Posted at: 09/29/2009 1:50 PM | KSAX.com
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University of Minnesota Releases New Wheat Variety

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The University of Minnesota is releasing a new wheat variety named Sabin.

Jim Anderson, a wheat breeder at the university, says the new variety of medium-maturity hard red spring wheat has tested consistently above average in yields, with good test weights and protein. He says it performed well in testing locations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Canada.

It shows resistance to scab, stem rust, leaf rust and other leaf diseases.

The new wheat draws its name from the town of Sabin, Minn., in the Red River Valley. The new variety first showed its tolerance to scab on land near Sabin farmed by Tom Anderson, who died in 2007. Another hard red spring wheat variety was named Tom last year in honor of Anderson's leadership in the wheat industry.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)