Pabitra Joshi, a graduate research assistant at the University of Idaho, is advancing efforts to develop wheat varieties resistant to fungal diseases such as dwarf bunt and common bunt. Under the guidance of Dr. Jianli Chen, the Idaho Wheat Commission's endowed professor of wheat breeding, Joshi’s research focuses on identifying two key quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to resistance against these diseases. This breakthrough will enhance the screening of wheat breeding lines and uncover additional genetic markers for disease resistance. Joshi’s work has already contributed to the release of more resilient wheat varieties, strengthening Idaho’s wheat industry.