DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY [p. 15]
One Pasta Avenue, P.O. Box 21, Carrington ND 58421, U.S.A.

James Quick and Brad Miller.

Dakota Growers Pasta Company launched its durum breeding program in 2003. DGPC has been working with Quick and WestBred, LLC to conduct field trials, including research on FHB resistance, which has been causing durum quality and grain-yield problems. DGPC is developing durum wheats with specialized quality to fill niche or identity-preserved markets. The company already has pasta customers that request specialized semolina. DGPC's breeding program hopes to develop further collaboration with the durum breeding programs at North Dakota State University and elsewhere. Organized in 1991 as a coöperative of durum wheat growers, Dakota Growers Pasta is the third largest producer of dry pasta products in North America and is the leading supplier of retail store brand pasta and a leader in the foodservice and ingredient pasta markets.

The breeding and agronomy program conducted trials at six locations in ND in 2003, and will evaluate early generation materials at northern and southern locations. The greenhouse is used for crossing and single-seed descent programs during the winter. Several sources of resistance to FHB are contributing genes for pyramiding. Quality and FHB-resistance tests are contracted with public and private agencies. The company will launch its first durum variety, Primo Doro, with Westbred, LLC in 2004.