I. SPECIAL REPORTS


MINUTES OF THE WHEAT CROP GERMPLASM COMMITTEE

formerly the Wheat Crop Advisory Committee

15 November, 1995.

Dallas, TX, USA.

Committee members in attendance were T.S. Cox (Chairman), R.F. Line (Vice-Chairman), H. Bockelman (ex officio), R. Busch, S. Jones, J. Quick, B. Skovmand, and G. Waines. Seven members were absent.

In addition to the WCAC members, many members of the National Wheat Improvement Committee also attended the meeting.

The minutes of the 1994 meeting as published in the 1995 Annual Wheat Newsletter were approved by voice vote.

Germplasm databases. Reports from M. Bohning on the status of the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database were presented by Bockelman and Cox, and a report on the CIMMYT database was presented by Skovmand. Considerable progress has been made in updating and improving the GRIN database. GRIN is now on Internet's World Wide Web and Gopher server, and a new PCGRIN is available.

Germplasm acquisition and evaluation. Bockelman distributed a detailed report on the status of wheat acquisitions and the evaluation of wheat accessions in the National Small Grains Collection. The evaluations are progressing at a good rate. Copies of that report can be obtained from Bockelman.

Core subsets. The National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) is strongly encouraging the creation of Core Subsets. Cox reported on discussions of core subsets at symposia presented at CSSA and ASHS meetings in 1995. As at the 1993 and 1994 meetings, there was considerable discussion of core subsets. Bockelman has developed wheat core subsets that are being tested.

Status of Wheat and Aegilops monographs. Waines reported on the future publication of a wheat monograph, the new monograph on the genus Aegilops by M. van Slageren, and proceedings of a 1995 workshop on `Old Wheats'. Revision of the genus Triticum is uncertain.

Acquisition of New Breeding Material. The subcommittee on New Breeding Material (Bockelman, Busch, Leath, and Jones) presented a brief report on the role of the WCGC in improving breeders' access to elite germplasm. There was considerable discussion regarding how to handle the material, but no final decisions. The subcommittee will continue to study the topic and report on their progress in 1996.

Wheat Workers Code of Ethics. The Wheat Workers Code of Ethics has been modified slightly and is being considered for wider distribution and application. AWN 41:22; AWN 42:1.

Update of the 1989 Wheat Crop Advisory Report. The WCGC was asked by Allan Stoner, CGC coordinator, to update the 1989 Wheat Crop Advisory Report on germplasm activities, crop vulnerability, collections, and wheat evaluation and enhancement needs. The topic was discussed, and a subcommittee was appointed to review and update the 1989 report by 1 April, 1996.

MINUTES OF THE NATIONAL WHEAT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE (NWIC) MEETING

16-17 November, 1995.

Dallas, TX, USA.

Attendance.

Committee Members: R.G. Sears, Chair; C.J. Peterson, Secretary; H.F. Bockelman; P.S. Baenziger; R.H. Busch; B.F. Carver; R. Karow; F.L. Kolb; R.F. Line; D. Van Sanford; E. Souza. Absent: R. Frohberg; G. Hareland; L. Joppa; J. Martin; C. Morris; P. Murphy; W.D. Worrall.

Non-Committee Members: A.A. Atchley, USDA-AMS-PVPO, Washington, D.C.; T.S. Cox, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS; S. Jones, ARS, Pullman, WA; D. Marshall, Texas A&M, Dallas, TX; J. Raupp, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS; B. Skovmand, CIMMYT, Mexico; J. Quick, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO.

Preliminaries.

Chairman Sears called the meeting to order, and members and guests were introduced. Peterson asked for a motion to waive reading Minutes, which were published in the Annual Wheat Newsletter, Vol. 40. Van Sanford made the motion; motion carried.

Response to 1994 letters.

Sears indicated that a response was obtained for one letter sent by the NWIC during the last year. A letter was sent to Dr. Henry Shands, ARS-NPS expressing NWIC opposition to the CSSA `Announced Category' proposed for germplasm registration, which requests NPGS to allow for deposition and storage of germplasm with restricted distribution. Shands responded that the CSSA proposal does not reflect a change in ARS or NPGS policy. The NSSL has several categories of germplasm storage. Most seed is freely available, but some germplasm stocks are not freely available. Storage with limited distribution is allowed when it is in the public interest to do so, and there is sufficient justification and documentation.

Sears indicated that the `Announced Category' proposal for germplasm registration has been considered by CSSA divisions in each of the last three ASA meetings. In 1993, the proposal was approved by all divisions, but with limited advance information. In 1994, the proposal was voted down by C1, C7, and C8 divisions. The Crop Registration Committee also voted against the proposal in the first two years of consideration. There was a symposium at the 1995 ASA meeting in which Sears presented arguments opposing the `Announced Category', and the proposal again was voted down by C1, C7, and C8 divisions. However, some confusion remained over the issue, and the CSSA Board of Directors voted to table discussion of the proposal. It is expected that two articles will be requested for publication in Agronomy News to present the opposing views. How CSSA will handle further discussions and make a final decision is unclear. Sears indicated that further discussions and input from the NWIC members were needed to determine the next course of action.

Annual Wheat Newsletter.

John Raupp, Kansas State University, gave an update on AWN activities during his first year as Editor. Volume 41 was the second newsletter distributed primarily on computer diskette, and only 100 hard copies were printed. Volume 41 was 358 pages with average cost per copy of $10.13. Raupp indicated that diskettes were available in several word processing formats and that he had received no complaints regarding the electronic distribution. No major changes were made in the newsletter format. Approximately 25 % of contributions were received via E-mail, and four private companies were among new contributors. The AWN was placed on the Graingenes gopher and is INTERNET accessible.

Annual Wheat Newsletter Treasurer's Report.

1995 Annual Report to NWIC

W.D. Worrall, Treasurer

_________________________________________________________________________

ITEM DEBIT CREDIT BALANCE

_________________________________________________________________________

1. Deposit from NWIC 480.22 480.22

2. NWIC Meeting expenses,

College Park, MD 241.81 238.41

3. Deposits through 6/30/95 5,583.06 5,821.47

4. Mailing request letter 164.00 5,657.47

5. Printing 1,682.30 3,975.17

6. Diskettes 138.42 3,836.75

7. Postage 513.59 3,323.16

8. Additional Contributions 120.00 3,443.16

9. Checks 40.18 3,402.98

_________________________________________________________________________

Corporate sponsorship of the AWN continued to decline in 1995. However, the overall decline in donations of nearly $2,000 was more than compensated by substantially lower production costs. For the first time in several years, the AWN will begin a new year with a positive balance.

Raupp expressed concern over rising postage costs for overseas distribution. NWIC members recommended shipment via surface mail in instances where airmail costs were prohibitive, rather than charge individuals for postage. Sears suggested that a letter of appreciation to Raupp and Worrall was in order for their excellent management of the AWN activities during their first year of duties. The Committee concurred, and a letter will be prepared and distributed.

Crop Germplasm Committee report.

Cox summarized discussions and actions from the Wheat CGC meeting, held the previous evening. The name of the Crop Advisory Committee had been changed during the year to Crop Germplasm Committee, a name that more appropriately describes the Committee's functions and interests. The CGC has been requested to update its Strategic Plan by 1 April, 1996. No additional funds for enhancement were anticipated, but an update on priorities for enhancement, evaluation, and collection is needed.

The CGC role in introduction and distribution of elite breeding stocks to breeding programs was discussed at length. Whether the NSGC could help to coordinate either information flow or seed distribution remains questionable. Strategies were proposed to utilize electronic means to announce new elite stocks available for distribution. Individuals who handle initial seed distributions were suggested to then forward stocks to the NSGC for subsequent distribution. After 3 years, stocks would be discarded. Primary concerns were: 1) obtaining formal permission for secondary distribution of germplasm and 2) how to handle requests for materials from outside the US. Bockelman indicated that he would discuss possible NSGC involvement with NPS staff, then develop formal protocols as appropriate. In subsequent discussions with NPS, it was determined that permission for secondary distribution of elite stocks could not be reasonably obtained or confirmed. Therefore, the NSGC could not be involved with secondary distribution of elite breeding stocks, unless stocks were entered formally into the Small Grains Collection.

Cox indicated that the CGC will work with the NWIC in an effort to further promote the Wheat Worker's Code of Ethics and free germplasm- exchange policies. The CGC also would support efforts to re-establish a US-coordinated international wheat nursery program.

NWIC legislative activities.

The 1995 NWIC legislative team consisted of Sears; Paul Murphy; Ben Handcock, Wheat Quality Council; Duane Grant, NAWG Research and Energy Committee Chair; and Ron Anderson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota Wheat Commission. The group met with ARS Administrator Dean Plowman and Acting Undersecretary Floyd Horn (now ARS Administrator) prior to visiting congressional offices. The NWIC Pathology Initiative was distributed and discussed with agricultural aides in 20 Senate and House offices. The team also visited Adrianne Euback at the Office of Management and Budget for the first time.

The NWIC Pathology Initiative was placed into the 1996 Agriculture Appropriations bill three times and deleted three times. A wheat virology position in Nebraska was the only new ARS research position funded. Language was included in the Appropriations bill to encourage support for the Cereal Rust Laboratory, but no new funds were allocated. Increased funding for the Cereal Rust Laboratory is a high priority for the Oat and Barley Improvement Committees, as well as the NWIC. The Oat and Barley groups also had requested $275,000 for additional technical support at the ARS Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. They succeeded in obtaining approximately $150,000 of new funds.

Sears indicated that, although not yet successful in terms of funding, the NWIC efforts have been appreciated by local Experiment Station administrators and ARS Research Leaders. Overall visibility for the NWIC and ag research needs have increased. Sears questioned the current strategy; whether the NWIC Initiative was currently too diverse, asking for too much money, or if lack of a focal `champion' in Congress was impeding success. C. Murphy has urged the NWIC to continue the legislative activity, indicating that penetration and exposure for the Committee are increasing. There also is a growing recognition of wheat research needs by grower groups and commissions and a realization that they can provide lobbying support to achieve research needs. Sears was unable to contact NAWG about assistance with future legislative contacts, but assumed it would be possible. Jim Miller was hired recently to refill Bruce Knight's position at NAWG. Miller is from Washington State and was president of NAWG in 1987. Knight recently has joined Bob Dole's congressional office staff.

Baenziger indicated that the successful effort for funding ARS virology research in Nebraska was largely due to the efforts of the Dean of the Agricultural Experiment Station, department heads in Plant Pathology and Agronomy at UN-L, and the Nebraska Wheat Board. The UN-L Dean viewed the position as critical and communicated the need for support to Nebraska congressional delegations. Nebraska senators, especially Kerry, have been proactive in supporting the University. Baenziger suggested that the NWIC initiative needed more active support of deans and universities at the respective target sites. Sears concurred, indicating that last year Kansas State University was promoting another building and the priority for Washington State was building new greenhouses.

CRSEES update.

Baenziger reported that the 1996 CRSEES budget had been cut by 1.5 % and the Cooperative Extension budget 2.5 %. The National Research Council recently had published a report on the current status of the land grant system. A second report with recommended actions was expected soon. He indicated that several major changes in federal research and development activities were under consideration by Congress.

CSSA `Announced Category' for germplasm registration.

Sears initiated discussion on the CSSA `Announced Category' for germplasm registration by posing three questions. 1) How to respond to the registration `category' issue for germplasm with restricted distribution, particularly for quantitative traits such as the Illinois high oil corn germplasm. Gary Heichel, University of Illinois, has expressed concern over the term `Announced' and whether it would be recognized as an academic contribution within the university. 2) How far to push for `free gamete' exchange and deposition of stocks in working collections. Gametes are what are truly exchanged, rather than genotypes, which have rules on their accepted uses. Genotypes can be protected readily through PVP or Utility Patents, but the protection of a quantitative trait, or phenotype, should be prohibited. 3) Should registration allow for limited distribution of unique genes or transformed lines, such as `Roundup Ready' Soybeans. Appropriate description and deposition of a molecular probe for tracking a unique gene could allow both for use of gametes and effective protection of single genes, effectively excluding quantitative traits.

Sears indicated that J.H. Barton, Stanford Law School, was supportive of the NWIC position on germplasm. He recommended that the NWIC communicate their position to a higher level, such as Secretary of Agriculture Glickman; the Secretary of State; the CGIAR Board of Directors; and Floyd Horn, ARS Administrator.

Extensive discussion followed. Baenziger noted that the Horticulture Society does not have a deposition requirement for registration and suggested that Crop Science registrations could be directed to a different journal. He recommended not to establish a separate registration category, but rather have terms for distribution clearly stated in the registration articles. Sears objected to publication of protected germplasm in Crop Science, regardless of category. It would send a message to state administrators and the international community that protection, or limited distribution, of germplasm is an acceptable and encouraged practice. He also noted that this issue was not a concern of private industry, but rather only for public institutions. A change in registration policy would not increase germplasm or variety registrations from private companies.

Van Sanford commented that Heichel described an in-house problem of academic credit for germplasm development when distribution was restricted. Souza questioned the issue of academic integrity and ability to verify research claims if germplasm was not available for additional testing. Currently, germplasm release allows for verification of attributes through access to seed stocks. Baenziger expressed concern that if nothing was changed in the registration process, universities would stop sending any materials to the collection. Kolb objected to MTA statements that restrict availability of gametes for breeding purposes and claim rights to, or restrict development of, progenies from crossing. Peterson noted that intellectual property rights laws such as PVP and Utility Patents, already are established, and should be promoted as the mechanism, or model, for germplasm protection in the CSSA registration process. Baenziger concurred, indicating that from a legal basis, progeny claims would violate the UPOV agreement. Restrictions on germplasm should not be allowed that are greater than that currently allowed through the existing intellectual property rights law.

Peterson suggested that a `statement of principles' be developed to guide Sears and other NWIC members in their response to the CSSA `Announced Category' registration proposal and for other such proposals that would restrict distribution and use of germplasm for breeding purposes.

1) The NWIC opposes the CSSA `Announced Category' for germplasm

registration as currently written, which allows for registration

without deposition into the National Germplasm Collection and

restricted distribution for breeding purposes. Motion was made by

Baenziger, second by Souza. Motion was unanimously approved.

2) The NWIC continues to endorse principles of free germplasm

exchange as established in the Wheat Worker's Code of Ethics.

3) The NWIC endorses CSSA registration of germplasm with

distribution that is no more restrictive than that allowed

in the 1995 Plant Variety Protection law or under current Utility

Patent law. Restrictions placed on germplasm by any institution

should not exceed that of currently available intellectual property

rights law.

Motion to accept these two statements by Baenziger, second by Karow; unanimously approved.

Sustainable Ag initiatives.

Cox reported that the Land Institute in Salina, KS, under the direction of Wes Jackson, had received a $50,000 planning grant from ARS. The grant was to facilitate meetings and discussion and develop a written proposal on `natural systems agriculture research', focusing on potential for perennial polyculture in the Great Plains. It was unclear what would be included in the proposal, which is due 1 April, 1996, but preliminary discussions at the Land Institute have been highly controversial.

CIMMYT update.

Skovmand reported that Dr. Timothy Reeves has assumed the Director General position at CIMMYT. Reeves is an agronomist with interests in resource management and sustainable agriculture. The Wheat Program Director position is not yet filled. Reeves has requested that additional applications be solicited before selecting candidates for interviews.

CIMMYT funding outlook for 1996 is reasonable, although US-AID support is still a question. US-AID contributes approximately 30 % of CIMMYT funding. CIMMYT's biotechnology effort has been funded largely by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Recently, UNDP decided they would no longer fund agricultural research. They will continue to fund current commitments, but no new funds for ag research will be made available. No reason for the policy change has been given.

Test weight issues.

Van Sanford reported on a study commissioned by FGIS regarding economic impact of current test weight standards. Results showed that approximately 45 % of grain samples collected from the soft red winter wheat region were rated under 58 lbs/bu. The percentage of low test weight samples was far greater in the SRW region than in the other three wheat regions. Although the data supported substantial dollar losses to growers, recommendations of the study were to not change existing test weight standards.

Finney has conducted a large study investigating the Single Kernel Hardness Tester (SKHT) as a means to replace, or complement, test weight measurements in soft red wheats. Finney has shown that the commercial SKHT instrument performs similarly to the original prototypes. However, there was a problem with kernel hardness measurements as related to variations in kernel moisture. The SKHT has done relatively well in predicting `softness equivalent', or break flour yield, but not in predicting overall mill yield. Van Sanford expressed his concerned over lack of progress on the test weight issue, especially because the SKHT has not yet demonstrated potential to be a reliable milling indicator.

ARS and SAES positions and programs update.

Sears indicated that the funding situation in the Plant Science Unit at Manhattan continued to be critical, with 97 % of funds tied to salaries. Kolb reported on several changes in the SRW region. Jim Holland has replaced Ken Frey in the Iowa State University oat breeding position. Holland also will conduct some wheat evaluations. The University of Wisconsin, Heide Kaeppler was hired as Cereal Breeder and Geneticist, replacing Robert Forsberg who retired last year. Dave Sammons' position at the University of Maryland was filled by Jose Costa. The ARS virology position of Adriana Hewings at Urbana, Illinois was lost because of inadequate funding. Hewings is now ARS Assistant Area Director in Peoria, IL. Dave Livingston's ARS program on oat and barley winterhardiness/physiology has been moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. His program may be expanded to include some wheat research. The BYDV position of Richard Lister at Purdue University was refilled with Keith Perry.

Busch reported on numerous impending retirements in the HRS region. At the Cereal Rust Laboratory, McVey and Bushnell were both eligible for retirement, and Alan Roelf's position was closed. The Rust Laboratory needs an additional $600,000 in funding to replace critical positions. ARS scientists at Fargo, North Dakota, eligible for retirement include Williams, Joppa, and Miller. A new wheat extension position with the University of Minnesota was recently filled at Crookston, Minnesota, and a wheat pathology position was refilled at South Dakota State University.

Line reported that Bob Allan was retiring from ARS, effective 1 January. The position will be refilled, and recruitment is underway. The position will include a club wheat breeding component and will coordinate the Western Regional Performance Nurseries. Washington State University has obtained $8 million in funding for new greenhouses; approximately $4 million was received from federal appropriations and remaining funds from state appropriations and the Washington Wheat Commission. Karow indicated that all positions at Oregon State University currently were frozen. Oregon had hoped to place a technician with operating funds at Pendleton to cover club wheat breeding and research needs. However, they may need $100,000 of federal support to accomplish this. Karow stressed that changes or loss of the STEEP III program will have a great impact on the Pendleton station and will impact all PNW soils research activities. Political support for STEEP III appears to be waning.

NWIC Strategic Plan.

Kolb presented the Committee with a draft of the Strategic Plan that he had prepared and requested feedback and discussion. The draft incorporated information from the NWIC Disease Initiative, regional survey information, and some information from the Oat Worker's Strategic Plan. Target date for completion was set for 1 March, 1996, prior to a tentative date set for the next ARS Grain Crops Review.

It was noted that the draft highlights the need for new positions and new funding in ARS. Peterson recommended that the assumptions regarding core research contributions of ARS also be defined clearly. To enhance credibility of the Plan, it also should address the concept of `reallocation' of resources. Baenziger recommended that assumptions related to Committee expertise and background be stated clearly and discussed the basic premise of existing and fully funded collaborative state programs and personnel that contribute to wheat research. Busch indicated that ARS will likely move to a `Regional Center' concept in the future. Defining the expected roles of `Research Centers' and `Satellite' programs would be appropriate.

A general change in focus from specific site and program needs to `national problems and opportunities' was recommended. The `Wheat Pathology Initiative' was noted to have had a somewhat vague interpretation. `Germplasm Enhancement to Biotic Stress' was recommended as an alternative title, more clearly stating the Committee's intent. Busch called for a clear emphasis on screening and germplasm enhancement needs in discussing plant pathology priorities and suggested breeding and genetics research needs as a second general priority.

Sears called for the reestablishment of an ARS international nursery program and support for international germplasm exchange as an additional priority for the Strategic Plan. Peterson noted that funding for two of the ARS regional nursery programs was currently under ARS minimum target levels that allow for refilling of positions. ARS contributions through regional nursery coordination should be presented in the Strategic Plan, and regional nurseries included as a funding priority.

Partnerships with other scientific organizations.

Baenziger encouraged the NWIC and wheat community to become more proactive and involved with leading scientific organizations. The AAAS was cited as an example, that had general interest in biological diversity issues. Associated members could call for an AAAS symposium on the impact of the International Treaty on Biological Diversity on crop germplasm exchange. Busch stressed that objectives for such a symposium must be defined clearly; for example, distinguish crop genetic diversity from general biological diversity and focus on consequences of the Treaty on crop breeding. Sears indicated that this would be an appropriate means to elevate and advance germplasm exchange issues. Baenziger encouraged members to provide information regarding such opportunities to the NWIC secretary for distribution. Consensus was to encourage Baenziger to pursue development of an AAAS symposium on biological diversity and germplasm issues.

RCA III Symposium on Agriculture Technologies.

Sears indicated that the NWIC was requested to respond to crop yield projections from a technology symposium sponsored by the National Resources Conservation Service. The symposium goals were to assess technologies and their potential impact on crop yields through the year 2050, then make recommendations regarding allocation of national resources and funding. The initial premise was the need to double crop yields by 2050 based on estimates for population growth. Biotechnologies and crop genetics were estimated to contribute increases in wheat yields of 30 to 70 % by 2030 and 45 to 80 % by 2050. The ranges in projections were based on the most pessimistic to the most optimistic viewpoints. The Committee expressed concern that the projections were high, assuming that current levels of research activity and support were continued. In the past, yield gains have been estimated at approximately 0.75 bushel/year, with 0.5 bushel/year contributed from genetic improvement. A 25 % increase in wheat yields by 2050 resulting from conservation tillage practices also was considered overly optimistic. The Committee stressed the need to highlight and compare relative rates of return from research investments in the symposium drafts. Sears will communicate Committee concerns to the NRCS representative.

PVP update.

Atchley reported that a solid block of countries involved in UPOV opposed the use of biochemical or DNA markers in intellectual property rights claims. Some progress had been made concerning acceptance of markers, but efforts to change the treaty could come from either inside or outside the US. He noted that ASTA also opposed the use of molecular markers to differentiate germplasm. He recommended that the NWIC maintain a presence on Capitol Hill in order to have input into these issues. Members agreed that use of both molecular and morphological measures were desired in plant variety protection efforts.

Legislative priorities.

Sears reviewed current legislative priorities and asked for input. Priorities are: 1) Plant Science Unit at Manhattan, KS; 2) Cereal Pathology/Germplasm Enhancement position at Raleigh, NC; 3) Wheat Pathology, Pullman, WA; and 4) Cereal Rust Laboratory, St. Paul, MN. Sears noted that the Oat and Barley workers also are supporting efforts to fund the Cereal Rust Laboratory. Oat workers have expressed interest in the Pathology/Germplasm position at Raleigh, but no Congressional advocate has been identified. Concern again was expressed that the combined initiative was too diverse, or the funding request was too large. Baenziger suggested discussing priorities with deans at the respective institutions, then prioritizing the list based on their willingness to support the legislative effort. Sears agreed and will initiate contacts. NWIC concensus was to go forward with the legislative initiative with priorities as previously identified.

Actions and Letters.

Sears will initiate a letter-writing campaign regarding germplasm policies. Letters will present arguments for free germplasm exchange and acceptable levels of germplasm protection as established in PVP and Patent law and express support for the `Wheat Worker's Code of Ethics' as a model for exchange. Based on Committee concensus, Sears also will call for reestablishment of an ARS-coordinated international nursery program for promotion of international germplasm exchange. Copies will be sent to CGIAR, Secretary Glickman, Floyd Horn, Secretary of State, SAES Directors, ARS-NPS, CSSA, and others.

Letters of appreciation will be prepared for David Marshall and David Worrall for local arrangements; John Raupp and David Worrall for their excellent management of the AWN during their first year of service; and to Bob Allan on his retirement for years of superior service to the NWIC and wheat research community.

Regional items.

The Eastern Wheat Workers Workshop will be held on March 19 and 20 at West Lafayette, Indiana. Western Wheat Workers will hold their annual workshop at Moscow, Idaho in June; date to be announced. The Pacific Northwest Quality Council will hold a meeting at Park City, Utah on 11-12 January. Spring Wheat Workers will hold a half-day session prior to the Spring Wheat Quality Council Meetings in late January.

Sears indicated that, of any group within CSSA, ARCPACS was growing most quickly. Sears recommended that we consider inviting ARCPAC members to attend Regional Wheat Workers meetings. Information distributed at these meetings could be of value for extension agents and consultants and, with minor format changes, could provide ARCPAC members with required CEU credits.

Next meeting.

A motion was approved to hold the next NWIC meeting at Beltsville, Maryland on 21-22 November, 1996. The WCGC will meet on the preceding evening, 20 November. Meeting then was adjourned by Sears.

Respectfully submitted, C. James Peterson


A resolution of the National Wheat Improvement Committee

January, 1996.

Subject: Recognition of Dr. Bob Allan's career contributions to wheat improvement.

WHEREAS, the National Wheat Improvement Committee recognizes the distinguished career contributions of Dr. Bob Allan to regional, national, and international wheat improvement efforts through his position as USDA-ARS Research Geneticist; and,

WHEREAS, Dr. Allan has advanced the science of wheat genetics and breeding through his innovative research efforts on semidwarf genetics, breeding, and selection methodology, genetic enhancement of disease resistance, and improvement of end-use quality; and,

WHEREAS, Dr. Allan has been a leader in wheat germplasm and genetics research, having developed unique and valuable genetic stocks used by breeders and geneticists worldwide and developed highly successful wheat varieties for production in the Pacific Northwest; and,

WHEREAS, Dr. Allan has provided superior guidance and leadership to the national wheat research effort through his years of service as Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Northwest and as an active member and past Secretary for the NWIC;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the National Wheat Improvement Committee commends Dr. Bob Allan for his distinguished career in wheat research and expresses its deepest respect and appreciation for his many outstanding contributions to wheat and wheat improvement.

Members of the National Wheat Improvement Committee.

January, 1996.

Dr. R.G. Sears, Chair Dr. C.J. Peterson, Secretary

Department of Agronomy USDA-ARS, Department of Agronomy

Kansas State University University of Nebraska

Manhattan, KS 66506 Lincoln, NE 68583

(913) 532-7245 (402) 472-5191

FAX: (913) 532-6094 FAX: (402) 472-4020

rs@ksu.ksu.edu agro015@unlvm.unl.edu.

Eastern Wheat Region

Dr. Fred Kolb, Chair Dr. H.E.Bockelman, Secretary

Department of Agronomy USDA-ARS, 1691 So. 2700 W.

University of Illinois P.O. Box 307

Urbana, IL 61801 Aberdeen, ID 83210

(217) 244-6148 (208) 397-4162

FAX: (217) 333-9817 FAX: (208) 397-4165

fkolb@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu hbockelman@ars-grin.gov.

Dr. Paul Murphy Dr. David Van Sanford

Department of Crop Science Department of Agronomy

North Carolina State University University of Kentucky

Raleigh, NC 27607 Lexington, KY 40506

(919) 515-3281 (606) 257-5811

FAX: (919) 515-5657 FAX: (606) 323-1952

njpm@ncsumvs.edu agr038@ukcc.uky.edu

Great Plains Spring Wheat Region

Dr. R. Frohberg, Chair Dr. R.H. Busch, Secretary

Department of Crop and Weed Science USDA-ARS, 411 Borlaug Hall

North Dakota State University University of Minnesota

Fargo, ND 58105 St. Paul, MN 55108

(701) 237-7971 (612) 625-1975

FAX: (701) 237-7973 FAX: (612) 625-1268

busch005@maroon.tc.umn.edu.

Dr. J. Rudd Dr. Yue Jin

Plant Science Department Plant Science Department

South Dakota State University Box 2108

Brookings, SD 57007 South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD 57007

(605) 688-4769 (605) 688-5540

FAX: (605) 688-4452 FAX: (605) 688-4024

ruddj@mg.sdstate.edu jiny@mg.sdstate.edu.

Great Plains Winter Wheat Region

Dr. J. Martin, Chair Dr. Brett Carver

Kansas Agricultural Research Center Department of Agronomy

Kansas State University Oklahoma State University

1232 240th Avenue Stillwater, OK 74078

Hays, KS 67601

(913) 625-3425 (405) 744-9580

FAX: (913) 623-4369 FAX: (405) 744-5269

bfc@soilwater.agr.okstate.edu.

Dr. P. Steve Baenziger Dr. W. David Worrall

Department of Agronomy Texas A & M University

University of Nebraska P.O. Box 1658

Lincoln, NE 68583 Vernon, TX 76384

(402) 472-1538 (817) 552-9941

FAX: (402) 472-7904 FAX: (817) 553-4657

agro104@unlvm.unl.edu d-worrall@tamu.edu.

Western Wheat Region

Dr. David Hole, Chair Dr. R.F. Line, Secretary

Department of Plant and Soil Science USDA-ARS, 361 Johnson Hall

Utah State University Washington State University

Logan, UT 84321 Pullman, WA 99164

(801) 750-2235 (509) 335-3755

FAX: (801) 750-3376 FAX: (509) 335-7674

dhole@mendel.usu.edu rline@wsuvm1.csc.wsu.edu.

Dr. Craig Morris Dr. Russ Karow

USDA Western Wheat Quality Lab Department of Crop and Soil Science

E-202 FSHN Facility East Crop Science Bldg. 107

Washington State University Oregon State University

Pullman, WA 99164-6394 Corvallis, OR 97331-3002

(509) 335-4062 (503) 737-5857

FAX: (509) 335-8573 FAX: (503) 737-1589

morrisc@wsunix.it.wsu.edu karowr@css.orst.edu.

National Association of Wheat Growers

NAWG Foundation

415 Second St. NE Suite 300

Washington, DC 20002

(202) 547-7800

FAX: (202) 546-2638