Innovating solutions for farmers, manufacturers and consumers

Throughout his decades of research, NDSU University Distinguished Professor of plant sciences, Elias Elias, has become internationally recognized for his work on durum wheat, a type of wheat used to make pasta.

Elias’ research focuses on durum wheat breeding, with an emphasis on improving traits to meet the needs of farmers, manufacturers and consumers alike. From increasing crop yields to enhancing protein levels and even refining the appearance of pasta, every detail plays a role in his work.

He also studies common diseases that affect durum wheat, including Fusarium head blight, a fungal disease that can cause severe yield loss. In addition, Elias is researching ways to develop durum wheat varieties with low cadmium uptake, a toxic heavy metal found in soil that can pose serious health risks when consumed.

Much of this work takes place in research fields across North Dakota, including at NDSU’s Research Extension Centers located in Casselton, Carrington, Dickinson, Hettinger, Langdon, Minot and Williston.

“We are all over the states because when we develop a variety of durum wheat for the producers, we want it to be good everywhere,” Elias said.

The impact of Elias’ research is significant. In the last five years, durum wheat has contributed approximately $1.5 billion to North Dakota’s economy. Elias’ varieties are grown on 90% of the state’s acreage generating $1.35 billion. The durum variety’s high quality has also created strong demand in international markets. For Elias, research is ultimately about creating solutions that benefit everyone.

“We are famous for the quality of durum wheat that we have in North Dakota because it makes good pasta. That would not be possible without the research. So, we do a lot of research trying to figure out what should we improve. You get a good quality product for the consumer and for the state, for everybody,” he said.

Elias’ path to plant science began at Aleppo University in Syria, where he was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. During his senior year, he completed his first research project focused on wheat, an experience that shaped his future.

“That was my very first research that I had to do, and I had to write like a small dissertation. At that time, I thought, okay, I really like this. Maybe I should continue this,” he said.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in plant pathology from Montana State University before coming to NDSU to complete his doctorate in agronomy. While he has worked with crops such as barley and corn, durum wheat has remained his primary passion.

Elias’ contributions have earned numerous honors, including being named Durum Man of the Year by the U.S. Durum Growers Association in 1999, as well as receiving NDSU’s Larson/Yaggie Excellence in Research Award and the Waldron Award for Excellence in Research.

In his 36 years at NDSU, Elias has learned many valuable lessons he passes on to his students. One of those lessons is about persistence.

“In research, you have successful days and sometimes you may not have successful days. So don't let the unsuccessful days put you down. You just say, okay, this will not work, I'll try something completely different,” Elias said. “Just keep your heads up and keep working. Eventually, you'll find success sooner or later.”

He also emphasizes the critical role students play in his work, describing his lab as a partnership.

“Without the students, you cannot do it all by yourself. The students play a critical role, and also at the same time, they get educated. We show them how to do things, but it's beneficial for both of us. We gain something from them, and they gain something for us. So, I call it a partnership more than anything else,” he said.

Elias’ former students have gone on to work for large companies, including Nestlé and the American Italian Pasta Company.

“The way I think I'm successful is when my students do better than me,” he said. “Every one of them that I graduated, Ph.D. or master’s, they have jobs with companies, with universities, and are very successful people. That's how I measure my success.”

Elias believes NDSU provides an ideal environment for both teaching and research, citing its land-grant mission and strong agricultural roots. North Dakota’s national leadership in crops such as spring wheat, durum, barley, flax and oats further strengthens the university’s breeding programs within the Department of Plant Sciences.

“We are the only university, probably, in the United States that has breeding programs for all these different crops,” Elias said. “We have everything we need here at NDSU. We are well supported by commodity groups in North Dakota. Research is good and research generates results and education.”

Looking ahead, Elias’ goal is to continue to work toward developing high yielding varieties of durum with improved quality traits and are resistant to disease and have low caladium uptake.

“Everything is available to you at NDSU. There's no reason for you not to be successful,” he said.

NDSU Marketing and Communications
Source: Elias Elias
Writer: Meghan Arbegast
Photos: Justin Eiler/NDSU