February 20, 2007

Breeding improved crop varieties remains a core mission of University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences plant breeders who work alongside USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists:  2006 and spring '07 highlights include:
 

Barley-Four new varieties from the UI and USDA-ARS in Aberdeen address yields, environmental, and health issues. One has high levels of soluble fiber that will reduce blood cholesterol when included in the human diet. Another, a low-phytate barley, is being tested for fish feed. It would reduce fishmeal costs and phosphorus pollution in fish waste. Herald, another low-phytate barley, boasts excellent yields. It will reduce phosphorus levels in manures when fed to swine and other farm animals. Charles, a newly released winter malt barley, offers greater yields than spring malt varieties with reduced irrigation needs.
Contact Juliet Windes at jwindes@uidaho.edu.
 

Canola/Rapeseed-Clearwater (canola) and Gem (rapeseed) are tolerant to imazamox, the herbicide widely used by pea and lentil growers. Available Brassica varieties require at least a four-year planting interval to avoid crop loss caused by residual herbicide. The UI Brassica breeding program led by Professor Jack Brown has the most extensive collection of canola, rapeseed, and mustard germplasm in the United States.
Contact Jack Brown at jbrown@uidaho.edu.

Potatoes-Released in 2006 are three new potato varieties, bringing to 25 releases by the Tri-State Potato Variety Development Program in 22 years. Two-Premier Russet and Highland Russet-produce higher yields of No. 1 tubers than does Russet Burbank. Both have good processing potential. Yukon Gem, an offspring of Yukon Gold, offers improved yields and better resistance to PVY and late blight.
Contact Jeff Stark at jstark@uidaho.edu.