Brad Miller and Dakota Growers Agronomy Research

As research agronomist for Dakota Growers Pasta Company, Brad Miller is focusing on disease control in durum wheat. Dakota Growers has initiated a long-term project of small plot, replicated variety trial research in cooperation with WestBred, Inc. In the search to find more scab-resistant varieties, Miller is maintaining six test plots across the state of North Dakota containing NDSU varieties and top experimental lines from the WestBred breeding program. Dakota Growers research program also made a significant advancement in 2001 with the addition of Dr. James Quick, one of the most recognized and renowned durum breeders in the world. Dr. Quick's expertise now allows Dakota Growers to look at hundreds of crosses each year and advance more genetic material into commercial production for shareholders.

New Durum Varieties to be Released in 2005 (PDF Download)

Dakota Growers Pasta Co. Inc. has been working in cooperation with WestBred LLC ( Bozeman , MT ) over the past 6 years on durum variety development for scab-impacted areas of ND. Two varieties will be released in 2005:

Primo Doro, with the lowest total kernel damage scores over the last 6 years, is a competitive yielding, strong gluten durum with average standability; about like Rugby . Due to it's height, it is best suited for western North Dakota .

Grande Doro is a high yielding variety under intensive management in scab-impacted areas. It is a strong gluten type with good standability and scab damage levels similar to Rugby , but much improved under management.

For more information contact Brad Miller at 701-652-4852