Barley Industry Research Articles

Characterization of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation in Hulled and Hulless Winter Barley

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most serious diseases impacting the U.S. barley (Hordeum vulgare) industry. The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by the pathogen, renders grain unmarketable if concentrations exceed threshold values set for end-use markets. Development of cultivars with improved FHB resistance and reduced DON accumulation is necessary to ensure minimal losses. Elite hulled and hulless genotypes developed by the Virginia Tech winter barley breeding program were screened in inoculated, mist-irrigated FHB nurseries over 2 years at two locations in Virginia to validate resistance levels over years and locations. Results demonstrated that barley genotypes varied significantly for resistance to FHB and DON accumulation. The hulled 'Nomini', hulless 'Eve', and hulless line VA06H-48 were consistently resistant across locations to both FHB and DON accumulation. Screening the genotypes with molecular markers on chromosomes 2H and 6H for FHB and DON revealed quantitative trait loci regions which may confer resistance in the Virginia Tech germplasm. Ongoing and future work with mapping populations seeks to identify novel regions for resistance to FHB and DON accumulation unique to the Virginia Tech breeding program.

Current State of Barley Industry and Counterplan against the Abolition of Procurement System of Barley

Current State of Barley Industry and Counterplan against the Abolition of Procurement System of Barley

Trichothecene Profiling and Population Genetic Analysis of Gibberella zeae from Barley in North Dakota and Minnesota

Gibberella zeae, the principal cause of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of barley, contaminates grains with several mycotoxins, which creates a serious problem for the malting barley industry in the United States, China, and Europe. However, limited studies have been conducted on the trichothecene profiles and population genetic structure of G. zeae isolates collected from barley in the United States. Trichothecene biosynthesis gene (TRI)-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and 10 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers were used to determine the genetic diversity and compare the trichothecene profiles of an older population (n = 115 isolates) of G. zeae collected in 1997 to 2000 with a newer population (n = 147 isolates) collected in 2008. Samples were from across the major barley-growing regions in North Dakota and Minnesota. The results of TRI-based PCR assays were further validated using a subset of 32 and 28 isolates of G. zeae by sequence analysis and gas chromatography, respectively. TRI-based PCR assays revealed that all the G. zeae isolates in both populations had markers for deoxynivalenol (DON), and the frequencies of isolates with a 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) marker in the newer population were ≈11-fold higher than those among isolates in the older population. G. zeae populations from barley in the Midwest of the United States showed no spatial structure, and all the isolates were solidly in clade 7 of G. zeae, which is quite different from other barley-growing areas of world, where multiple species of G. zeae are commonly found in close proximity and display spatial structure. VNTR analysis showed high gene diversity (H = 0.82 to 0.83) and genotypic diversity but low linkage disequilibrium (LD = 0.02 to 0.07) in both populations. Low genetic differentiation (F(ST) = 0.013) and high gene flow (Nm = 36.84) was observed between the two populations and among subpopulations within the same population (Nm = 12.77 to 29.97), suggesting that temporal and spatial variations had little influence on population differentiation in the Upper Midwest. Similarly, low F(ST) (0.02) was observed between 3-ADON and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol populations, indicating minor influence of the chemotype of G. zeae isolates on population subdivision, although there was a rapid increase in the frequencies of isolates with the 3-ADON marker in the Upper Midwest between the older collection made in 1997 to 2000 and the newer collection made in 2008. This study provides information to barley-breeding programs for their selection of isolates of G. zeae for evaluating barley genotypes for resistance to FHB and DON accumulation.

Seeding Rate, Nitrogen Rate, and Cultivar Effects on Malting Barley Production

The malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) industry is often challenged by the availability of sufficient volume and quality to meet demand. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of agronomic practices on grain uniformity, protein concentration, yield, and yield components. Field experiments were conducted from 2005 to 2008 at eight rain‐fed locations in western Canada. The effects of two seeding rates (200 and 400 seeds m−2) and five N (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha−1) rates on two two‐row barley cultivars (‘AC Metcalfe’ and ‘CDC Copeland’) were determined. Each experiment was conducted for 3 yr at each location (24 environments). CDC Copeland displayed some advantages over AC Metcalfe including higher grain yield, lower protein and more uniform kernels. For both cultivars, kernel weight, and plumpness were lower at the higher seeding rate; protein was also lower, maturity was earlier and kernels were more uniform. With increasing N rate, barley yield, kernel weight, and tillers plant−1 increased, but days to seed maturity and protein concentration also increased, and kernel plumpness and seed uniformity decreased. The increase in protein was less pronounced with CDC Copeland suggesting that there may be less risk with this cultivar of unacceptable protein levels at relatively high N rates. At many environments barley plant stand decreased while lodging increased with increasing N rates. To improve the likelihood that barley will be acceptable for malting growers should select low‐protein varieties, seed at relatively high rates and limit N application.

Chromosomal loci associated with endosperm hardness in a malting barley cross

A breeding objective for the malting barley industry is to produce lines with softer, plumper grain containing moderate protein content (9-12%) as they are more likely to imbibe water readily and contain more starch per grain, which in turn produces higher levels of malt extract. In a malting barley mapping population, 'Arapiles' × 'Franklin', the most significant and robust quantitative trait locus (QTL) for endosperm hardness was observed on the short arm of chromosome 1H, across three environments over two growing seasons. This accounted for 22.6% (Horsham 2000), 26.8% (Esperance 2001), and 12.0% (Tarranyurk 2001) of the genetic variance and significantly increased endosperm hardness by 2.06-3.03 SKCS hardness units. Interestingly, Arapiles and Franklin do not vary in Ha locus alleles. Therefore, this region, near the centromere on chromosome 1H, may be of great importance when aiming to manipulate endosperm hardness and malting quality. Interestingly, this region, close to the centromere on chromosome 1H, in our study, aligns with the region of the genome that includes the HvCslF9 and the HvGlb1 genes. Potentially, one or both of these genes could be considered to be candidate genes that influence endosperm hardness in the barley grain. Additional QTLs for endosperm hardness were detected on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 6H and 7H, confirming that the hardness trait in barley is complex and multigenic, similar to many malting quality traits of interest.

Estimating disease losses to the Australian barley industry

The incidence, severity and yield loss caused by 40 pathogens associated with 41 diseases of barley were assessed from a survey of 15 barley pathologists covering the winter cereal growing areas of Australia. The survey provided data on the frequency of years that each pathogen developed to its maximum extent, the proportion of the crop then affected in each growing area, and the yield loss that resulted in the affected crops with and without current control measures. These data were combined with crop production and grain quality data to estimate the value of the losses aggregated to the Northern, Southern and Western production regions. Pathogens were estimated to cause a current average loss of $252 × 106/year or 19.6% of the average annual value of the barley crop in the decade 1998-99 to 2007–08. Nationally, the three most important pathogens are Pyrenophora teres f. maculata, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei and Heterodera avenae with current average annual losses of $43 × 106, $39 × 106 and $26 × 106, respectively. If current controls were not used, losses would be far higher with potential average annual losses from the three most important pathogens, P. teres f. maculata, H. avenae and P. teres f. teres, being $192 × 106, $153 × 106 and $117 × 106, respectively. The average value of control practices exceeded $50 × 106/year for nine pathogens. Cultural methods (rotation, field preparation) were the only controls used for 14 pathogens and contributed more than 50% of the control for a further 13 pathogens. Breeding and the use of resistant cultivars contributed more than 50% of control for five pathogens and pesticides for four pathogens. The relative importance of pathogens varied between regions and zones.

Hypervariable RAPD, ISSR and SSR markers generate robust taxonomic groups amongPuccinia striiformisformae speciales of importance to Australian agriculture

Puccinia striiformis is the causal pathogen for stripe (yellow) rust of cereals. Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici causing wheat stripe rust and a variant of P. striiformis causing barley grass stripe rust (BGYR) are endemic to Australia. Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei causing barley stripe rust is exotic and a potential threat to the Australian barley industry. Sequence identity of 100% was detected among Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and BGYR in the internal transcribed spacers regions of rRNA. In the intergenic regions of rRNA, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and BGYR were identical with Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei showing 64% sequence identity to the former. A robust dendrogram with isolates of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici, BGYR and P. striiformis f. sp. hordei forming distinct clusters was generated using variation detected by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Size variation in the intergenic region of rRNA and variation in the SSR RJ24 profile are recommended as diagnostic tools to distinguish P. striiformis f. sp. hordei from P. striiformis f. sp. tritici and BGYR in a sample of stripe rust on barley. An incursion of P. striiformis f. sp. hordei should still be regarded as a significant threat to the Australian barley industry.

Identification of genetic regions associated with black point in barley

Black point (BP) can cause severe losses to the barley industry through downgrading and discounting of malting barley. The genetic improvement in BP resistance of barley is complex, requiring reliable screening tools, an understanding of genotype by environment interactions and an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of melanisation involved in BP development. Thus the application of molecular markers for resistance to BP may be a useful tool for plant breeders. We have investigated the genetic regions associated with BP resistance in the barley F 2 population, Valier/Binalong. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) contributed by the resistant parent Valier, were detected on chromosomes 2HS, 2HC, 3HL, 4HL and a QTL contributed by the susceptible parent, Binalong was detected on 5HL. Three of the four QTLs were detected in two distinctly different environments. The differences observed in BP resistance between these two environments and the implications for accelerated screening are discussed. Identified SSR markers in these regions may be useful for selecting black point resistance in related breeding materials.

Mapping of adult plant resistance to net form of net blotch in three Australian barley populations

Net form of net blotch (NFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres Drechs. f. teres Smedeg., is a serious disease problem for the barley industry in Australia and other parts of the world. Three doubled haploid barley populations, Alexis/Sloop, WI2875-1/Alexis, and Arapiles/Franklin, were used to identify genes conferring adult plant resistance to NFNB in field trials. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified were specific for adult plant resistance because seedlings of the parental lines were susceptible to the NFNB isolates used in this study. QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 4H, and 7H in both the Alexis/Sloop and WI2875-1/Alexis populations and on chromosomes 1H, 2H, and 7H in the Arapiles/Franklin population. Using QTLNetwork, epistatic interactions were identified between loci on chromosomes 3H and 6H in the Alexis/Sloop population, between 2H and 4H in the WI2875-1/Alexis population, and between 5H and 7H in the Arapiles/Franklin population. Comparisons with earlier studies of NFNB resistance indicate the pathotype-dependent nature of many resistance QTLs and the importance of establishing an international system of pathotype nomenclature and differential testing.

Vertical Integration in the Malting Barley Industry: A "Silver Bullet" for Coors?

The Coors Brewing Company owns a single-site, integrated malting facility and brewery in Golden, Colorado; a second brewery in Memphis, Tennessee; and a mixing facility in Elkton, Virginia. Coors operates a research and development program that breeds barley varieties suitable for malting at the Golden site. Coors contracts with 900 growers in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming for approximately 160,000 acres of malting barley. This case study is designed for senior- and graduate-level courses in agribusiness management. The case relates three theories of vertical coordination to Coors' decision to contract 100% of its malting barley requirements.

Molecular marker-assisted selection for enhanced yield in malting barley

Brewers are reluctant to change malting barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.) cultivars due to concerns of altered flavor and brewing procedures. The U.S. Pacific Northwest is capable of producing high yielding, high quality malting barley but lacks adapted cultivars with desirable malting characteristics. Our goal was to develop high yielding near isogenic lines that maintain traditional malting quality characteristics by transferring quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with yield, via molecular marker-assisted backcrossing, from the high yielding cv. Baronesse to the North American two-row malting barley industry standard cv. Harrington. For transfer, we targeted Baronesse chromosome 2HL and 3HL fragments presumed to contain QTL that affect yield. Analysis of genotype and yield data suggests that QTL reside at two regions, one on 2HL (ABG461C-MWG699) and one on 3HL (MWG571A-MWG961). Genotype and yield data indicate that additional Baronesse genome regions are probably involved, but need to be more precisely defined. Based on yield trials conducted over 22 environments and malting analyses from 6 environments, we selected one isogenic line (00-170) that has consistently produced yields equal to Baronesse while maintaining a Harrington-like malting quality profile. We conclude there is sufficient data to warrant experiments testing whether the 2HL and 3HL Baronesse QTL would be effective in increasing the yield of other low yielding barley cultivars.

Molecular mapping as a tool for pre-emptive breeding for resistance to the exotic barley pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei

Barley stripe rust (BSR), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei, has been a major disease problem to the barley industry worldwide that has not, to date, been detected in Australia. This paper describes the mapping of stripe rust resistance genes in Tallon/Kaputar (TK) and Arapiles/Franklin (AF) populations. The paper also reports on the usefulness of markers associated with alternative sources of resistance previously identified in the varieties Orca and Shyri in the USA. Stripe rust screening was conducted at the adult plant stage in Toluca, Mexico, for 2 years. Two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found on chromosomes 2H and 5H in both populations. One region on chromosome 5H was highly significantly associated with resistance to stripe rust (R2 = 68% and 34% in TK and AF, respectively). The QTL on chromosome 2H accounted for 36% of the variation in TK and 10% of the variation in the AF population. These associations were consistent over both years. Further work will involve screening for additional markers in the target regions to identify polymorphism that can be used to select for multiple resistances in the absence of the pathogen.

Comparison of important parameters of spring and winter barley cultivated in sugar beet production area of Czech Republic

Both spring and winter barley were sown after a forecrop of winter rape. Three registered model varieties of six row and two row winter barley reached in the period 1999–2001 significantly higher yield than three model varieties of spring barley. Two row spring and winter varieties produced significantly higher thousand grain weight (TGW) than six row winter barley. The resistance to diseases and lodging (correlation coefficient with resistance to powdery mildew represent 0.68**, rust 0.72*, lodging 0.61**) was the most important factor determining the yield. Resistance to rust has influenced sieving on 2.5 mm, correlation coefficient reached value 0.88**. No significant differences were determined in any malting quality parameter when varieties of two row winter barley variety (Tiffany), and spring barley varieties (Akcent and Tolar) were compared. Variety Tolar reached higher parameters for friability and a beta glucan content. Between years, significant differences were found in following parameters: protein content and apparent degree of attenuation. Due to reduction of area sown with spring barley and reduced yield potential, two row winter barley varieties with comparable malting parameters are recommended to be cultivated as the reserve crop for malting barley industry demands.

Economic and Social Impacts of Fusarium Head Blight: Changing Farms and Rural Communities in the Northern Great Plains

Economic and Social Impacts of Fusarium Head Blight: Changing Farms and Rural Communities in the Northern Great Plains

Inheritance of Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance in Spring Barley

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a devastating pest of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). An excellent source of RWA resistance (STARS‐9301B) was recently released to the barley industry. This greenhouse study was conducted to determine the genetic control of RWA resistance in STARS‐9301B. Crosses were made between Morex, a susceptible malting barley cultivar and STARS‐9301B during 1992 and 1993. Genetic analysis was performed on the parents, F1, reciprocal F1, F2, and backcross (BC) populations, as well as 231 F2‐derived F3 families. Segregation in the F2 and BC populations indicated multiple gene control. Fourteen F3 families were found to be homozygous resistant and 16 were homozygous intermediate, indicating that two genes control RWA resistance in STARS‐9301B. Analysis of data from the F2 and BCs to both parents suggested recessive epistasis of a dominant gene (Dnb2) on an incompletely dominant gene (Dnbl). This type of genetic control will necessitate screening for RWA resistance after each cycle of selection in a breeding program.

AC Stewart oat

AC Stewart oat (Avena sativa L.) is a spring-type cultivar suitable for the feed, food (milling) and mixed grain (oat and barley) industries in Ontario. This variety combines high grain yield, large kernel size, early maturity and strong straw with disease resistance required for production in Ontario. AC Stewart is very similar in plant type and barley yellow dwarf resistance to its recurrent parent Ogle and, in addition, possesses genes conferring resistance to loose smut (Ustilago avenae (Pers.) Rostr.) and to prevalent races of crown rust (Puccinia coronata Pers. f. sp. avenae Eriks. and E. Henn.) and some prevalent races of stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. avenae Eriks. and E. Henn.) in Ontario.Key words: Avena sativa L., rust, smut and BYDV resistance, cultivar description, oat

Detection and Mechanisms of Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) Resistance in Barley

A collection of 524 barley lines from areas of the world where the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphts noxia (Mordvilko), and barley, Hordeum vulgare L., have coexisted was evaluated for sympatric resistance to this pest. Mass screening tests were conducted in a growth chamber and greenhouse with seedlingsplanted in flats. Additional teststo determine the mechanisms of resistance were performed with nine of these lines. The lines and their sources are PI 366444, PI 366447, PI 366449, PI 366450, PI 366453 (Afghanistan); CI 1412, PI 430140, PI 430142 (Iran); and PI 447219 (Spain). Various levels of antibiosis and tolerance were exhibited in most of the lines tested in comparison with ‘Wintermalt’ (CI 15767), the susceptible control. For example, in the antibiosis test, an average of 27.3 nymphs per adult were produced on PI 366449 compared with 50.0 on ‘Wintermalt’. In the tolerance test, plant growth and leaf area of some of the resistant entries were not affected by the Russian wheat aphid, whereas growth and leaf area of infested ‘Wintermalt’ plants was only 61% of noninfested ‘Wintermalt’ plants. Plant survivors of these tests have been saved for developing Russian wheat aphid plant-resistant germplasm for the North American barley industry.

NEWMAN OAT

Newman oat (Avena sativa L.) is a daylength insensitive, spring-type cultivar suitable for the feed, food (milling) and mixed grain (oat and barley) industry in Ontario. Newman is very similar to its recurrent parent Donald and in addition, it possesses genes conferring resistance to prevalent races of crown rust and some prevalent races of stem rust.Key words: Avena sativa L., daylength insensitive, rust and smut resistance, cultivar description, oat