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One of the research projects funded by the Michigan Wheat Program is an innovative agreement with Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Services, which specializes in identification of crop problems ranging from disease or insects to nutrition and physiological issues.
Michigan wheat farmers are encouraged to submit samples of wheat problems to the lab for analysis free of charge. The lab diagnoses general crop health, cultures fungal and bacterial pathogens, tests for viruses, analyzes nematodes, and detects and identifies insect pests.
In many cases, the lab recommends mitigation or crop improvement strategies, which are sent to farmers by e-mail for rapid implementation.
At the end of each growing season, the wheat sample results are aggregated by lab director Dr. Jan Byrne, and reviewed for any trends or possible new disease or pest issues. This information is utilized by the Michigan Wheat Program board of directors. They use the data to develop the MWP research program and establish priorities to remain at the forefront of issues facing wheat farmers.
2021-2022 Final Diagnostic Report for Michigan Wheat Program
2020-2021 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2019 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2019 Final Diagnostic Report for Michigan Wheat Program
2018 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2017 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2016-2017 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2016 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2015 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2014 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2014 Final Diagnostic Presentation for Michigan Wheat Program
2013 Final Summary of Wheat Diagnostics Report for Michigan Wheat Program
2013 Final Summary of Wheat Diagnostic Analysis Report for Michigan Wheat Program
Farmers with a wheat sample for analysis should visit the Farmer Perks tab on miwheat.org to obtain the sampling instructions and the MSU Diagnostic Services submittal form.
Contact Jan at byrnejm@msu.edu or call the lab at (517) 355-4536.
The Michigan Wheat Program is a state-check off program voted in by the state’s wheat farmers to assess each bushel of wheat grown and sold. The funds from the program are utilized to further the wheat industry in the state benefitting the state’s nearly 8,000 wheat farmers who grow about 450,000 acres of wheat annually producing about a 40 million bushel crop.