Wheat Improvement Tools at McFadden

By Scout Nelson

The upcoming 2025 McFadden Symposium, titled "Anticipating Change: Utilizing New Tools and Traits to Secure the Future of Wheat," promises to be a significant event for those involved in the wheat industry. Scheduled to take place from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on March 3 at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, the symposium aims to showcase the latest advancements and future directions in wheat research.

This biennial event serves as a memorial to Edgar S. McFadden and offers a platform for leading wheat scientists to share their insights and continue his legacy of innovation in wheat production. The symposium encourages dialogue between public and private sectors on key issues in wheat improvement, promoting collaborative research and educational initiatives.

The day-long event will feature discussions on a range of topics relevant to wheat production in the Great Plains. Notable speakers include Tom Clemente, Pin-Chu Lai, Romulo Lollato, Maitiniyazi Maimaitijiang, Ellen Melson, and Devin Rose. Each will provide their expert perspectives on various aspects of wheat research, from entomology to food science and technology.

Attendees can also expect sessions on critical topics such as breeding for end-use quality, stem rust resistance, and regional objectives for hard winter wheat. In addition, there will be specialized planning sessions for the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and other significant research collaborations.

The symposium will not only focus on presentations but also include interactive components like poster presentations by graduate students and tours of the Greenhouse Innovation Center and Food Processing Center. These activities are designed to foster engagement and development among graduate students and allow them to interact with top scientists in the field.

For those interested in attending, registration details, hotel information, and guidelines for poster abstract submission are available online. This event is an essential gathering for anyone committed to the future of wheat production, offering insights into the latest research and developments in the field.

Photo Credits:gettyimages-ygrek