2007 U of M Research Special Report

Incorporating FHB Resistance identified in Barley Line COMP 351

From the screening of a genetically diverse composite cross population of barley (CC XXX) for Fusarium head blight (FHB) reaction, a line (COMP 351) was selected that consistently exhibits low disease severity and DON. This line was shown to be different than other FHB resistance sources based on molecular markers. 

To effectively utilize the resistance in COMP 351, information is needed on the number, effect and chromosomal position of the resistance loci. Thus, a cross was made between COMP 351 and an advanced, but susceptible Minnesota breeding line (M98-102). In 2006, F6 families from the COMP 351/M98-102 population were planted in two replicates each at St. Paul and Crookston. Disease levels in the St. Paul nursery were very low as the susceptible parent M98-102 exhibited no higher than 2.2% infection.  This nursery was not conducive for detecting differences in FHB resistance among families. 

In contrast, the disease levels in Crookston were high with the susceptible parent exhibiting FHB severities from 26-27%.  The resistance of COMP 351 was expressed well in this environment, as FHB severities never exceeded 4%. F6 families exhibited a wide range of severities from 0.9% to 51.5% in replicate 1, and 0.4% to 25.6% in replicate 2.  A high frequency of F6 families exhibited low FHB severities. In the Crookston nursery, 19 families were selected as having low disease severity and also heading dates comparable to Stander.

Once the DON assays are completed, we will select the best lines for crossing in the next generation. Our primary goal is to reduce the losses caused by FHB, including quality discounts due to DON contamination. This can be best achieved by developing barley cultivars with the highest level of resistance possible – i.e. incorporating resistance from COMP 351 as well as other sources of FHB resistance. 

We anticipate that this research will lead to the identification of molecular markers closely linked with the most important loci conferring resistance to FHB and the accumulation of DON. This information will allow breeders to develop more effective strategies for incorporating resistance, thereby hastening the time needed to develop FHB resistant barley cultivars.

– Dr Brian Steffenson, plant pathologist, bsteffen@umn.edu

For more information about the Small Grains Research Initiative:

• Beverly R. Durgan, Dean and Director, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, ph. 612-624-2299 durga001@umn.edu
• Carol Ishimaru, UM Plant Pathology Dept Head and Initiative Coordinator, ph: 612-625-9736, cishimar@umn.edu
• Richard Magnusson, Chair, Small Grains Research and Education Committee, ph. 218-463-2374, rmags@wiktel.com
• Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, David Torgerson, Executive Director, ph. 218-253-4311, torgerso@gvtel.com
• Minnesota Barley Research and Promotion Council, Marvin Zutz, Executive Director, ph. 218-253-4311, mzutz@gvtel.com

More comprehensive research information may be found in the booklet, “2006 Wheat Research Review.” It is free to the public and may be requested by contacting the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, 1-800-242-6118. More scab research information is also available on the World Wide Web, at the MWRPC web site, www.smallgrains.org, and the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, www.maes.umn.edu. Research conducted at the U of M and other research institutions under the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative can be found on the Internet at: www.scabusa.org.

This report prepared by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers in cooperation with the University of Minnesota.  Photos by David Hansen, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.