Group gathered listening to a speaker in a wheat field under clear blue sky

UCD Small Grains Breeding Program Highlights Genetic Diversity and Adaptation at Western Wheat Workers Meeting

  • by Xiaofei Zhang

The UC Davis Small Grains Breeding Program recently participated in the 2026 Western Wheat Workers Meeting in Walla Walla, Washington, joining breeders, pathologists, agronomists, industry representatives, and growers from across the western United States. Dr. Xiaofei Zhang presented ongoing research focused on expanding the genetic foundations of wheat improvement through landraces, synthetic wheat, and global germplasm resources. We highlighted efforts to discover new sources of stripe rust resistance and explore whether diverse evolutionary histories can help improve adaptation to drought and low-nitrogen environments. 

Field tours and discussions throughout the meeting reinforced the importance of regional collaboration in developing resilient, productive, and sustainable wheat varieties for future agricultural challenges.