Abstract:Wheat is Kansas' most important crop, and many changes in varieties and production methods have occurred over the years.Turkey hard red winter wheat was not the first type grown by early settlers.Howe...Wheat is Kansas' most important crop, and many changes in varieties and production methods have occurred over the years.Turkey hard red winter wheat was not the first type grown by early settlers.However, it quickly became the predominant variety after its introduction in 1874 because of excellent adaptation to the state's climate and soils.Modern varieties still retain much of the genetic heritage of Turkey, but they are more productive and shorter, mature earlier, and have greater resistance to pests and winter-killing than the original variety.An even greater change-from red grain to white grainmight occur during-the next few decades.Wheat scientists at the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, in other states, and at private companies have been working for over 20 years to develop improved varieties of hard white winter wheat for their regions.Many of these programs have advanced lines that could be released for production in the near future.Read More