NDSU Releases Durum

FARGO - Jun 16/05 - SNS -- The North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station released Alkabo, a new durum variety, says Al Schneiter, North Dakota State University Department of Plant Sciences chair.

Alkabo is the result of crossing two experimental lines, but contains the varieties Ward, Reville, Rugby, Crosby, Leeds, Wells and Fjord and a number of experimental lines in its parentage, according to Elias Elias, leader of the NDSU durum breeding program. Elias made the cross in the greenhouse at NDSU in 1992.

When compared with Mountrail at a number of North Dakota Research Extension Centers and during growing seasons, Alkabo has a 1-bushel-per-acre yield advantage, more than 1-pound-per-bushel test weight, greater kernel weight and much greater straw strength. Alkabo typically heads about a day earlier than Mountrail and is slightly shorter. Resistance to leaf disease and fusarium head blight (scab) is slightly better than Mountrail.

Alkabo has better end-use qualities than Mountrail, according to Frank Manthey, director of durum quality research at NDSU. When compared with Mountrail, Alkabo has similar semolina protein content, but has much stronger dough properties. Pasta made from Alkabo has better color and cooked firmness than pasta made from Mountrail.