MINUTES OF THE NATIONAL WHEAT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE (NWIC) MEETING
1214 November, 1997.
Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Attendance.
Committee Members: R.G. Sears, Chair; C.J. Peterson, Secretary; H.F. Bockelman; R.H. Busch; B.F. Carver; D. Clark; S. Harrison; Y. Jin; R. Karow; F.L. Kolb; R.F. Line; A. McKendry; J. Rudd; and W.D. Worrall. Absent: P.S. Baenziger; E. Elias; J. Martin; and E. Souza.
Non-Committee Members: J. Anderson, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA; O. Anderson, USDA-ARS, Albany, CA; K. Garland Campbell, Ohio State University, Wooster, OH; S. Jones, Washington State University, Pullman, WA; S. Leath, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC; D. Marshall, Texas A&M University, Dallas, TX; John Moffatt, Agripro Seeds, Inc., Berthoud, CO; J. Raupp, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS; B. Skovmand, CIMMYT, Mexico; and J. Wersma, University of Minnesota.
Preliminaries.
Chairman Sears called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. Peterson asked for a motion to waive reading Minutes, which were published in the Annual Wheat Newsletter, Vol. 43. Line made the motion; motion carried.
Dr. Phil Larson, Associate Dean for the College of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, welcomed the Committee and provided an overview of wheat research and production in Minnesota. Larson discussed the Minnesota response to scab losses of over $1 billion at the farm gate. Faculty from five departments and three Agricultural Experiment Stations have worked cooperatively on scab research projects, and producers have been actively involved. Producers were instrumental in obtaining $6.2 million in reoccurring funds from the state legislature to support research on scab. The research has been conducted in close collaboration with ARS scientists at Minnesota, and new federal money for scab research has been been authorized recently.
Annual Wheat Newsletter.
John Raupp, Kansas State University, reported that Volume 43 of the AWN contained 424 pages, and 240 copies were distributed at a cost of $18.92 per volume. New sections added to the AWN in 1997 included information on meetings, new publications, cultivar abbreviations, and a glossary. An extensive list of E-mail addresses was included along with mailing addresses of contributors. Raupp indicated that the AWN was moving away from a word processing format, and he planned to post future volumes in HTML format on the GrainGenes web site. Posting of the AWN using a PDF read format was discussed and encouraged. Use of CD's for distribution also was being considered. The Committee recommended that Raupp pursue distribution on CD and investigate means to economically purchase disks and contract out disk copying.
Worrall reported that the AWN fund has a positive balance of over $7,100, and all bills from printing of the 1997 volume have been paid. Worrall credited Raupp for his efforts to keep costs down and pursue electronic means for publication. Contributions from private companies have continued to decline, which may be a concern if publication costs rise in the near future. Worrall announced that he would step down as AWN treasurer after serving for the last 6 years. Brett Carver, Oklahoma State University, has agreed to serve as the new treasurer, and Worrall will transfer funds in the near future. The Committee expressed its appreciation to Worrall for his service and authorized a letter of appreciation to be drafted and sent on behalf of all wheat workers.
Crop Germplasm Committee Report .
Line indicated that Steve Jones, Washington State University, was elected as the new chair of the wheat CGC. Several members of the CGC had completed their term of service and they would be soliciting nominations in the near future. There was no additional review of CGC activities, because NWIC members also attended the CGC meeting the previous evening. The CGC minutes are published in the AWN.
Communications.
Sears indicated that the NWIC legislative committee did not visit Congressional offices in 1997. Sears did receive several calls from Congressional aides, however, including Senator Lugar's office, and believed that the NWIC had at least made some impact on budgetary decisions. He indicated that a visit this year should be encouraged, because there is opportunity to support the scab research initiative.
Establishment of a National Wheat Research Council.
The National Association of Wheat Growers has proposed the formation of a National Wheat Research Council with representation from grower organizations, domestic and export wheat industries, and researchers. The goals are to speak with one voice on high priority issues affecting the wheat industry and to obtain Congressional support for such issues. Formation of the Council will be a priority item for discussion at the upcoming NAWG Convention.
Crops '99.
Representatives from all areas of agricultural research and all the major professional plant science societies were involved in the Crops '99 forum held earlier this week in St. Louis. The goal was to organize plant and agricultural scientists similar to what was done by animal scientists in FAIR '95. FAIR '95 developed a policy document that was used widely by Congress and various funding agencies. Priority issues discussed at the Crops '99 meeting included promotion of collaborative regional research efforts, support for plant genomics, enhancement of germplasm activities and the National Plant Germplasm System, and means to increase base research funding. Stephen Baenziger is serving on the organizing committee, which will summarize discussions and priorities identified at the meeting and circulate a draft document for comment.
Plant Breeding Workshop update.
Ken Frey published a survey regarding the status of plant breeding research in the U.S. and organized a workshop to discuss breeding priorities in fall 1996. Sears reported that two priority initiatives emerged from the workshop. The first was support for prebreeding or germplasm enhancement activities in minor crops; the second was for germplasm activities in major crops. The minor crop initiative is now being finalized for publication early next year. The major crop initiative is still in the draft stages. A small committee is now working to organize congressional support for the initiatives. The NWIC will likely be asked to endorse these efforts. The funding request and specific crop priorities were unclear at this time.
OSU/CIMMYT update.
Karow reported on status of the Oregon State University/CIMMYT international wheat program, which is now in its 26th year. Karow indicated that the program has received $350,000 this year, primarily from US-AID. However, the program is up for annual renewal, and there are no guarantees of funding for next year. Focus of the program has changed to highlight research and development needs of eastern Europe and the newly independent states. A seed certification and multiplication training program has been added, which will facilitate development of royalty systems to fund breeding in these countries. Economics training has become an increasingly important activity in the program.
Status of the Cereal Rust Laboratory.
Kurt Leonard, Research Leader and Director of the Cereal Rust Laboratory, reported on plans and upcoming changes at the Laboratory. Leonard indicated that the current budget for the Cereal Rust Lab was approximately $900,000 for four scientists. However, $400,000 of new money for scab research has been targeted for the laboratory in the 1998 ARS budget (now approved by Congress and signed by the President). The lab plans to fill two new positions with these additional funds.
New scab research areas targeted in these positions include pathogen ecology, epidemiology, and genetics of pathogenicity. Bushnell also will pursue research on the scab infection process, plant resistance mechanisms, and evaluate cloned genes for bioengineering of scab resistance. Scientists in the unit will have mixed responsibilities for both scab and rust research, with research components divided among wheat, barley, and oats. A total of two SY's will be dedicated to scab research, with 1.5 SY for wheat and 0.5 SY for barley. Four SY's will continue rust research efforts, with 2.6 SY's dedicated to wheat rusts, 0.9 SY to oats rusts, and 0.5 SY to barley rusts. Leonard noted that both McVey and Bushnell were eligible for retirement and that he would be eligible in the near future. Although funds are adequate at this time, he indicated that there was no guarantee that they could maintain a staff of six scientists, especially after McVey retires. With the increased emphasis on scab research, the Cereal Rust Laboratory likely will change its name to the Cereal Disease Laboratory.
ITMI update.
Olin Anderson provided an update on the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative, which was formed to coördinate molecular mapping activities in wheat and barley. Anderson indicated that the ITMI coordination grant has essentially ended. The group would require new funds in the next fiscal year or would likely disband. There was general agreement that the basic maps have been completed, but markers are not yet useful for breeding or gene cloning applications. The group hopes to have new goals and funding mechanisms identified prior to the International Wheat Genetics Symposium, which will be held in August, 1998. Anderson expressed concern that although many scientists are anxious to use new marker technologies, such as micro-satellites and expressed sequence tags, few are now willing to spend the effort required to develop these markers.
Anderson reported that the Corn Genome Initiative has succeeded in obtaining $40 million of new money for genomics research. The Initiative was broadly supported by corn grower associations, with the goal to sequence the entire corn genome. The funds will be managed through the National Science Foundation, starting in FY 1998. The appropriation language specifically directed the money to genomics research on food crops. However, the majority of funds, as directed by NSF, likely will not be used for research on the major crops. There was concern that funding through NSF, or even the NRI, would focus research on basic molecular genetic problems and not on the development of useful molecular markers that are needed by applied plant breeders. It is unclear, and doubtful, if wheat and barley researchers will be eligible to receive any funds. USDA-ARS has now begun to discuss potential and options for future funding of genomics research activities through the Agency.
ITMI is sponsoring a meeting on 18 January, 1998, to discuss problems and priorities for wheat and barley genomics research. The meeting is scheduled between the National Association of Wheat Growers Conference and the Plant and Animal Genome meeting to facilitate attendance and interactions. ITMI members have drafted a 'priority needs plan' in response to the Corn Genome Initiative, requesting funds of $22 million to facilitate wheat and barley genomics research. The plan currently focuses on available resources and technologies. Specific targets and goals for the research will be discussed and developed at the January meeting. Support of commodity groups then will be be solicited to help identify and generate federal funding for the initiative.
USDA-ARS update.
Peterson provided an update of ARS activities and funding and reviewed comments provided by Roy Gingery, ARS NPS, during a recent phone call. Substantial new funds are allocated for wheat and barley research in the FY98 budget. Of the $3 million new funds targeted for research on emerging diseases, $1.5 million will go to cereals. The Cereal Rust Lab will receive $500,000 of these funds for scab research. An additional $500,000 will be used to support a 14-state research consortium effort on scab in 1998. The Plant Science Unit at Manhattan, KS, will receive $500,000 directed for Karnal bunt research and genetic improvement of wheat pathology. Other new funds include $450,000 for small grains pathology at Raleigh, NC. Some of these funds will be used for oat improvement and for NSGC activities at Aberdeen. New funds obtained in FY97 for the ARS units at Manhattan ($250,000) and Pullman ($350,000), initially taken out of the Presidents FY98 budget, were fully restored by Congress. There were some concerns regarding use of the Presidential line-item-veto on the Ag appropriations bill, but all the proposed funds for cereals research remained in the final, approved budget. Gingery expected that the FY99 ARS budget request would include additional funds for research on emerging diseases but indicated that the budget was in the early stages of development.
Gingery indicated that reorganization of the ARS National Program format is still underway. All ARS CRIS projects will be placed under 1 of 25 National Programs to facilitate management and response to the Government Performance Review Act. The reorganization hopefully will provide a better rational for a future program enhancements or cuts. A draft management plan was reviewed within the Agency this past summer. The document was revised and, in the near future, will be distributed outside the Agency and placed on the ARS web site for additional comments.
Chuck Murphy, ARS National Program Leader for small grains, suffered a minor stroke earlier this fall. He has since undergone extensive physical therapy and successful surgery. He is expected to fully recover and resume this activities on the National Program Staff early in 1998.
GAO report on the NSGC.
Bockelman reviewed the October, 1997, Government Accounting Office report on the condition of the National Plant Germplasm System. GAO initiated the investigation on their own, as a follow-up to their 1981 report and in response to the recent National Research Council publication on status of the NPGS. The GAO conducted a survey of all Crop Germplasm Committees to determine adequacy of germplasm collections, adequacy of evaluation efforts, and identify priorities for the future. The report discusses findings from this survey but does not make any specific recommendations to the USDA. Bockelman indicated that, overall, the report was positive and noted that the NPGS had made significant improvements in the collections and management since the last GAO report. Although most CGC's reported that collection status was sufficient to reduce crop vulnerability, germplasm acquisition was viewed as the top priority should additional funds be obtained. Peterson noted that the GAO report provided a timely opportunity for a letter to Congress to promote additional funding for the NPGS. The Wheat CGC was suggested to draft such a letter that could be co-signed or endorsed by the NWIC.
Regional reports.
McKendry reported that recent activities of the Eastern Wheat Workers have revolved mostly around scab issues, including efforts to organize and obtain funding for the multi-state consortium. The Eastern group remains concerned over loss of the BYDV position at Urbana, formerly held by Anna Hewings. Kolb also expressed concern that ARS was considering moving Les Domeir's virology program from Urbana, possibly to Cornell, or redirecting that program. The ARS Area Director has scheduled a review of the virology program in February.
Rudd reported that Bill Berzonsky has been hired at Fargo, ND, as a HWSW breeder with additional emphasis on sawfly resistance. Shahryar Kianian has been hired by NDSU in a spring wheat germplasm enhancement position; a position formerly held by Jim Anderson. SDSU has hired Marty Draper as extension wheat pathologist. The University of Minnesota will advertise a spring wheat breeding position in December. The position will be responsible for variety development efforts in Minnesota; efforts that are now the responsibility of the ARS program under the direction of Bob Busch. Upon Busch's retirement, and as funding permits, ARS plans to increase emphasis on germplasm enhancement in this program and provide continued coordination of the spring wheat regional nursery program. Gary Muehlbauer has been hired as University of Minnesota small grains geneticist, with research emphasis on molecular approaches to developing scab resistance in wheat and barley.
Karow reported on changes in the western wheat region. A new ARS molecular genetics position at Pullman, WA, has been announced and advertised. Jim Cook has indicated his intent to retire from ARS this coming spring and will assume the new R. James Cook Endowed Chair position at Washington State University. The endowed chair originated from $1.5 million in funding from the Washington Wheat Commission to facilitate cropping systems research in the Pacific Northwest. Warren Kronstad, Oregon State University, has indicated the intent to retire in 1998. His position is being split into two components. OSU has advertised a wheat breeding position that will assume responsibility for domestic varietal development. Kronstad will continue working half time to direct the OSU international wheat program, with the goal to set up a soft-money position in the future to coordinate the international activities. OSU also has obtained new state funds to fill a wheat biotechnology position. Clark indicated that the wheat quality research position at Montana State University has recently been filled, and that Luther Talbot is currently acting Department Head at MSU.
Worrall and Carver reported on organization of the Southwest Wheat Research and Education Consortium. Participants currently include researchers from Texas A&M, Oklahoma State University, USDA-ARS, and representatives from the Noble Foundation. The focus of the Consortium is dual-purpose (grain and grazing) wheat development and management, with the goal to facilitate multistate and regional research efforts. Sears indicated that Jim Hatchett, ARS Entomology at Manhattan, KS, will retire in 1998. New ARS funds will permit filling two positions in the Manhattan Plant Science Unit. Hatchett's position will be refilled with continued emphasis on entomology and genetics of Hessian fly. A new molecular pathology position is planned and will be advertised as soon as funds are released by the Agency. Kansas State University has recently hired Ron Madl as Director for their new Wheat Research Center.
Wheat quality issues.
Bruce Hamnes, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers and member of the U.S. Wheat Quality Committee, joined the meeting to discuss export quality issues. Hamnes indicated that there has been a significant shift from governmental wheat purchases to purchases by private companies in the export market, generating concern regarding our ability to compete in several major overseas markets as emphasis on end-use quality has increased and contract specifications have become more rigid. The lack of consistency in U.S. grain quality, kernel characteristics, and processing quality is the basis for this concern.
The U.S. Wheat Quality Committee has communicated with state wheat commissions, requesting information on varietal release criteria as a starting point to address export quality issues. The Committee wants to understand what information and baselines are used in variety release decisions, so that appropriate quality standards and goals can be communicated back to the breeders. He emphasized that the intent was not to limit breeders flexibility, but to improve communication regarding quality needs.
Worrall emphasized the need to develop incentive programs, rather than continue disincentives, throughout the marketing chain to have impact on improving quality. Sears noted that our competitors are investing more in quality, even to the point that customers are being paid to evaluate quality of their new varieties. The increased use of grain cleaning equipment at Portland and Duluth was noted as a very positive response to dockage problems in the marketplace. Hamnes noted that export companies are increasingly willing to discuss issues and join in programs to enhance market competitiveness. Domestic identity-preserved marketing efforts are advancing, and there is increasing interest in IP grain for the export market. Mechanisms for movement and preservation of IP grain were available, but a mechanism to 'catalog' grain throughout the country was lacking. Campbell asked about U.S. Wheat efforts and priorities in marketing of soft red wheat. Hamnes noted that there was little representation from the soft red production region on the U.S. Wheat Board of Directors, hence soft red market development likely had received less support than it deserves. He indicated that U.S. Wheat had developed a new logo to help identify and promote products derived from U.S. grown wheat. Hamnes encouraged the NWIC to promote industry-wide discussions on wheat quality issues and to promote programs that could enhance US stature in the export market.
Wheat classification issues.
Rob Bruns provided a written report from the Grain Quality Workshop held by GIPSA (formerly Federal Grain Inspection Service) on August 18. Bruns indicated that the wheat sub-group discussed improved tests for measuring alpha amylase and development of a uniform dockage procedure that adequately deals with chess. Both issues will be priorities for action at the next Workshop. GIPSA has expressed willingness to provide grain protein data on any moisture basis to minimize confusion of international customers. Determination of DHV (dark, hard, and vitreous) is an ongoing problem for GIPSA, due to its subjectiveness and variability in grading procedures. Most believe this is an outdated measure, and members plan to survey the industry to find if there is adequate support to continue this determination.
Two issues have impacted implementation of the Single Kernel Characterization System for measures of grain hardness in classification. First is in regard to classification and calibration problems for soft white wheats in the Pacific Northwest. GIPSA recognizes that the current calibration is not acceptable for soft whites, but they are confident that an acceptable calibration has been developed. However, more data on the new calibrations need to be generated. The second regards hard spring vs hard winter issues; GIPSA does not have any objective means to separate these classes. Because the main difference between the classes is protein content, the only reasonable solution may be to allow some cross contamination at medium protein ranges. However, they realize this is a serious political problem and likely unacceptable to the industry. Industry representatives have encouraged GIPSA to delay implementation of the SKCS until all problems and issues are resolved.
Bruns indicated that hard white wheat classification issues were discussed only briefly at the workshop. First was the possibility of grading hard white mixtures in hard red grain as 'wheat of other classes' as opposed to 'contrasting classes'. Second was the need to develop an objective color standard for white wheat grain. Neither issue moved forward, except to encourage further research to develop objective measures for color. Bruns urged the NWIC to draft a letter to Dave Shipman, Director of GIPSA, to encourage efforts to implement the SKCS, pursue changing the 'contrasting classes' designation of hard whites in hard red grain, and to pursue research on objective measures of hard white wheat color.
Paul Manol, Wheat Marketing Specialist for GIPSA, joined the NWIC meeting via phone conference call. Manol indicated that the SKCS would not be used as an official classification tool in the near future, not until a complete package is developed and final issues are resolved. Use of SKCS as a second measure, or referee, on disputed lots has been proposed, but also has not been implemented at this time. Manol emphasized that supplementary SKCS data still can be be requested by the grain industry when obtaining official grade designations. With regard to soft white wheat classification, SKCS measures currently have only 50 % agreement with visual classification. GIPSA can shift the SKCS breakpoint value for soft whites and already has identified a more appropriate value. However, additional funds and data analyses are needed to confirm accuracy of the SKCS values and revise Agency software.
With regard to hard white wheat classification, GIPSA has extended the waiver on minimum color requirements until an objective measure can be developed. Manol did not foresee major problems in revising grain standards to designate hard white mixtures in hard red grain as 'wheat of other classes'; functional properties of the two classes are essentially the same. He urged the NWIC to send a letter to GIPSA to request such a change and provide supporting arguments and information. Manol also encouraged the NWIC to communicate its position on implementation of the SKCS for classification.
Peterson moved that the NWIC write a letter to GIPSA requesting a change in classification standards to designate hard white mixture in hard red as 'wheat of other classes' and to emphasize its ongoing support for the implementation of the SKCS in grain classification. The NWIC has long encouraged development of objective classification standards based on end-use properties, and the SKCS is an important step in achieving this goal. Motion was seconded by Karow and approved by the Committee. Sears will draft the letter.
Plant variety protection issues.
The revised Plant Variety Protection Act was passed with the assumption that the seed trade would develop an appropriate and legally acceptable definition of 'essentially derived'. Sears noted that Corn researchers have established a committee to develop such a definition, but that they were the only group actively working on the issue. Sears appointed Kim Campbell and Jim Anderson as a subcommittee with the charge to contact the Corn research group and report on emerging definitions and methodologies used for determination of 'essentially derived'.
Karnal bunt.
Line provided an update on Karnal bunt issues. He reminded the Committee that in the autumn of 1996, Karnal bunt was identified tentatively in the southeast U.S. and found in grain/grass seed mixtures shipped into Arizona. Mycologists determined that these infections were associated with a ryegrass smut and not Karnal bunt. However, the smuts are nearly identical, morphologically and genetically, as determined via PCR, and both can attack wheat and ryegrass. For practical purposes, they are as one disease. APHIS conducted a national survey for Karnal bunt again in 1997, but they examined and reported on smutted grain and did not survey for spores. APHIS sponsored an international symposium on smuts and quarantine procedures in August, 1997. A wide array of issues and research related to smut quarantines were presented. Proceedings from the symposium will be published in the near future. There was general consensus at the meeting that flag smut quarantines were ineffective and no longer justified. APHIS intends to review their flag smut regulations. Line expected that smut quarantine issues will be discussed further at the International Plant Pathology Congress to be held in 1998.
Marshall provided background on the recent discovery of Karnal bunt in Texas. APHIS had contracted with Marshall to screen Texas grain samples for the national Karnal bunt survey. Two samples from San Saba County were found infected in the initial survey. APHIS subsequently sampled all wheat in the county and found additional infected grain; up to 20 bunted kernels in 1.5 pounds of grain were reported. The infected area was narrowed to 11 fields in the county. Marshall indicated that there were only 6,000 acres of wheat in this county, and it was not in a major production area. APHIS has restricted the fields from wheat production for one year and will determine next year if further production restrictions are warranted. The county will be extensively tested in 1998, and APHIS will set up their own laboratory in the area.
Bockelman reported on the ARS Specific Cooperative Agreement with CIMMYT to screen U.S. spring wheats for Karnal bunt reaction. Over 200 entries were screened in 1996-97. A wide array of reactions were found in the germplasm, ranging from 0 to 70 % infected kernels. A set of 300 spring wheats were sent to CIMMYT this fall for screening, which included first-year entries for retesting and new spring germplasm. Blair Goates is attempting to gain permission to screen winter wheats for Karnal bunt reaction at the Maricopa Ag Experiment Station in Arizona. Entries have been solicited and will be planted in November. Goates hopes to obtain final approval from APHIS and Arizona officials prior to heading. Sears noted that Ae. tauschii has shown promise as a source for resistance to Karnal bunt. Gina Brown-Guedira, ARS, has recently sent Ae. tauschii-derived germplasms to CIMMYT for bunt screening. She also has advertised for a post-doc to develop molecular markers for resistance genes.
National scab initiative.
McKendry reported on status of the National Scab Initiative and discussions from the National Scab Forum held earlier in the week. A regional scab initiative was developed last spring, which has now evolved into a national initiative. The goal is to obtain $5.2 million in funds to be divided among states to support breeding, pathology, and toxin research. Congress appropriated $500,000 to the consortium for FY98. A steering committee has been appointed to organize efforts and lobby for the complete funding package. The committee is chaired by Rick Ward, Michigan State University, with vice-chair Tom Anderson of the Minnesota Wheat Growers.
Germplasm issues.
Sears indicated the need for a proactive, public statement by the NWIC on secondary distribution, evaluation, and exchange of patented genes and the impact of IPR protection of single genes on germplasm utilization and exchange. Sears pointed out that Monsanto, to date, has not allowed testing of Roundup-Ready soybean cultivars in regional trials because entries are available for use in parental combinations. He expressed concern that a company could essentially tie up a complete genome and destroy cooperative regional programs with the addition of one protected gene. Busch agreed it was appropriate to remind public programs of the danger, but questioned how best to direct such a statement with regard to private companies. A motion was made to authorize Sears to draft a statement and distribute to the Committee. Once responses are incorporated and a draft finalized, it will be circulated back to the Committee for final approval then distributed to appropriate agencies. The Wheat CGC also will consider the statement and support as appropriate. Motion was approved.
NWIC strategic planning.
Sears discussed status of the NWIC Strategic Plan, the latest draft of which was circulated prior to the meeting. Sears noted that the document itself was essentially sound, but required updates regarding current priorities and new funding. Karow noted that it had little discussion regarding the role of extension and will draft a brief section for inclusion in the final document. Kolb was asked how the 1994 NWIC survey data compared with data published by Ken Frey on the status of plant breeding. Kolb indicated that SY's allocated to wheat breeding and genetics were slightly lower than those indicated by Frey, but that the SY's were slightly higher if pathologists and cereal chemists were included. Sears suggested, and there was consensus approval, that a new survey should be conducted to update the 1994 information. McKendry volunteered to coordinate the survey effort. Kolb will help to draft a revised survey questionnaire. The survey format will be similar to that used in 1994, in which one researcher per state will be asked to obtain consensus priorities and report for that state. Survey objectives are to identify national strengths and weaknesses in wheat research, encompassing the areas of breeding, genetics, pathology, entomology, and quality. The survey is to be distributed this coming spring so that information can be summarized and completed prior to the next NWIC meeting.
Sears initiated discussions regarding NWIC funding priorities for the coming year. He noted that the NWIC will be asked to support the wheat and barley genome initiative and join in supporting Frey's plant breeding funding initiatives. New funds have been obtained for wheat scab research, but these included only a fraction of total funds requested and needed. The National Scab Initiative remains a priority issue. Worrall reminded the Committee that leaf rust has been responsible for continued serious economic losses in the central plains. A comprehensive regional effort on genetic resistance and effective gene deployment are needed to counter rust pressures and race changes. Harrison noted that introgression of Lr genes into soft wheats also is a priority for the eastern region. Sears indicated that, without a specific initiative in hand, it would be difficult to proceed from the meeting with leaf rust as a priority funding issue. Rudd encouraged support of the wheat and barley genome initiative, but with specific targets identified, such as scab and leaf rust, rather than basic genomics research. Busch noted the continued conflict of academic constraints and publication priorities with the development of molecular markers into useful, applicable tools for plant improvement. Support for BYDV research at Urbana was discussed but was considered difficult to justify at this time. It was noted that Stewart Gray was active, ARS BYDV programs at Purdue have been developed, and that Domier's possible relocation was an internal ARS management issue. Sears suggested that the Eastern Wheat Workers take the lead on BYDV issues and emphasize the need and regional support to maintain Domier's position in wheat. NWIC could then draft supporting letter as appropriate. Peterson noted that recent U.S. Wheat and NAWG priorities for improving wheat export quality might provide an opportunity to develop a national quality research initiative. Sears suggested that, because a specific initiative was not yet available, the Strategic Plan could be modified to provide additional background on national quality issues and needs.
The NWIC legislative priorities for the coming year, moved by Busch and seconded by Line, would be: 1) national scab initiative; 2) wheat and barley genome initiative; and 3) national plant breeding initiative developed by Ken Frey. The motion was approved. There was unanimous agreement to pursue development of a leaf rust initiative, similar to that for scab, and consider it a priority item next year. Sears will update the NWIC Strategic Plan to convey these priorities, with input from Committee members as needed. The Strategic Plan and funding priorities will be communicated to NAWG representatives in January. Possible legislative strategies and actions will be discussed at that time. Sears will call on NWIC members to serve on the legislative committee after the NAWG meeting.
Closing items.
Sears and Peterson concluded their second 3-year term as NWIC officers. Steve Leath, ARS, indicated his willingness to serve as Secretary. Leath's appointment was unanimously approved after motion by Worrall and second by Peterson. Sears indicated willingness to serve as Chair for an additional term; motion by Busch and unanimously approved. The Committee authorized Sears to write a letter of appreciation to Peterson for his service as Secretary.
Peterson noted that it had been 3 years since the NWIC organized and hosted the North American Wheat Workers Workshop. The Committee briefly considered options for another Workshop, and noted interest to expand the Workshop to include both North and South American wheat researchers. The consensus was to pursue organization of another Workshop, to be held in 2-3 years.
Sears indicated that the NWIC has been invited to hold their next meeting in conjunction with NAWG and the Wheat Industry Council, to participate in NAWG long-range planning. Peterson moved to hold the next NWIC meeting in conjunction with the January 1999, NAWG Conference. The motion was approved.
Respectfully submitted, C. James Peterson, Secretary