AgBioResearch

Michigan Field Crop Industry Research Priorities 

Submitted by:
Michigan Crop Improvement Association
P.O. Box 21008
Lansing, MI 48909

Dry Bean Research

• Development and release of superior dry bean varieties to MCIA members
  • High yield potential
  • Upright plant architecture (direct cut ability)
  • Disease resistance for Bacterial Blights, Anthracnose, Rust, BCM Virus, and Root rots.
  • Industry acceptable color, size, and canning quality.
  • Defect free in the sense of color and appearance that result in excessive dockage/pick.
  • Sustainable varieties that capture grower market share/acceptance for multiple seasons.
• Important areas
  • Development of varieties resistant to Common Bacterial Blight. Bacterial blight diseases have been the major factor causing the dry bean seed industry to move its seed production to western states. Research into resistance to bacterial blights would greatly enhance the ability of Michigan dry bean seed producers to compete and become successful in this market.
  • There is a need for the re-selection of popular or high use varieties. Dry bean varieties tend to last longer than varieties of other field crops. Re-selection will ensure that clean seed stocks are available through the life of the variety. This practice will normally extend the life of the variety.
  • Development of root rot resistance in dark red kidney beans. Root rots can cause stand reductions and affect the grower’s ability to successfully raise kidney beans.
  • Development of a high yielding navy bean. There is a need for a high yielding navy bean variety for MCIA members.

Wheat Research

• Development and release of superior red and white wheat varieties to MCIA members.
  • High yield potential
  • Excellent lodging resistance, high test weights, sprout resistance, and good winter hardiness.
  • Disease resistance for scab, septoria, powdery mildew, and rust.
  • Industry acceptable milling and baking qualities.
  • The importance of wheat in a cropping system.
  • Threshing ease: Ambassador =10, Jupiter = 1.
  • Bearded varieties, both red and white, are desired in high deer population areas (most of Michigan).
  • Non-Glycosidic Nitrile(Non-GN) varieties for malting/Distillation. Non-ethyl carbamate compound producers.
  • Early maturing varieties suitable for double cropping.
• Disease Resistance
  • Development of scab resistance varieties. Scab resistant varieties would greatly benefit the Michigan wheat industry from producer to processor. Soft white wheat is really a specialty crop used in the Michigan milling industry. It is important to keep competitive varieties available so that we don’t lose this industry. In the past 10 years many farmers have switched to corn or soybeans and away from wheat in their cropping systems.
• Wheat Management
  • Determine the best management practices for newly developed MCIA wheat varieties. As new varieties are released there is a need to determine the best way to manage these new wheat varieties. Research should focus on fertility, disease susceptibility and other factors that affect maximizing wheat profitability.

Oat Research

• Developing, testing, and evaluating new oat varieties in Michigan climates to help oat producing MCIA members know which varieties will do best in their area.
  • High yield potential
  • High test weight and milling qualities
  • Improved disease resistance and good agronomic qualities

Barley Research

• Testing and evaluation of malting barley varieties in Michigan climates to fill the need for locally produced malting barley. MCIA members would like to be able to supply this market.
  • High yield potential
  • Proper malting properties
  • Improved disease resistance and good agronomic qualities
• Testing and evaluation of feed barley varieties in Michigan climates. MCIA members would like to be able to supply this market.
  • High yield potential
  • Proper malting properties
  • Improved disease resistance and good agronomic qualities

Rye Research

• Developing, testing, and evaluating new rye varieties in Michigan climates to help rye producing MCIA members know which varieties will do best in their area.
  • High yield potential
  • High test weight and milling qualities
  • Improved disease resistance and good agronomic qualities