Periodic evaluation of cultivars allows researchers to evaluate genetic variation and progress made in various traits. Determining genetic gain or lack can lead researchers to develop new strategies for trait improvements. A two‐year study was initiated in 2004 to examine the changes in agronomic performance of hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars released by North Dakota State University (NDSU) over the past 40 years. The experiment was conducted in North Dakota at three sites in 2004 and two sites in 2005. The study included 33 HRSW genotypes laid out in a randomized complete‐block design. Cultivars developed since 1968, three advanced lines developed by NDSU, and three cultivars released by other breeding programs were included in the study. The Canadian cultivar Marquis (released in 1911) was included for comparison purposes. Linear regression of cultivar means on year of release showed an annual increase in grain yield of 1.3% yr−1, grain‐volume weight of 0.2% yr−1, and thousand‐kernel weight of 0.3% yr−1 since 1968. There were also significant gains in lodging and disease resistance. Resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia recondita Roberge ex Desmaz. f. sp. tritici) and Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schweinitz) Petch]) was substantially improved in genotypes released since 2002 and 2000, respectively. Therefore, we can conclude from this study that no evidence of a decline has occurred in the improvement of most agronomic traits and that breeders should be able to continue improving these traits by introgressing favorable alleles.

Cereal Chem. 85(4):507-514Over the last 40 years, grain yield of hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) has increased dramatically in North Dakota and neighboring regions. This yield increase has caused some concern that recent higher yielding cultivars might be released at the expense of quality performance. A two-year study was initiated in 2004 to examine the changes in quality performance of HRSW cultivars released by North Dakota State University (NDSU) over the past 40 years. The experiment was conducted in North Dakota at three and two sites in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The study included 33 HRSW genotypes laid out in a randomized complete-block design with four replicates. Grain protein con-tent, flour-extraction yield, mixogram scores, Falling Number, glutograph scores, water absorption, dough character score, and loaf volumes did not vary significantly with year of release. Linear regression of cultivar means on year of release showed an annual increase in crumb color score of 0.4%/yr since 1968. Grain volume weight showed a significant and positive correlation with crumb color score (r = 0.62, P < 0.01). Given the yield increase achieved over the past 40 years, the data in this study suggest an increase in grain protein yield per hectare with no decline in breadmaking quality.

ND VitPro' (Reg. no. CV-1194, PI 682660) is a hard red spring wheat (HRSW, Triticum aestivum L.) developed at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2017. It was tested as experimental line ND825 and released because of improved straw strength as well as strong disease resistance and end-use quality. ND VitPro is moderately resistant to stem rust, leaf rust, and Fusarium head blight. The name ND VitPro was chosen due to its high vitreous kernel percentage and high grain protein.

‘ND Frohberg’ (Reg. no. CV‐1200, PI 698310) is a hard‐red spring wheat (HRSW; Triticum aestivum L.) developed at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES) in 2020. ND Frohberg was selected from the cross ND709‐9/ND2902. ND709‐9 was an experimental line with the pedigree (ND 2709/3/’Grandin’*3//’Ramsey’/ND 622). ND2902 was an experimental line with the pedigree (ND674//ND2710/ND688). It was tested as experimental line NDHRS16‐13‐97 and released because of improved straw strength, yield potential, strong disease resistance and end‐use quality. ND Frohberg is highly resistant to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici), and moderately resistant to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina), bacterial leaf streak (caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa), and Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum). The name ND Frohberg was chosen to honor Dr. Richard Frohberg, hard red spring wheat breeder at NDSU for 37 years. During his tenure at NDSU, Dr. Frohberg's varieties were widely cultivated, reaching as much as 65% of the acreage in North Dakota in 2003. He was responsible for the cross that resulted in this variety.

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