Desert King HP (Desert King –High Protein) is a modern durum wheat. It was developed by the University of California, Davis and released in 2011. Marker assisted selection was used to introgress the linked genes Yr36 for resistance to stripe rust and Gpc-B1 which increases grain protein content by approximately 10% more than Desert King into Desert King (from the cross Inter-11). Its experimental designation was UCD 08201/18. It has very high yield potential and very good pasta quality. Maturity (medium late) and plant height (averages about 34 inches) are similar to Desert King. Desert King HP has good straw strength. Desert King HP is partially resistant to stripe rust so can be grown in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. The introgression of the Gpc-B1 results in levels of protein that are compatible with high quality durum. Desert King HP shows lower levels of black point than other durum cultivars. The objective of this cultivar is to extend northward the durum growing region in California. At the time of release it was resistant to stripe rust, leaf rust, Septoria tritici leaf blotch, and BYD, and moderately susceptible to powdery mildew. It was evaluated as Entry 1627 in the UC Regional Cereal Testing program in 2009 and from 2011-present for:

Late Fall Planting

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Particularly suited for:
Central Valley
Imperial Valley

*Lab data below is an average from 2020 harvest