BASF plans to commercialize hybrid wheat by the mid-2020s. BASF lead spring wheat breeder David Bonnet spoke at the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, saying this will be a game-changer for the wheat industry. “There’s been a relatively small investment in wheat genetic improvement and hybrids offer a big jump in yield.” In addition, the new hybrid wheat varieties will also offer disease resistance and protein. “Hybrids offer flexibility in terms of being able to make new combinations very quickly. There are different ways to put parents together to meet the changing needs.” Spring wheat and winter wheat varieties are being developed for the North American market. The BASF spring wheat breeding operation is at Sabin, Minnesota.
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