Objective:
Use traditional breeding techniques and marker assisted selection (MAS) to develop adapted hard winter wheat varieties and advanced generation lines with enhanced scab resistance in addition to superior agronomic and end-use quality characteristics, and biotic and abiotic stress resistance.

Approach:
Acquire elite scab-resistant germplasm and include it in three way crosses with adapted varieties and advanced lines. Evaluate F(3) plants by millet inoculation and plant F(3:4) progeny rows under normal growing conditions to select for agronomic performance. Enter the best lines into the F(3:5) yield trials and grow corresponding progeny rows in the scab nursery. Enter best lines in the F(4:6) early yield trials in the scab nursery and evaluate in the greenhouse for Type II resistance. Evaluate superior lines in preliminary and advanced yield trials in various location in the state. Use marker assisted selection to help in advancing promising lines and confirming resistance.