Dr. Graef works closely with soybean producers, industry partners, and national breeding programs to translate research into practical solutions for Nebraska agriculture and beyond.
Program Objectives:
- Develop high-performing soybean cultivars for Nebraska producers
- Increase seed protein content in soybean germplasm and cultivars
- Enhance oil content and oil quality
- Develop soybean cultivars tailored for specific food and specialty end uses
- Identify and incorporate resistance genes for Sclerotinia Stem Rot
- Utilize genetic male sterility systems in cultivar development and recurrent selection programs
- Coordinate nationwide cooperative evaluations of soybean lines with improved quality traits from state and USDA breeding programs
- Collaborate with the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association