Wheat research

The California Wheat Commission is dedicated to advancing research that enhances the quality and marketability of wheat grown in the state. A vital part of this mission is the Commission's partnership with University of California researchers, who play a critical role in supporting the viability and sustainability of the California wheat industry.

One of the key leaders in this effort is Dr. Jorge Dubcovsky, an internationally renowned wheat breeder based at the University of California, Davis. Originally from Argentina, Dr. Dubcovsky is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of the prestigious Wolf World Award in Agriculture. He currently leads a five-year, $25 million research project funded by the USDA's Competitive Grants Program. His Wheat Breeding Program and Molecular Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis are at the forefront of wheat research, helping develop wheat varieties that perform well in California's diverse climates.

To support this work, the University of California conducts regional trials across fourteen locations in the state, evaluating both public and private small grain varieties for their agronomic performance. The results of these trials are summarized in the California Wheat Commission’s Certified Wheat Seed Buying Guide, with detailed results available on the University of California’s small grains website.