University of Idaho oilseed breeder Jack Brown will also assume wheat breeding duties.

In a UI press release, Brown said the need for the move is clear. He noted a new wheat variety can take seven to 10 years to develop before tested enough to know its potential.

"If we have a gap of several years with no northern Idaho breeder, that delays the ability of growers to adapt to changing market demands or capitalize on new discoveries," Brown said.

UI wheat breeder Jianli Chen will continue to develop wheat varieties for irrigated production at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center.

Brown will work closely with Limagrain Cereal Seeds wheat breeders as part of the company's collaboration with UI, sharing Limagrain's extensive germplasm collection and marketing experience with UI germplasm and expertise.

Brown has been developing canola, rapeseed and mustard varieties.