[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HATS OFF TO THE ALL-STAR RESEARCH TEAM AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

 Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, well over a decade ago, plant 
pathologists at North Dakota State University's Agricultural Experiment 
Station observed signs of a plant disease called Fusarium Head Blight--
more commonly known as scab--in a few of the region's wheat fields. 
Upon this discovery, the researchers swung into action, not knowing 
they were about to do battle with an insidious plant disease which 
would eventually devastate wheat fields across the Northern Plains 
during the 1990s. Since 1993, scab has been an ever present scourge. 
Losses to the region's farmers from this cereal crop disease have been 
estimated to be as high as $2.6 billion during the last decade, the 
most costly plant disease outbreak ever in the United States.
  Earlier this month, though, some good news was delivered on this 
front by those researchers who have battled this disease for so long. 
The North Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station 
announced the release of a new scab resistant spring wheat variety 
named Alsen. The new variety is named after the town of Alsen, located 
on route 66 in Northeastern North Dakota, an area which was 
particularly hard hit by this disease.
  The researchers say that while this variety is not immune to scab, it 
can fight off the disease. This is excellent progress and welcome news. 
And, while this is the first spring wheat variety to exhibit scab 
resistance, it certainly won't be the last.
  My hat is off to these researchers from North Dakota State 
University! There are many long, tedious, and unglamorous hours 
involved in cross-breeding wheat plants. The farmers of the region will 
be served well by this research, and it is proper and fitting that we 
recognize the dedicated efforts of those who have contributed their 
life's work to combat this disease which threatens the livelihood of 
our producers.
  On behalf of all who are involved with, or impacted by, the 
agricultural economy of the Northern Plains--which includes just about 
everyone living in the region--I am proud to be able to take this 
opportunity to say thank you for a job well done to the researchers and 
support staff of the North Dakota State University Agricultural 
Experiment Station.

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