Aaron Carter
The Winter Wheat Breeding and Genetics program at Washington State University is directed toward breeding improved wheat varieties for cropping systems in Washington state that incorporate diverse rotations and environments. New varieties are developed using a combination of traditional plant breeding methods and molecular breeding tools. Research and breeding efforts are focused on identifying and using genetic solutions to solve winter wheat production problems, thereby lowering farmer inputs (i.e. pesticides) and collectively enhancing the sustainability of wheat production and the wheat industry. Current areas of research are focused on identifying and mapping new genes for stripe rust resistance, identifying tolerance to wireworm, increasing the emergence capabilities and cold tolerance of winter wheat, identifying tolerance to drought stress, and improving and understanding the end-use quality of wheat varieties. This research is conducted in collaboration with the plant pathology department at WSU, WSU extension agents, as well as USDA research scientists housed as WSU. Farmer participation is utilized in the development of new varieties and in research planning. Our goal is to develop wheat varieties which limit the production risks for growers (high yield and stability, disease resistant, cold tolerant) as well as have excellent end-use quality and high nutritional value for the consumer.
For more information see
http://css.wsu.edu/people/faculty/crops/Carter.htm
Aaron Carter
