Hard Red Spring Wheat (MT21174)
Montana State University seeks a partner to license and commercialize a new hard red spring wheat.
Description:
MT21174 is a high-performing hard red spring wheat variety developed for Montana rainfed production systems. It offers balanced agronomic performance, competitive yield, and strong end-use quality comparable to leading varieties such as Dagmar.
Development and Pedigree:
MT21174 was developed from the cross DAGMAR//MT1142/MT1225. The variety was selected for performance and adaptation in Montana environments and shares key agronomic characteristics with Dagmar while providing a distinct genetic background.
Key Advantages:
- Adapted to Montana and Northern Plains rainfed environments
- Yield performance competitive with widely grown commercial varieties
- Grain protein comparable to industry standards
- Good test weight and agronomic stability
- Strong end-use quality, including excellent loaf volume
Agronomic Performance
Advanced Yield Trials (2023–2025, 29 location-years):
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- Average yield of ~74.0 bu/ac across all environments
- Competitive with leading Montana varieties (e.g., Dagmar, Vida)
- Consistent performance across both rainfed and irrigated environments
Rainfed Environments (20 location-years)
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- Average yield of ~57.6 bu/ac
- Comparable to commonly grown varieties in Montana production systems
Agronomic Traits:
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- Test weight: ~61.0 lb/bu (comparable to leading varieties)
- Grain protein: ~14.4% (on par with industry standards)
- Heading date: slightly later than Dagmar
- Plant height: moderate (~33 inches)
Insect Response:
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- Solid stem expression similar to Dagmar
- Sawfly cutting comparable to Dagmar under tested conditions
End-Use Quality:
- Very good overall milling and baking quality
- Flour yield and protein within commercial targets
- Strong baking performance with excellent loaf volume
- Meets or exceeds breeding targets for key quality traits
Adaptation:
MT21174 is best suited for:
- Montana rainfed wheat production systems
- Northern Plains environments with similar climate and disease pressures
Licensing Opportunity:
- US plant variety protection (PVP) rights available for license and commercialization in all states; international plant breeder’s rights available for license and commercialization outside the United States.
- Additional agronomic information available in the MT21174 Variety Release Package.
- Licensee(s) to purchase ~1000 bu treated Foundation Seed in late fall/early winter 2026 from MSU at a rate of $42/bu.
- To submit a licensing proposal, respond by 11:59pm Thursday, April 30, 2026, to the licensing opportunity announcement at: MT21174 Licensing Opportunity and Term Sheet