Texas wheat expands research with key partnership

Dec 02, 2024
By Farms.com

Strategic alliance enhances wheat research in Texas

In a significant development for agricultural research, Texas Wheat has partnered with the Wheat Genetics Resource Center (WGRC) to advance the study of wheat genetics.

This partnership marks a concerted effort to explore the extensive germplasm collections housed at WGRC, which could hold the key to future wheat varieties more suited to the challenges of modern agriculture.

Funded through the latest IUCRC cycle, this initiative supports six major projects, with Texas researchers playing a leading role.

Among these, a standout project led by Dr. Okumoto Sakiko uses advanced MRI techniques to investigate wheat root systems, aiming to identify traits that enhance drought and heat resistance—a crucial advancement for Texas agriculture.

“We believe Texas farmers stand to benefit greatly from the research conducted within the IUCRC. This investment is a key part of our efforts to bring value to wheat farmers,” emphasized Chet Creel, TWPB Chair.

Additionally, efforts by Dr. Jackie Rudd at Texas A&M AgriLife Research highlight the ongoing research activities in the state, focusing on integrating wild wheat genes to improve disease resistance and crop performance.

This collaboration not only underscores a commitment to cutting-edge research but also strengthens Texas Wheat's role in shaping a resilient agricultural future.

By fostering strong industry partnerships, Texas Wheat ensures that the state's agricultural sector remains at the leading edge of innovation and sustainability.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.