Oregon State University Develops High Yielding, Stripe Rust Resistant Wheat

Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have developed Kaseberg, a new soft white winter wheat that is both higher-yielding and resistant to stripe rust, a serious fungal disease that can cut yields in half. In field trials, Kaseberg thrived in different regions, including eastern and western Oregon, southern Idaho, and south central Washington. It averaged 136 bushels on an acre of land with high rainfall or irrigation, 14 more bushels than a similar variety. Under low rainfall conditions Kaseberg averaged 91 bushels per acre, or 6 bushels more than a similar Oregon variety.

Named after Oregon's longtime family of wheat growers, the new cultivar was developed to appeal to millers and bakers. Kaseberg is better for cookies and crackers than similar wheat varieties from Oregon because it has weaker gluten and finer flour particles when milled.

For more information, read the news release available at: http://westernfarmpress.com/management/new-wheat-cultivar-resists-stripe-rust-bakes-well.