtaining NRI grants for applied projects. Zemetra
indicated there is decreasing funding base for applied research and
need for increased Hatch funds. Joppa also indicated need for
increased Hatch funds and survey suggested grants were appropriate
for basic, but not applied, research efforts. Dave Sammons will
summarize results of the surveys and include as an informational
item in the document prepared for the Legislative visit.
DESIGN AND COORDINATION OF WHEAT GENOME DATABASE
Olin Anderson reported that significant progress has been made
on computer programing for development of the Wheat Genome
Database. Data entry is concentrating on molecular markers at
present. Database access is free and four countries in addition to
U.S. are now accessing system. Anderson offered to demonstrate the
system at the National Ag Library after the close of the NWIC
meeting. The database development is a five year program, and
concern was expressed that budget cuts may abort the program. A
motion was made by Stan Cox for the NWIC to send letter to Plowman,
ARS Administrator, supporting the Grain-Gene Database program.
Second by Van Sanford and motion passed.
Updates of molecular mapping progress were presented at recent
ITMI meeting and efforts are continuing. Five wheat researchers
have received $250,000 for mapping efforts in 1991 and $50,000 was
made available for coordination of mapping efforts, meetings and
workshops, and newsletter. Anderson predicted that molecular
isolation of genes in wheat will soon be forthcoming.
CIMMYT UPDATE
Bent Skovmand reported on new Karnal Bunt infection that
occurred at the CIMMYT Hermosillo seed increase site in 1992.
CIMMYT will not distribute seed for any International Wheat
Nurseries this year. Only durum and barley nurseries will be
distributed. They are developing new seed increase site 3 hours
south of Mexico City in area that has never produced wheat before.
CIMMYT also has identified two resistant wheats which were released
in Mexico. They were derived from Chinese wheats and have low
infection type.
Member of the NWIC expressed great concern over the CIMMYT
press release that announced the end of leaf rust as an important
wheat disease. Several members indicated they have been placed in
awkward situations in explaining current leaf rust status in the
U.S. Worrall suggested that NWIC draft a letter to Winkleman,
CIMMYT Director General, expressing concern over statements made in
the press release and to explain current U.S. situation. Edwards
suggested this might be used as basis of NWIC press release to
document impact of wheat diseases in U.S. and generate support for
NWIC initiatives for pathology funding.
INTERNATIONAL GERMPLASM SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT
Bockleman reported on approaches discussed with Busch,
Peterson, Edwards, Briggs, and Skovmand. The objective is to
obtain new cultivars and breeding lines internationally for entry
into the germplasm network. The committee suggested the need to
survey U.S. researchers to determine what and from where materials
are now imported. Key international programs need to be identified
for exchange efforts. Regional Committee Chairs will be asked to
coordinate survey efforts and determine interests from each region.
Bockleman offered to help make contacts for exchange and increase
up to 1,000 lines under quarantine each year for small scale
distribution. He also will develop statement for distribution for
potential contributors regarding entry of germplasm into NSG
Collection. Materials to be targeted initially include germplasm
from the Southern Cone, Turkey, and European contacts. Bruns
indicated that national lists and catalogs in European countries
were available and could be helpful.
ELECTION OF NEW NWIC SECRETARY
Busch nominated Jim Peterson for NWIC Secretary, Zemetra
seconded. Line moved nomination cease, Worrall seconded. Peterson
assumed duties as Secretary during meeting. Peterson will prepare
resolution of thanks to Bob Busch for his efforts as NWIC
Secretary.
WHEAT QUALITY COUNCIL
Ben Handcock, Director of the Wheat Quality Council reported
on efforts to merge HRW, HRS, eastern SW, and western SW into a
National Wheat Quality Council. Currently the HRW and eastern
group have agreed to merger within a year. Western and HRS groups
are interested, but not yet committed. The four groups will
maintain autonomy with four major technical committees and separate
annual meetings. Every fifth year may be a single combined
meeting. A single board of trustees will oversee administration
and fund raising only; it will not address technical issues.
Potential exists for consolidating significant political support
from within the wheat industry for national lobbying efforts.
Concerns were expressed over potential for companies to
earmark money to specific regions; i.e. providing money for eastern
SW, rather than to the general fund. Handcock indicated that
separate budgets may be necessary for each group, but would prefer
general fund with targeted discretionary funds. WQC has developed
a new mission statement that Handcock interprets as allowing
Council to fund research efforts. Long term goal may be to develop
WQC as granting agency for wheat quality research efforts once
initial funding is secured. At a minimum, the WQC could serve as
intermediary from research groups to interested companies.
Additional funding from Wheat Commissions based on production
acreage in each state is also sought.
WHEAT CLASSIFICATION UPDATE AND WHEAT QUALITY ISSUES
Dr. W. Martinez reported on the Wheat Classification Working
group and related activities. The Single Kernel Wheat Hardness
Tester (SKH), designed by the USDA Grain Marketing Research Lab at
Manhattan, is now the machine of choice. Pertin Instruments is
working cooperatively with ARS on machine development, at no cost
to ARS. FGIS has two machines now and will put 6 more in the field
for evaluation next spring. The four Regional Quality Labs are
planning to each have a machine in place by spring. Goal of FGIS
is implementation of the SKH tester for grain classification in
1995. FGIS has not yet dealt with methods for standardization of
calibrations or development of calibration samples.
Cost of SKH tester is now projected at $10,000 to $15,000,
much less than previously expected. It will run 300 kernels in 10
minutes and provide information on: means and standard deviations
for hardness; weight of individual kernels; diameter of kernel from
point of contact; moisture; and crush profile. The machine could
help measure milling efficiency, especially for kernel uniformity.
Goal of Pertin Instruments is to place a single kernel NIR unit up
front of the SKH tester to measure protein, moisture, oil, etc.
Martinez stressed that the ARS and FGIS goal is to understand and
document variation, not to dictate hardness goals. Current
breakpoint between hard and soft wheats is 38 on scale of 0 to 100.
Martinez discussed possible development of a Test Weight
Working Group similar to that for hardness. NAWG is very
interested and FGIS supports concept. Van Sanford made a motion
for NWIC to send a letter to FGIS supporting formation of the
group. Motion passed. Possibly the SKH tester will be focus for
the groups efforts to redefine TWT.
Martinez commented that the next administration is big unknown
since there has been no contact of Clinton transition team. No
chance and no interest at present time for new Wheat Variety
Survey. Some pressure to eliminate research effort in FGIS as
duplication with ARS. However, FGIS research delivers to the
market and should not be decreased or seen as duplication. Worrall
recommended preparing a NWIC letter of support for FGIS research
effort. Sears suggested including it in a legislative packet as
point of information and waiting to mail letter until new Secretary
of Agriculture is appointed. Preparation of letter supporting FGIS
effort approved by consensus.
Zemetra questioned ARS sprouting research and the need for
rapid analyses during harvest. Martinez indicated that basic
research work exists but no instrumentation work at this time. The
ARS lab in Pullman is evaluating an instrument developed by the
Australians for possible use in grain elevators. However, cost of
$30,000 for the unit is prohibitive for elevator use. Goal is to
add unit to SKH tester, when available and if possible, to measure
sprouting. Would like something NIR based, but nothing at present.
PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION AND RELEASE POLICIES
Regional Representatives reported on PVP surveys. Peterson
reported strong support in the HRWW region for PVP, as long as it
does not infringe on germplasm exchange. There was general support
for restriction of the Farmers Exemption. Researchers oppose the
use of Utility Patents for protecting varieties and expect their
use will restrict germplasm exchange. However, their parent
organizations were generally in favor of Utility Patents. Van
Sanford reported support in the eastern region for restricting the
Farmers Exemption in PVP. The trend in the region is toward
charging royalties for varieties and omission of the Registered
class. Joppa reported that the HRS group was mixed on support for
PVP with only Minnesota currently protecting varieties. Most did
not support restriction of the Farmers Exemption. Zemetra reported
support for PVP in the SWW region and favor PVP over patenting.
The region split on support for restriction of Farmers Exemption
with 60% in favor. Edwards reminded the group that there is
nothing in the PVP laws that would result in restriction of
germplasm exchange. Utility patents would restrict exchange and
require cross licence agreements.
Stan Cox reported on HRWWIC survey on variety release
policies. With the exception of Texas, most were standard release
policies. Texas allows for royalties to be charged on varieties
and indicated the intent to handle germplasm on a 'more business
like manner in the future'. KS, NE, and MT anticipate no change in
release policies. OK and CO are open to change as needed to
compete with programs in surrounding states. Need the NWIC and
Regional Committees to keep administrators aware of impact of
release policy decisions on germplasm exchange and the Wheat
Breeders Code of Ethics.
Shands discussed current position of '91 International
Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)
treaty on plant variety protection. The U.S. signed the treaty but
it has not been introduced on floor of Senate. Sen. Kerrey may
introduce the bill sometime next year. American Seed Trade
Association is providing legal assistance to draft language in the
bill. UPOV '91 has two points which differ from past treaties.
First: no Farmers Exemption for selling protected varieties.
Second: is introduction of the minimum distance or essentially
derived concepts to protect a variety. The Farm Bureau is a
primary obstacle in getting the treaty passed. Minimum distance is
not yet defined. To approve UPOV treaty, the Senate must first
change the PVP laws, acknowledging that the objective of PVP is
best served by adoption of UPOV.
Busch reported on ASTA wheat subcommittee for development of
essentially derived or minimum distance concepts. Members include
Busch; Edwards; Baenziger, Nebraska; Ohm, Purdue; Wilson, Trio;
Heiner, AgriPro; and Erickson, HybriTech. The subcommittee is to
determine which methods result in essentially derived varieties,
propose thresholds for genetic distance, and methods for measuring
genetic distance. Busch gave an update on directions of the group
and concepts for essentially derived varieties and dependency
currently under consideration. The subcommittee is to prepare
final recommendations for ASTA in the near future.
Van Sanford moved that the NWIC prepare a letter reaffirming
the NWIC PVP resolution of 1990, stating the foremost concern of
the NWIC regarding PVP is free exchange of germplasm, and that the
NWIC supports the UPOV '91 position restricting the farmer
exemption in PVP. Second by Bruns, motion carried. Sears and
Peterson to draft wording and circulate to Regional Chairs for
comments and approval. Letter is to be included in legislative
packet and sent to ASTA.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Representatives of the NWIC Legislative Action Subcommittee
will develop plans to visit Capitol Hill sometime in March, 1993.
Chairman Sears and the subcommittee will coordinate preparation of
the legislative booklet and identify key congressional staff for
contacts. The primary goal of the visit will be to obtain funding
for a 'National Wheat Pathology Research Initiative'. This
initiative is to cover the areas of pathology research identified
earlier by the NWIC as both critical to the national interests and
underfunded. Areas targeted include: support for the Plant Science
unit at Manhattan for Leaf Rust work; funds for the Smut position
at Bozeman; and new position for pathology/germplasm enhancement in
the eastern wheat region. Key representatives from these states
will be contacted to co-sponsor legislation and identify champions.
Emphasis will be placed on impact of Karnal Bunt and Dwarf Smut on
export markets and other diseases which impact on competitiveness
of U.S. growers and wheat quality. Researchers not on the NWIC
will likely be asked to participate in lobbying efforts, especially
those from states with key congressional representatives.
NEXT MEETING
Bent Skovmand offered, on behalf of CIMMYT, to hold the next
NWIC meeting at CIMMYT headquarters in El Batan, Mexico next
November. The move to Mexico for '93 was justified by the
opportunity to discuss issues with CIMMYT regarding germplasm
exchange and international quarantine problems. Dates of November
17-19 or 18-20 were suggested. Bruns moved to accept the
invitation, with Zemetra second. Motion carried. The meeting was
then adjourned by Dr. Sears.
Respectfully submitted, C. James Peterson, Secretary.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE NATIONAL WHEAT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING,
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND, NOVEMBER 20-21, 1992
SUBJECT: PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION
TO: Dave Lambert and Art Armbrust, American Seed Trade
Association
Vance Watson, American Association of Seed Certifying
Agencies
WHEREAS, the National Wheat Improvement Committee recognizes the
need for protection of, and return on, plant breeding investments.
The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) of 1970 was passed with the
intent to stimulate private plant breeding research and provide a
mechanism for maintaining property rights on developed seed
varieties.
WHEREAS, the PVPA has not provided adequate economic and
intellectual protection of plant breeding products to justify
research investments. The farmer exemption in PVPA is too broad
and has proven to be unenforceable. The exemption has resulted in
wide scale brown-bagging and unauthorized sales of protected
varieties which has had a negative economic impact on private plant
breeding efforts and seed companies.
WHEREAS, the foremost concern of the NWIC is the potential impact
of variety and germplasm protection on germplasm exchange. The
PVPA research exemption has provided for, and resulted in,
continuation of free germplasm exchange and development. Plant
Utility Patents have, and are further expected, to result in
restricted germplasm exchange among breeding programs.
WHEREAS, the 1991 International Convention for the Protection of
New Varieties of Plants, or UPOV treaty, provides for enhanced
protection of intellectual property rights and plant varieties
developed by breeding through restriction and clarification of the
farmer exemption.
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the NWIC supports amendment of the
Plant Variety Protection Act to restrict the farmer exemption
clause as proposed in 1991 UPOV treaty. The objective of the PVPA
is best served by adoption of the UPOV policy. U.S. agriculture
will directly benefit through enhanced development of new plant
varieties. The NWIC continues to strongly support the research
exemption in the PVPA to provide for free exchange of plant
germplasm.
SUBJECT: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HOSTS
WHEREAS, the University Maryland has served as an excellent host of
the 1992 National Wheat Improvement Committee and Wheat Crop
Advisory Committee, and,
WHEREAS, our hosts have expended much time and effort to ensure
that the meetings were successful,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the members of the NWIC and WCAC
sincerely thank our hosts from the University of Maryland: Dr.
David Sammons; Dr. Bryan Johnson, Director of the Agricultural
Experiment Station; Dr. Richard Weismiller, Chairman, Department of
Agronomy; and the management and staff of the Quality Inn, College
Park, Maryland.
SUBJECT: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DR. BOB BUSCH'S CONTRIBUTIONS AS NWIC
SECRETARY
WHEREAS, Dr. Bob Busch has provided three years of dedicated and
able service to the wheat research community through his position
as Secretary of the National Wheat Improvement Committee, and,
WHEREAS, he has expended much time and effort in the organization
of meetings, recording of activities, and distribution of
resolutions and information,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that member of the NWIC express their
collective appreciation to Dr. Busch for his distinguished service
and contributions to the National Wheat Improvement effort.
December 2, 1992
Dr. R. D. Plowman, Administrator
USDA-ARS
Room 302A Administration Bldg.
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Dr. Plowman,
During the recent National Wheat Improvement Committee meetings in
College Park, the committee discussed the actions we have taken
regarding the Genetics Stocks position at the University of
Missouri. Although many members of the committee still feel
strongly about this critical position, we elected to drop it from
our legislative action items. The committee chose to refocus their
efforts on support for applied and basic wheat pathology-genetics
positions within ARS.
Although the wheat genetics stocks position is still extremely
important, it appears to the committee that obtaining funding at
this time would be difficult. Maintenance of the stocks by Dr.
Gustafson and characterization and creation of new stocks by Dr.
Lukaszewski is proceeding well considering the limited funds that
both scientists have to operate these programs.
Sincerely, signed: R. G. Sears, Chairman, NWIC
cc: Dr. Mitchell
December 2, 1992
Dr. R. D. Plowman, Administrator
USDA-ARS
Room 302A Administration Bldg.
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Dr. Plowman,
During the recent National Wheat Improvement Committee meetings in
College Park, MD, held Nov. 19-21, 1992, Dr. Brooks reported that
the smut disease position located at Bozeman, MT, would not be
filled in the immediate future because of funding constraints. He
indicated to the committee that, despite an additional $100,000 of
new funds in 1990, this unit would still be inadequately funded
should a third position be filled at this time.
As you know, the NWIC, for nearly 8 years has been extremely
concerned about the lack of a small grain smut pathologist within
USDA-ARS. We have written several letters indicating our concern.
Expertise is needed to assist APHIS in dealing with quarantine
issues regarding both Karnal bunt and Flag smut. Both loose and
covered smut continue to cause economic damage in many wheat
growing areas. Dwarf bunt has impacted our ability to sell wheat
to China. Leadership in this vital research area is badly needed.
At last years NWIC meeting in Reno, Nevada, we understood that the
smut position would be filled at Bozeman, MT which the committee
received with great enthusiasm. We were dismayed to learn of the
change in plans.
I'm writing this letter to enforce the continued strong endorsement
the NWIC feels in regard to filling this position at Bozeman.
Sincerely, signed: R. G. Sears, Chairman, NWIC
cc: Dr. Jacobson
January 21, 1993
Dr. R. D. Plowman, Administrator
USDA-ARS
Room 302A Administration Bldg.
Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Dr. Plowman,
The National Wheat Improvement Committee would like to take this
opportunity to renew our support of the wheat genetic map database.
At the annual NWIC meeting in November, Dr. Olin Anderson, USDA-
ARS, reported on the development and current status of the wheat
genetic map database.
Genetic maps of wheat and related species have grown rapidly in the
past few years. Scientists continue to add to our knowledge of
wheat on an almost monthly basis, providing new information on
linkage of molecular and other genetic loci, physical maps of
chromosomes, special genetic stocks, chromosome banding, storage
proteins, and disease or insect resistance.
Much of this work has been, or is carried out by US scientists
associated with the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative
(ITMI). This year, an ITMI mapping proposal was granted funding
from the USA Plant Genome Program, so we can expect an acceleration
in the generation of new genetic data for wheat.
Over the past two years, the Plant Genome Database Program has done
an excellent job of initiating a system to collect, process, and
store genetic data from diverse sources. This system allows
researchers to retrieve information in a convenient and useful
form. In the case of the wheat database, the information is not
limited to genetic map distances. Pedigree and descriptor
information for released US wheat cultivars is also included. Such
information will be useful to breeders searching for sources of
pest resistance or quality traits, for example.
Much work remains, however, if the wheat genome computer software
is to be fully developed and the increasing volume of relevant data
entered. Because the Wheat Genome Database Program, coordinated by
Dr. Anderson, has made great strides in pulling together diverse
sources of expertise in creating and implementing this software,
and because we expect an increasing need for a system to
accommodate new genetic data, the NWIC urges USDA-ARS to continue
full funding of the Wheat Genome Database Program.
Sincerely, signed: R. G. Sears, Chairman, NWIC
cc: H. Shands, USDA-ARS-NPS
C. Murphy, USDA-ARS-NPS
J. Miksche, USDA-ARS-NPS
January 21, 1993
Mr. Dave Galliert, Acting Administrator
Federal Grain Inspection Service
Room 1094, South Agricultural Bldg.
14th and Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Mr. Galliert,
The National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) met recently in
College Park, MD. As it has since 1987, the NWIC reviewed and
discussed the issue of low test weight wheat and the resultant
discounts in prices received by wheat growers. As you recall, our
committee has sent resolutions to FGIS and other organizations
which express our concerns for growers, particularly in the soft
red winter wheat region, who have been penalized by a grading
factor which, studies have shown, is not always a good predictor of
grain quality.
At this year's meeting, the discussion took on a different tone
when Ms. Wilda Martinez, USDA-ARS-NPS, presented data on the single
kernel hardness tester developed at the U.S. Grain Marketing
Research Laboratory in Manhattan, KS. In addition to its intended
use as an indicator of grain hardness, the instrument shows
considerable promise as a predictor of flour yield. The
preliminary data indicates that the hardness tester may be a better
predictor of flour yield than test weight. We were all quite
impressed with the new technology, and especially pleased to learn
of its potential utility in addressing the problem of test weight.
We feel this effort should be extended by establishing a working
group to evaluate and implement new technology could supplant test
weight as a grading and marketing factor. May I suggest that FGIS
take the lead in this endeavor, with cooperation from USDA-ARS and
the National Association of Wheat Growers, much as was done with
the wheat hardness working group. I would also take the liberty of
suggesting names of several individuals who would be willing to
help organize this working group: Wilda Martinez and Virgil Smail,
USDA-ARS; David Sammons, wheat breeder, University of Maryland; and
Robert Bacon, wheat breeder, University of Arkansas.
We appreciate your willingness to consider this idea. This is an
eventful time in the wheat community, as millers, bakers, and
breeders are forming new and effective lines of communication.
Their mutual interest lies in the accurate characterization and
promotion of grain quality. It appears that the technology is now
available which may tell us more about grain quality than measuring
test weight. We urge FGIS to pursue this effort, and we pledge to
cooperate in any way possible.
Sincerely, R. G. Sears, Chair, NWIC
cc: Ellen Ferguson, NAWG Foundation
Jeff Lundberg, President, NAWG
Dean Plowman, Administrator, ARS
January 21, 1993
The Honorable Mr. Mike Espy
Secretary of Agriculture
Room 200A
14th and Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Mr. Espy,
Congratulations on your appointment as Secretary of Agriculture.
As a committee representing wheat researchers throughout the United
States we look forward to working with you on the problems facing
agriculture; both today and tomorrow.
Recently during our annual 1992 meeting it was brought to our
attention that there has been recent criticism of the applied
research being conducted by the Federal Grain Inspection Service.
For the past 10 years, FGIS has been conducting research toward a
more objective classification system for wheat, based upon single
kernel hardness. As a national committee, we feel strongly that
the research conducted by FGIS has been timely, efficient, well
done and has certainly met the needs of the industry. As possible
budget cuts are planned, the NWIC wants to restate our strong
belief that the monies spent by FGIS on applied classification
problems has been well spent and in the best interests of the US
farm economy.
In 1982, when the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station released
the variety Arkan and subsequent classification problems developed,
many questions were asked regarding accuracy of the current system.
At that time FGIS responded that they were a service organization
charged with classification of grains and that they did not conduct
research. To NWIC's amazement, little research had been done
verifying the accuracy and repeatability of FGIS classification
over the years since the Grain Classification Act in 1919.
Although in large part considered reliable and efficient, no actual
numbers existed to verify accuracy and repeatability.
In 1984 the NWIC issued a series of statements regarding the
current system of grain classification based upon kernel
morphology. We recommended to FGIS and ARS that research be
directed toward an objective classification system as soon as
possible. In 1985 a task force was appointed by the administrator
of FGIS, representing all segments of the wheat industry to work
with both agencies on research and possible implementation of a new
objective classification system. This has evolved into the
potential of a new single kernel hardness measurement to classify
hard and soft wheats, with the potential of future classification
of winter wheat and spring wheat. I recalled these developments
because much of the progress in this area has been contributed by
applied research conducted by FGIS personnel.
Since 1982 FGIS has been actively involved in applied research
developments regarding future objective classification of wheat
based upon single kernel hardness. Their work has been pivotal in
the rapid progress that has been made. They have cooperated
actively with state researchers as well as ARS and SAS. As future
problems develop involving classification, measurement, and
handling of grain, the NWIC feels that it is important that FGIS
retain funding for applied research in evaluating future tests and
procedures.
The money utilized for this research has been utilized very
effectively. As a committee, we acknowledge the excellent work
FGIS has done in applied research areas involving grain
classification and we endorse the continued support of FGIS to
conduct applied research in the future.
Sincerely, signed: R. G. Sears, Chairman, NWIC
cc: Dave Galliert, Acting Administrator, FGIS
R. D. Plowman, Administrator, ARS
MEMBERS OF NATIONAL
WHEAT IMPROVEMENT
COMMITTEE
February 1993
Dr. R.G. Sears,
Chair
Dept. of Agronomy
Kansas State Unversity
Manhattan, KS 66506
(913) 532-7245
FAX: (913)-532-6094
Dr. C.J. Peterson,
Secretary
USDA-ARS
Dept. of Agronomy
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68583
(402) 472-5191
FAX: (402) 437-5254
Eastern Wheat
Region
Dr. D. Van Sanford,
Chair
Dept. of Agronomy
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506
(606) 257-5811
FAX: (606) 258-5842
Dr. H.E.Bockelman,
Secretary
USDA-ARS
P.O. Box 386
Aberdeen, ID 83210
(208) 397-4162
FAX: (208) 397-4165
Dr. D.J. Sammons
Department of Agronomy
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-1340
FAX: (301) 314-9041
Dr. R. Bacon
115 Plant Science
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(501) 575-5725
FAX: (501) 575-7465
National Assoc. of
Wheat Growers
Ellen Ferguson
Director, NAWG
Foundation
415 Second St. NE
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 547-7800
FAX: (202) 546-2638
Great Plains Spring
Wheat Region
Dr. Gary Hareland,
Chair
USDA-ARS-NPA
Northern Crop
Science Lab
P.O. Box 5677--
Univ. Sta.
Fargo, ND 58105
(701) 237-7728
Dr. R.H. Busch,
Secretary
USDA-ARS
411 Borlaug Hall
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
(612) 625-1975
FAX: (612) 625-1268
Dr. Leonard Joppa
USDA-ARS-NPA
Northern Crop
Science Lab
1307 N 18th St
P.O. Box 5677--
Univ. Sta.
Fargo, ND 58105
(701) 239-1339
FAX:
Dr. R. Frohberg
Dept. of Crop &
Weed Sci
North Dakota State Univ.
Fargo, ND 58105
(701) 237-7971
FAX:
Great Plains Winter
Wheat Region
R. Bruns, Chair
Agripro Bioscience, Inc.
806 N. Second St.,
P.O. Box 30
Berthaud, CO 80513
(303) 532-3721
FAX: (303) 532-2035
Dr. T.S. Cox,
Secretary
USDA-ARS
Throckmorton Hall,
Rm. 421
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
FAX:(913) 532-5692
(913) 532-726
Dr. W.D. Worrall
P.O. Box 1658
Vernon, TX 76384
(817) 552-9941
FAX: (817) 553-4657
TBA
Western Wheat
Region
Dr. R.S. Zemetra,
Chair
Dept. of Plant,
Soil & Ent. Sci.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83843
(208) 885-7810
FAX: (208) 885-7760
Dr. R.F. Line,
Secretary
USDA-ARS
361 Johnson Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-3755
FAX: (509) 335-7674
Dr. C.O. Qualset
Dept. of Agronomy &
Range Science
University of California - Davis
Davis, CA 95616
(916) 752-3265
FAX:
Dr. R.E. Allan
USDA-ARS
Johnson Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-3632
FAX: (509) 335-8674
--------------------
WHEAT WORKERS CODE OF ETHICS
"This seed is being distributed in accordance with the
`Wheat Workers Code of Ethics for Distribution of Germplasm'
developed by the National Wheat Improvement Committee
10/27/76. Acceptance of this seed constitutes Agreement."
1. The originating breeder, station or company has certain
rights to the unreleased material. These rights are
not waived with the distribution of seeds or plant
material but remain with the originator for disposal at
this initiative.
2. The recipient of unreleased seeds or plant material
shall make no secondary distributions of the germplasm
without the permission of the owner/breeder.
3. The owner/breeder in distributing unreleased seeds or
other propagating material, grants permission for use
(1) in tests under the recipient's control, (2) as a
parent for making crosses from which selections will be
made, and (3) for induction of mutations. All other
uses, such as testing in regional nurseries, increase
and release as a cultivar, selection from the stock,
use as parents in commercial F1 hybrids or synthetic or
multiline cultivars, require the written approval of
the owner/breeder.
4. Plant materials of this nature entered in crop cultivar
trials shall not be used for seed increase. Reasonable
precautions to insure retention or recovery of plant
materials at harvest shall be taken.
5. The distributor of wheat germplasm stocks may impose
additional restrictions on use or may waiver any of the
above.
--------------------
WHEAT DATABASE ORGANIZATION AND 1992 PROGRESS REPORT
Olin D. Anderson and David Matthews
A wheat prototype database is being assembled as part of the
USDA's Plant Genome Program. The initial priority of the
database is to accumulate genome mapping and probe/clone/library
information. Additional data areas will include germplasm,
genetics, and traits. The goal of the USDA is to maintain a
master database at the National Agricultural Library where data
from all plant species is collated. The data is intended for
public access and distribution, and cooperation with the
international research community is encouraged.
The USDA Genome Database Project is headed by Jerome Miksche,
and the wheat database prototype is coordinated by Olin Anderson
(Albany, CA). The master wheat database is currently running at
Cornell University (David Matthews and Mark Sorrells) and is
accessible via INTERNET. Copies have been downloaded to three
other sites: Albany, California; Clermont, France (Philippe
Leroy); Australian National Genetic Information Service, Sydney,
Australia (Alex Reisner). The main efforts in this program are
to establish the hardware and software systems to construct and
maintain a wheat database, and coordinate the loading of all
available and useful data. Currently, two parrallel databases are
in development; a future version will likely merge the different
capabilities of the two systems. The graphical interface
database is based on ACEDB; originally writen for the
Caenorhabditis elegans genome project. This is the more
sophisticated database with more capabilities, but also requires
more hardware to access. The ACEDB version at present contains
limited data, but is in development. Some of the items loaded
are one map each for barley, Triticum tauschii, sugarcane, and
oats, and the Australian clone bank list, plus clones from Mark
Sorrells and Bikram Gill, etc. The ACEDB version has graphic
capability and there are approximately ten images loaded for
examination and comment. We are particularly interested in ideas
about the scope and use of such graphic capability.
The second "database" is termed a "gopher" (go-for-data),
and is a text based system with easier access but more limited
searching capability. Two advantages of the gopher are the
ability to browse and the ability to perform simple searches on
large files. Some of the files either currently on the gopher or
planned are: Annual Wheat Newsletters (Jim Quick, editor); wheat
gene catalog (Bob McIntosh, curator), Catalog of North American
cultivars (Ken Kephart, editor), lists of germplasm (cultivars,
genetic stocks, taxonomy, etc.), etc. This medium is a natural
for "lists" of data and review articles/monographs. Anyone who
assembles such data or is aware of a source of such data is
encouraged to contact database personnel who will not edit such
data but simply make it available without comment on the gopher
system.
The wheat database prototype is being designed and
implemented in collaboration with the Computer Science Division
of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (John McCarthy, 510-486-5307,
principal contact). The prototype operates on Sun workstations
(plus mass storage devices) operating as servers. Other UNIX
systems can also run the programs, and there may be Mac and DOS
versions in the next year. Access is currently available by
contacting David Matthews, Olin Anderson, or Susan Altenbach.
Users should be aware that the database is still developmental.
Many data areas are sparse, but users are encouraged to explore
what is available and feed back comments. Particularly critical
is information on additional data sources including
researchers/sites which are already collating useful data.
DATA COORDINATORS: We have identified specific areas that
require data assembly and organization, and have formed a
committee of coordinators. As is inherent in such databases many
areas are overlapping and will require input from several areas
of expertise. As the need becomes apparent, 'subcommittees' will
form around broad topics. The following individuals have agreed
to serve as the coordination committee for the wheat database:
Cytology Bikram Gill, Department of Plant Pathology,
Kansas State University, Throckmorton Hall, Manhattan, KS
66506, Tel: 913-532-6176 FAX: 913-532-5692,
Email:raupp@ksuvm.ksu.edu
Database Assembly Olin Anderson, USDA, ARS, WRRC, 800 Buchanan, Albany, CA
& maintenance 94710, Tel: 510-559-5773 FAX: 510-559-5777
Email:oanderson@wheat.usda.gov
Genetics Gary Hart, Department of Soil & Crop ciences, Texas A&M
Nomenclature University, College Station, TX 77843, Tel:409-845-8293
FAX: 409-845-0456,Email:geh2432@zeus.tamu.edu
Genetic Stocks Perry Gustafson, USDA, ARS, Department of Agronomy,
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, Tel:
314-882-7318 FAX: 314-875-5359,
Email:gro1375@mizzou1.missouri.edu
Germplasm Ken Kephart, 214 Waters Hall, University of Missouri,
Columbia,MO 65211, Tel: 314-882-2001 FAX: 314-884-4317
Email:Ken Kephart@teosinte.agron.missouri.edu
Pathology David Porter, USDA, ARS, Oklahoma State University,
Stillwater, OK 74075. Tel:405-624-4212 FAX:405-372-1398
Email:portdrp@vms.ucc.okstate.edu
Probe Library, Susan Altenbach, USDA, ARS, WRRC, 800 Buchanan St,
References Albany, CA 94710, Tel: 510-559-5614 FAX: 510-559-
5777 Email: altnbach@wheat.usda.gov
Proteins; Gel Bob Graybosch, USDA, ARS, Department of Agronomy, 322
patterns,Wheat Keim Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska,
Quality Tel: 402-472-1563 FAX:402-437-5234,
Email:agro100@unlvm.unl.edu
Data Entry, Mark Sorrells, Dept. of Plant Breeding & Biometry,
Coordination Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853, Tel:607-255-1665 FAX:
607-255-6683, mail:mark_sorrells@qmrelay.mail.cornell.edu
Data Entry, David Matthews, Dept. of Plant Breeding & Biometry,
Coord., Main., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853, Tel: 607-255-9951 FAX:
Database Design 607-255-6683, Email: matthews@greengenes.cit.cornell.edu
Database Design, John McCarthy, Computer Sciences Division, Lawrence,
Coordination Berkeley Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA
94720.0, Tel: 510-486-5307 FAX: 510-486-4004
Email: JLMccarthy@lbl.gov
Anyone with interests in participating in database design,
data contributions, data assembly in any of these specific areas
should contact the appropriate coordinator or Olin Anderson.
To facilitate gathering of mapping data, the database
personnel are working closely with the International Triticeae
Mappping Initiative (ITMI) organization. ITMI is an
international group with the purpose of facilitating the mapping
and dissemination of resulting data on important members of the
grass tribe Triticeae, which includes wheat, rye, barley, and
ancestral species and related wild grasses. Dr. Calvin Qualset
(Dept. of Agronomy & Range Science, Univ. Calif., Davis) is ITMI
coordinator.
The wild ancestral genomes of wheat and wild grasses
amenable to breeding with wheat are critical sources of new genes
for traits such as yield, and pest and stress resistance. The
database will therefore contain mapping (and other) data from
these genomes as available.
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS: Contracts from the wheat database
prototype project have been completed with several sites. These
include a contract to ITMI (Cal Qualset) for assisting in mapping
coordination by ITMI and resource development with Jan Dvorak (UC
Davis) and Gary Hart (Texas A&M). Mark Sorrells and Steven
Tanksley (Cornell) are supported for a programmer position for
data input and the development of software routines, along with
the necessary hardware to serve as a major site of data input and
database access. Cornell will also assist the Barley and Oat
Groups, and possibly others, in data input as these group desire.
Bikram Gill (Kansas State) will be overseeing the assembly of
wheat cytogenetic data for the database. Wheat nomenclature and
genetics will be the contribution of Gary Hart (Texas A&M). Data
on North American wheat cultivars already being cataloged by Ken
Kephart (Missouri) will be further coordinated with other
databases such as the Germplasm Information Network (GRIN) and
the USDA Small Grains Repository at Aberdeen, Idaho, and CIMMYT
in Mexico City. Also at Missouri is Perry Gustafson who is
coordinating data on genetic stocks. Future Cooperative
Agreements may be arranged for other areas such as pathology and
wheat storage proteins. David Porter (Oklahoma State) is
assembling examples of data on pathology and pests to assess for
database design and input. Grain proteins are a major
contributor to quality traits in wheat and examples are being
organized by Bob Graybosch at Nebraska.
PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT YEAR: The next year will
concentrate on extensions of the database models and the
gathering of available information. We hope to have included all
available mapping and probe information, significants amounts of
data on genetics, and a large section on wheat germplasm.
LONG-TERM CONSIDERATONS: Although the USDA is supporting
the initial stages of database development, the success of this
program will depend greatly on the cooperation and participation
of laboratories throughtout the Triticeae research community
world-wide. We are particularly interested in cooperating with
members of international community whom are recognized,
officially or unofficially, as curators of data. The USDA will
concentrate on hardware, software, assembly of combined
databases, database access, and will only preform minor curator
functions; each plant community will be called on to organize and
update their own plant system.
All laboratories possessing relevant data are urged to
deposit their data with the database personnel. Any laboratory
interested in accessing the databases or running the databases
locally can contact Olin Anderson, Susan Altenbach, or David
Matthews. Potential users are reminded again that this is a
developing database effort, therefore gaps in data should be
expected. However, all users are encouraged to make both
suggestions on improvements and new sources of data.
--------------------
USDA RESEARCH ON WHEAT AND RYE, 1863 TO 1972
J. G. Moseman, J. H. Martin and c. R. Adair, Former USDA,
Ag. Res. Service Employees1/
1/ J. G Moseman, retired, present address: 1918 Blackbriar St.,
Silver Spring, MD 20903. J. H. Martin, and C. R. Adair, deceased
Preface
The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated
research on wheat and rye in 1863 when the Department of Ag. was
assigned the area in Washington, D. C. between 12th and 14th
streets as an experimental tract by the Commissioner of Public
Buildings. Many scientists within the Department have conducted
research on wheat and rye. Research in the Department was
organized by specific crops until June of 1972 when the
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in the USDA was reorganized
with research being conducted by areas and regions within the
United States, and not by specific crops.
This is a section of a publication entitled "Origin and
History of Research on Wheat, Rye, Corn, Sorghum, Barley, Oats,
Rice, and Weeds by the U. S. Department of Agriculture from 1836
to 1972" which will be maintained in the National Agricultural
Library (NAL) at Beltsville, MD. That publication is a historical
review of the organizations and agencies in the U. S. Government,
and projects and personnel that conducted research on cereal and
the other grain crops from 1836 until 1972. The administration
of the agricultural research is described in the first section.
Included in that section are the designations of the
organizations and agencies, and the names of the administrators,
and the years that they served. The research conducted on each
crop wheat and rye, corn, sorghum, barley, oats, flax and weeds
is summarized in separate sections.
The information was assembled over a period of about 30
years. J. H. Martin, who was a Dept. of Ag. employee from 1914
until 1963, compiled most of the information from before he
retired. He reviewed many memoranda, official documents, and
other information in the Cereal Crops Research Branch (CCRB)
office at Beltsville, MD. He also obtained information from many
former and present employees of the Department. The five crop
investigation leaders, L. P. Reitz (wheat and rye), G. F. Sprague
(corn and sorghum), G. A. Wiebe (barley), H. C. Murphy (oats),
and C. R. Adair (rice) each prepared a summary of research that
had been conducted on their crop.
Following the 1972 reorganization of ARS, C. R. Adair, who
had conducted research on rice in the Department from 1931 until
1972, and who had been Leader, Rice Invest. since 1952, continued
the compilation of information. Adair was senior author on two
papers entitled "A summary of Rice Production Investigations in
the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1898 to 1972"in Vol 26, The
Rice Journal, 1975. He also compiled, but never published,
additional information relating to research on wheat and rye.
Since he retired in 1986, J. G. Moseman, who had conducted
research of small grains (wheat, oats and barley) in the
Department since 1950, and was Leader, Barley Invest. from 1969
until 1972, continued the compilation of information. He
contacted administrators who had been involved in crops research
in the Department before, and in 1972. Many of those
administrators verified and added to the information regarding
personnel, and the time that they and other individuals were
involved as administrators. He contacted leading scientists, who
were or had been involved in research on wheat and rye at most of
the locations where research had been conducted on those crops.
Those scientists verified and modified the information which had
been compiled, and added names and times when other scientists
were at their location. He also obtained information regarding
specific individuals from the Am. Men of Science and other
publications and records.
This section, entitled "Research on Wheat and Rye by the U.
S. Department of Agriculture from 1863 to 1972", is a
summarization of the information which was compiled on research
on wheat and rye. The information has been greatly condensed.
Many of the administrators, and research scientists had long,
exciting, and productive careers. However, information regarding
the education and experiences of only a few of the early
administrators and research scientists has been included. The
research scientists at each location are listed in chronological
order, and by discipline to better describe their research and
changes in research conducted at each location. Often the
relationship of research between locations has been described.
Many individuals contributed information and suggestions
included in this section. Without their cooperation it would not
have been possible to complete the review. I thank each of those
individuals. They greatly increased the accuracy and value of
the information.
Early History and Administration
Research on wheat and rye in the U. S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) was initiated in 1863 when the area on the
mall in Washington, D. C. between the 12th and 14th streets was
assigned to the Dept. of Ag. as an experimental tract by the
Commissioner of Public Buildings. However, until April, 1865 the
land was not available because it was "essentially necessary to
the War Dept. as a cattle yard". In the fall of 1865, part of
the land was plowed, fertilized, and planted to 346 cultivars
including 62 cultivars of winter wheat, mostly from France,
Russia, Prussia, Great Britian, Chile, and China. In the spring
of 1866, 66 cultivars of spring wheat, including Arnautka durum,
17 of oats, 13 of barley, including Oderbrucker, 17 of rye, 19 of
corn and 4 of sorghum were planted.
A tragedy occurred in connection with the experiments in
1866. In July, a thunderstorm was approaching during the
harvesting of the wheat plots, and in helping to put some of the
wheat under shelter, Commissioner Isaac Newton, who had hurried
from his office dressed warmly and wearing a silk hat, was
overcome by heat and over exertion. He never fully recovered
from this shock which caused his death on July 19, 1867 at the
age of 67. It is not recorded that any other Dept. of Ag.
employee has died from over exertion in caring for cereal plots.
In 1867, the cereal cultivars in the plots included 43 winter
wheat, 66 spring wheat, 5 winter rye, 16 spring rye, 21 barley,
20 oats, 10 corn and 3 sorghum.
Commissioner Newton's successor, Horace Capron, was of the
opinion that an adequate field test of cereal cultivars could not
be made on the limited 40-acre area of the Experimental Farm.
Therefore, to reduce expenses, the experiments were discontinued
in the fall of 1867. The area was then landscaped and planted to
ornamentals to furnish a suitable surrounding for the new
original Dept. of Ag. building that was completed in 1868.
In 1886, George Vasey, the Dept. of Ag. Botanist,
investigated the grasses of the arid districts of KS, NE, and
Eastern CO, and recommended that the "government should provide
an experiment station for the trial of grasses and forage plants
in properly conducted, and well continued experiments". During
the 1887 session of Congress, an unsuccessful attempt was made to
establish an experimental station. However, in 1888, the
appropriation of the Div. of Botany was increased to provide for
an experiment station.
In Aug. 1888, 240 acres of land on the north bank of the
Arkansas River, two miles from Garden City, KS was leased without
cost from J. M. Jones, and J. A. Sewall of Denver, CO was
appointed superintendent. This experimental farm was under the
supervision of Vasey. In 1888, small plots were covered with
sods of six or eight kinds of native grasses. Seedings in the
spring of 1889, included alfalfa, several kinds of native and
cultivated grasses including Johnson grass, and millet. In the
fall of 1889, red kafir, and several cultivars of sorghum, and
forty acres of Arctic rye was sown. In 1890, 8-10 acres of
Polish Wheat, and 80 acres of different cultivars of sorghum
including White Durra and Red Kaffir were sown.
The Garden City Exp. Sta. was discontinued in Oct. 1893.
However, in his report for that year, F. V. Colville, Chief, Div.
of Botany, recommended that similar experiments be tried on new
areas. No further field experiments with cereal crops were
conducted by the Div. of Botany. Seed of the grains mentioned
above including Polish wheat, had been distributed free to
farmers in small lots after their value was indicated in the
experiments.
In 1891, research was initiated in the Dept. of Ag. on
cereal rusts. This research, which was conducted at Garrett
Park, MD, near Washington, D. C., and in cooperation with the KS,
NE, SD, and ND Ag. Exp. Stas., was continued for several years.
That research will be discussed in the section on Agronomic,
Production, and Breeding Research.
The coordination of the research in the Dept. of Ag. on
wheat, rye, and Triticum species was initiated when the Bureau of
Plant Industry (BPI) was organized in 1901. The leaders and
assistant leaders of that research from 1901 to 1972 are shown in
Table 1. Until about 1944, those individuals were located in the
Dept. of Ag. building in Washington, D. C. After 1944 they were
at the Beltsville Ag. Res. Center, Beltsville, MD.
In 1901, when the BPI was organized, M. A. Carleton was
designated Cerealist in charge of the Cereal Lab. in the Div. of
Veg. Physiol. and Path. Carleton was directly in charge of all
wheat experiments from 1901 until his 14 month furlough from July
1912 through Sept. 1913. In 1901 and 1902 C. S. Scofield studied
durum wheats and methods of classifying wheat in the Div. of
Botany. Carleton was assisted from 1902 to about 1906 by L. A.
Fitz in the hard winter wheat region, by H. A. Miller in the
eastern states, and by J. S. Cole in the spring wheat region.
From 1906 to 1909, H. J. C. Umberger assisted in supervising the
testing and distribution of durum wheat. Carleton directed
most of the experiments on minor cereals including rye, spelt,
and emmer until April 16, 1911 when A. B. Derr was appointed to
be responsible for that project, and wheat experiments in the
South Eastern States. From 1907 to 1910 W. M. Jardine was
responsible for the Dry Land Ag. Project.
While Carleton was on furlough in 1912 and 1913, C. R. Ball
was acting Cerealist in charge. In Sept. 1912, C. E. Leighty was
appointed to take charge of wheat investigations in the humid
areas. From Oct. 3, 1913, when Carleton returned, until he
resigned in 1918, Ball was made agronomist in charge of research
on wheat in the western region, and since Derr had resigned on
Sept. 15, 1913, Leighty was designated agronomist in charge of
research on wheat in the eastern regions. In July 1914, J. A.
Clark was transferred to Washington, D. C. from the Dickinson,
ND, Field Sta. to assist Ball on the western wheat project. Ball
and Leighty were also responsible for the research on minor
cereals in the western and eastern regions, respectively.
However, the geographic line between the eastern and western
wheat regions was never definitely and permanently established.
From 1918 until Nov. l8, 1930, research on wheat and minor
cereals was divided into western and eastern regions. Leighty
was in charge of the research in the eastern regions until Nov.
18, 1930 when he transferred to the Div. of Dry Land Ag. Ball
was in charge of research in the western region until May 18,
1918, when he became Cerealist in Charge, Office of Cereal
Invest. At that time, J. A. Clark was placed in charge of the
western project. He was in charge until July l, 1931. Clark was
in charge of research in both the eastern and western regions
from when Leighty was transferred in 1930 until July 1, 1931 when
S. C. Salmon was appointed Principal Agonomist and Leader, Wheat
Investigations..
Leighty had two assistants. They were W. C. Eldridge, from
Nov. l9, 1919 to March 22, 1920, and W. J. Sando after June 1,
1921. In Jan. 1919, J. H. Martin was transferred from the Burns,
OR., Field Sta., and made an assistant to Clark, who was then in
charge of research in the western region. On August 1, 1925,
Martin resigned to spend full time as Leader, Sorghum Invest.,
and K. S. Quisenberry was hired to replace Martin as Clark's
assistant.
Salmon was the appointed Leader, Wheat Investigations on
July 1, 1931. However, from 1946 until about1950, following
World War II, Salmon was assigned to duty as Agricultural Advisor
on General MacArthur's staff in Japan. During his absence,
Quisenberry, and B. B. Bayles acted as Leaders, Wheat Invest.
After Salmon returned in 1950, he served as Leader, Wheat Invest,
until 1954 when he was appointed Assist. Head. Cereal Crops
Section. L. P. Reitz, who was Coordinator, agronomic production
and breeding research in the Hard Red Winter Region, was then
transferred from Lincoln, NE to Beltsville, to be Leader, Wheat
Invest. Reitz served as Leader, until the 1972 reorganization.
Salmon made several changes after becoming Leader, Wheat
Invest. Scientists trained in many disciplines were assigned to
that Investigations. On Sept 25, 1933, the pathologists in the
Div. of Pl. Path. who were conducting research on wheat, were
assigned to the Wheat Invest. Beginning in the 1930s the four
Wheat Quality Labs. with chemists, cereal tech, and physiologists
were established, and the cytogenetic and interspecific
hybridization research was greatly expanded. Both Salmon from
1937 until 1954, and Reitz from 1954 until the 1972
reorganization had assistants who coordinated the agronomic,
production and breeding research in each of the four regions,
Eastern States, Hard Red Winter Wheat, Hard Red Spring and Durum
Wheat, and Western States. However, the scientists involved in
pathologic, physiologic, quality, cytogenetic and interspecific
hybridization research were supervised by a senior scientist or
Lab. Leader, or directly by the Salmon and Reitz, Leaders, Wheat
Invest.
Agronomic, Production and Breeding Research
The scientists, who conducted agronomic, production and
breeding research on wheat or rye in the USDA are listed in Table
2. Included is where they were located, their primary
discipline, the crops they studied, and the years they were at
that location. Some individuals have been included who were not
full time employees of the Dept. of Ag., but were collaborators
or agents of the Dept.
Some of the early research on Dry Land Agriculture and at
Field Stations in the Great Plains, and in the Western States is
discussed in this section. That research was primarily related
to production, and selection of crops adapted to growing with low
rainfall. Wheat, rye, emmer, and spelt were usually the primary
crops in those studies.
Information relating to the introduction, and maintenance,
of germplasm, and to the classification, and distribution of
wheat cultivars is included at the end of this section. Although
the research on classification of wheat cultivars was conducted
by scientists at the Wheat Invest. Headquarters in Washington, D.
C. and Beltsville, most of the scientists involved in agronomic,
production or breeding research at other locations cooperated
and benefitted from that research.
On July 1, 1931, Bayles transferred to Washington, D. C.
from the Mocasin, MT, Field Sta. to direct the wheat experiments
in the pacific coast and intermountain region. Clark assumed
similar responsibilities in the hard spring wheat region, and
Quisenberry in the hard winter wheat region. On March l, l936,
Quisenberry's headquarters was changed from Washington, D. C. to
the Univ. of NE at Lincoln. When Quisenberry went to Lincoln, C.
A. Suneson, who had been conducting research on wheat, oats, and
barley at Lincoln, transferred to Univ. of CA at Davis. In the
summer of 1937, Bayles was assigned the responsibilities for
wheat research in the Eastern States, and Suneson the
responsibilities for wheat research in the Western States that
had been supervised by Bayles.
Beginning in 1937 until the reorganization in 1972 the
responsibility for agronomic, production and breeding research in
the Wheat Invest. was divided into 4 regions: Eastern States,
Hard Red Winter Wheat, Hard Red Spring and Durum Wheat, and
Western States. The individuals assigned the responsibility for
coordinating that research in each region were designated
regional coordinators. The coordinator in each region cooperated
closely with the Leader, Wheat Invest. in coordinating the
agronomic, production, and breeding research in their region. By
coordinating Regional Uniform Wheat Performance Nurseries they
worked closely with most wheat breeders in their respective
regions. They visited most locations annually or even more
often, and thus became familiar with the research on wheat
cultivar improvement and production throughout their region. The
coordinators also conducted individual research programs on wheat
improvement at their locations.
The discussion of this research will be divided by the four
regions The research in each region was coordinated by a
different regional coordinator, and the research in each region
was on a different market class of wheat.
Eastern States Region
The Eastern States Region consisted primarily of those
states east of the Mississippi River in which soft red winter and
soft white winter wheat was grown. There were assistants to the
Leader, Wheat Invest. who were specifically assigned to
coordinate the research in this region, from 1902 until 1931 when
Salmon became the Leader. From 1931 until 1937 when Bayles was
assigned as coordinator in this region, no one was specifically
assigned as coordinator. However, Bayles did assist Salmon in
coordinating the research in the region during that period.
Washington, D. C. and Beltsville, MD
The coordinators, from 1937 to 1972, responsible for
coordinating the agronomic, production, and breeding research in
this region, were all located at either Washington, D. C. or at
Beltsville, MD. They worked closely with personnel in the Soft
Wheat Quality Lab. which was established at Wooster, OH. in 1937.
Bayles was the regional coordinator from 1937