By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU), through its Agricultural Experiment Station and the South Dakota State Foundation Seed Stock Division, has unveiled two new cultivars: a hulled oat called "SD Ranger" and a hard spring red wheat named "Enhance-SD."
These cultivars are the result of extensive research and are tailored to meet the specific needs of farmers in the Upper Midwest, aiming to increase both sustainability and economic viability in agriculture.
John Blanton, associate dean for research at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the university’s commitment to agricultural innovation. "These new varieties embody our dedication to enhancing productivity, resilience, and profitability for our farmers and stakeholders," Blanton stated.
The "SD Ranger" oat cultivar originated from a spring 2017 greenhouse cross and has shown promising attributes, such as high grain yield, excellent test weight, and resistance to common diseases. It is considered a superior replacement for the older "Rushmore" variety, offering similar quality with enhanced yield potential. Melanie Caffe, who leads SDSU’s oat breeding program, noted that "SD Ranger" is well-regarded by the milling industry and performs well under various environmental conditions.
On the wheat front, "Enhance-SD" emerges from a 2014 hybridization and has been tailored for the northern regions of South Dakota's spring wheat belt. Karl Glover, who heads the hard red spring wheat breeding program at SDSU, highlighted the cultivar's high yield potential, excellent protein content, and robust disease resistance. "Enhance-SD" has undergone extensive testing, including end-use quality evaluations at prominent institutions, confirming its competitive edge over existing varieties.
Both cultivars have undergone rigorous field testing across different sites to ensure their adaptability and performance under diverse soil and moisture conditions. The results from these trials have informed the decision to release these varieties for broader use, pending U.S. Plant Variety Protection applications.
With the introduction of "SD Ranger" and "Enhance-SD," SDSU continues to play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices in South Dakota and beyond. These cultivars are expected to provide farmers with reliable options that contribute to sustainable farming practices and economic growth in the agricultural sector.
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Education