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University of Wyoming

UW Technologies Available for Licensing

LICENSED - Technology Disclosure: 04-047 Brown Root Rot Resistant Alfalfa called WY-BRRR - LICENSED


 

Researchers at the University of Wyoming have developed a Brown Root Rot (BRR) resistant alfalfa called WY-BRRR that is available for licensing.

WY-BRRR is the first alfalfa cultivar to be bred for resistance to BRR. BRR was first identified in the United States in 1996 in the Upper Green River of Wyoming where it has devastated alfalfa stands. BRR has since been identified in soils and diseased alfalfa plants from coast-to-coast across the northern tier of states where it may be a heretofore unrecognized component of “winterkill.”

Our variety, WY-BRRR, was bred from plants that survived Wyoming winters in the presence of intense natural infestation of BRR. These materials were also used to establish inheritance of BRR-resistance in a soon-to-be-published peer-reviewed scientific study. WY-BRRR was synthesized via a novel mating design to optimize hybrid vigor for seed yield throughout synthesis and forage yield in the commercial generation of forage production. As a result, WY-BRRR shows good levels of resistance against BRR and consistent yields from year to year.

The University of Wyoming already has a foundation seed field established that produces about 300 pounds of seed a year. We also currently have nine alfalfa variety trials going at different land grant universities and more trials planned in the coming season. The university is pursuing a trademarked name on this variety – there is also the opportunity to pursue PVP certification.

To date, WY-BRRR has been tested for resistance to six other pests and pathogens. WY-BRRR is resistant to Alfalfa Stem Nematode and Verticillium Wilt; and moderately resistant to Anthracnose, Root Knot Nematode, Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, and Phytophthora Root Rot. Read the recent research publication.

If your company is interested in licensing WY-BRRR, please contact the director of University of Wyoming technology licensing, Davona Douglass at (307) 766-2509. In your proposal please include information about sales projections, distribution plans, and location of certified seed production, as well as a discussion of royalties and fees.