GrainGenes

MINUTES OF THE NATIONAL WHEAT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE (NWIC) MEETING

21-22 November, 1996.

College Park, MD, USA.

Attendance.

Committee Members: R.G. Sears, Chair; C.J. Peterson, Secretary; H.F. Bockelman; P.S. Baenziger; B.F. Carver; D. Clark; Y. Jin; F.L. Kolb; R.F. Line; J. Martin; A. McKendry; P. Murphy; J. Rudd; E. Souza; and W.D. Worrall. Absent: R.H. Busch; R. Frohberg; and R. Karow.

Noncommittee Members: O. Anderson, USDA-ARS, Albany, CA; A.A. Atchley, USDA-AMS-PVPO, Washington, D.C.; S. Jones, Washington State University, Pullman, WA; S. Leath, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC; D. Marshall, Texas A&M, Dallas, TX; John Moffatt, Agripro Seeds, Inc., Berthoud, CO; C. Morris, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA; C. F. Murphy, USDA-ARS, NPL, Beltsville, MD; and J. Raupp, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.

Preliminaries.

Chairman Sears called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. Peterson asked for a motion to waive reading Minutes, which were published in the Annual Wheat Newsletter, Vol. 42. Baenziger made the motion, motion carried.

Response to 1995 letters.

Sears indicated that there were no letters sent by the NWIC during the last year for which a response was expected. Sears and other wheat researchers drafted a Statement on Germplasm Issues, supporting principles of free germplasm exchange, that was endorsed by participants at the 5th International Wheat Conference. The statement was distributed in the International Plant Germplasm Resources WANA Newsletter and carried to several international sessions on Biodiversity issues. Sears prepared a similar statement, published in Agronomy News, in opposition to the CSSA `Announced Category' proposal for germplasm registration with restricted distribution.

Annual Wheat Newsletter.

John Raupp, Kansas State University, reported that Volume 42 was the largest AWN volume published to date and included 65 pages for the Catalogue of Gene Symbols. The volume was distributed primarily on disk; 100 hard copies were printed to cover individual requests and distribution to the former Soviet states, CIMMYT, and developing countries. A total of 211 copies were distributed in 1996 at a cost of $13.45 per copy, compared with 270 copies in 1995 at a cost of $9.25 per copy. Reasons for the lower copy distribution in 1996 were unclear, but the AWN is now fully internet accessible.

Annual Wheat Newsletter treasurer's report.

1996 Annual Report to NWIC

W.D. Worrall, Treasurer

___________________________________________________________________________

ITEM DEBIT CREDIT BALANCE

___________________________________________________________________________

1. Beginning Balance 3402.98

2. Preparation and mailing of

solicitation letter 364.85 3038.13

3. Computer disks and mailers 185.45 2852.68

4. Printing 2021.60 831.08

5. Mail bags and postage 631.99 199.09

6. Deposits 4735.60 4934.69

___________________________________________________________________________

Worrall indicated that monetary contributions to the AWN continue to decline. This was particularly true of corporate sponsorships. Deposits for Volume 42 were $847.46 lower than deposits for Volume 41. Despite declining revenue, the AWN will begin the year with a positive balance. The sound financial status is largely due to efforts by the Editor to maximize use of electronic media and minimize production costs.

NWIC legislative committee.

Sears and members of the Legislative Committee decided to delay the March, 1996, legislative visits until spring of 1997. Congressional offices were preoccupied with ongoing budget battles and delaysand negotiations over the Farm Bill. It is expected that the next two years will be active and critical with regard to agricultural research funding issues. The research component of the Farm Bill was passed for an interim period of two years, with expectations of a full review and debate at that time.

National Plant Breeding Workshop.

Sears and Baenziger reported on the National Plant Breeding Workshop held in October and organized by Dr. Ken Frey, Iowa State University. The Workshop reviewed results of a national survey, conducted by Frey, that examined strengths, weaknesses, and trends in U.S. plant breeding programs. The workshop goal was to develop a strategic plan for enhancement and long-range improvement of major and minor crops. Minor crop enhancement emerged as the highest priority at the meeting, as this was viewed as primarily a public-sector responsibility. Variety development was viewed as a private-sector responsibility for most major crops, with ongoing shifts to prebreeding efforts in public institutions. An emphasis on prebreeding, or germplasm development, also emerged as a high priority need. Frey and a steering committee will develop recommendations and a formal proposal for circulation and review over the next few months. The goal is to have a proposal completed for next year's budget cycle and considered during debate on the Research Component of the Farm Bill. Questions remain as to possible funding mechanisms, as long-range enhancement efforts are not well served by the competitive grant process. If funds become available, it is likely that the Crop Germplasm Committees will assume more leadership and responsibility for identifying enhancement needs.

Crop Germplasm Committee report.

Anderson summarized discussions and actions from the Wheat CGC meeting held the previous evening. The CGC revised its Strategic Plan during the year, updating priorities for enhancement, evaluation, and collection. The Plant Exchange Office indicated that new funds were available for collection trips and it is currently soliciting proposals. The CGC will help to identify appropriate researchers and collection priorities.

The identification of Karnal bunt in Arizona has had a major impact on seed distribution and growout procedures for the National Small Grains Collection. Karnal bunt was found in NSGC seed lots increased at Maricopa, AZ, in 1993 and 1995. Approximately 4,000 accessions were increased in these 2 years, but it is not known how many of these may be infected. Bockelman distributed letters to 100 researchers who received seed from these lots, informing them of a possible contamination. In addition, seed for half of all NSGC wheat accessions originate from Arizona. All these accessions may need to be regrown. Growouts for the collection were now being concentrated at Aberdeen, ID. Bockelman sent over 200 spring wheat lines to CIMMYT to initiate screening of U.S. germplasm for resistance and susceptibility to KB. Winter wheats will be provided to CIMMYT for KB evaluation next year.

The CGC discussed means to screen NSGC accessions to identify new sources of resistance to Fusarium head scab. The Committee agreed that it was a high priority, but disagreed on the number and locations of test sites that were needed. Kolb agreed to contact researchers and identify testing options.
International Triticeae Mapping Initiative-ITMI.

Anderson reported that the five year competitive grant for coordination of the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative will end in September of 1997. Future of the organization is uncertain, as there appears to be little prospect to obtain a continuation. Qualset is planning a meeting in St. Louis for March, 1997, to present the current status of the genome maps and discuss future opportunities for research and coordination. Consensus is that the basic framework maps are complete. However, the maps currently are not useful for most breeding applications and additional fine-level mapping will be needed. Applications of AFLP and microsatellite technologies are considered needed to improve usefulness of the wheat map. There is general concern that the U.S. is falling behind in gene mapping technology relative to efforts of international researchers and private industry. A Corn Genome Initiative is now being organized that will solicit funds to coordinate a 10-year research program on molecular mapping for corn improvement.

GrainGenes database.

Anderson indicated that the Graingenes Database now has permanent USDA-ARS funding. A permanent, full-time, Geneticist/Curator has been hired to manage the database and web server. Among the database priorities are: 1) updating literature on mapping and genetics from sources that are not currently electronically available; and 2) software enhancements, including Java programming, multiple window environments, and presentation updates.

The Albany USDA-ARS Lab now has a functioning molecular probe repository, with generally a two week turnaround on requests for clones. Over 1,100 probes are currently available and characterized. Other probes have been committed to the repository, but either have not been fully characterized or have not yet arrived. Funding has been allocated through ARS to hire a technician and help manage the repository, but the funding is temporary.

CSSA `Announced Category' for germplasm registration.

The CSSA proposal for an `Announced Category' for germplasm registration, providing for registration without deposition in the National Plant Germplasm System, was voted down at the November CSSA Board Meeting. The NWIC had expressed its opposition to this CSSA proposal for several years. Sears reminded the Committee that the issue is not dead, but will likely resurface in a modified registration proposal.

CGIAR funding.

Sears noted that U.S.-A.I.D. support for CGIAR programs continues to decline. This last year total support was increased by $4 million, up to $26 million, with $2 million of the new funds targeted for cooperative U.S. projects. However, this compared with funding of $42 million in 1992. The U.S. is now ranked third internationally in total CGIAR funding.

Plant variety protection issues.

Atchley reported that a new PVP manual on `regulations and rules of practice' was just distributed. The manual includes updates from the recently enacted PVP laws. A USDA-PPO web page is also available that includes these updates. A list of `commonly asked questions' was suggested to be a beneficial addendum to the manual.

Atchley indicated that there was little new progress to define `essentially derived'. Molecular techniques and data are now being accepted by the U.S. and Australia to distinguishing varieties. Atchley emphasized that, if used, that the variety must be homogeneous for that molecular marker. The use `heterogeneous for a marker' is unacceptable in a novelty statement, and such a statement would not hold up in court. Markers are useful only if they establish the variety as distinct, uniform, and stable, similar to the goal of other PVP descriptors.

USDA-ARS updates.

C. Murphy noted that Congressional funding mechanisms for priority agriculture research programs are changing. Funding increases are still targeted to high priority items, such as food safety or global warming, but Congress is not providing all the necessary funds. ARS is expected to reallocate research funds within the agency to cover the balance needed for these programs. In the past year, ARS was faced with reallocating approximately $14 million dollars in the FY97 budget to cover Congressional mandates. ARS responded by proposing termination of several individual research projects. Projects were identified for termination based on a rating system that evaluated: 1) relevance to federal research roles, 2) relevance of research, 3) capacity, and 4) impact. NPS and area directors both rated projects, then met to resolve differences in ratings and consider, with the ARS Administrator, political realities of various program changes. The result for wheat research was that two wheat CRIS projects were proposed for termination in FY97. After House-Senate conferences, $250,000 of new funds were appropriated for the wheat germplasm position at Manhattan, KS, and $350,000 of new funds were appropriated to Pullman, WA, for club wheat research. However, a wheat pathology project in Georgia was terminated. Murphy indicated that project evaluation procedures will likely continue and ratings will be done on a yearly basis. He also warned that, with modest funding increases and funding requests coming from many different groups, new research initiatives will likely require ARS to redirect internal funds to help support the research. To further complicate funding issues, the President will have a line-item veto for the first time in the FY98 budget process. How this may impact research budgets is unclear.

Murphy also discussed status of ARS planning and performance reviews. A strategic planning effort has been initiated in the agency, coordinated at the REE undersecretary level. Also, Congress recently passed the Government Performance Review Act (GPRA). The Act requires that each government agency document what it does, measure outcome, and report activities. However, defining measurable outcomes to meet GPRA has been difficult for the federal research agencies. How the report will be developed, whether based on each individual research project or the entire agency, is unclear. The USDA strategic planning efforts are currently being focused to provide documentation needed to satisfy GPRA requirements.

Murphy indicated that a reorganization of the ARS National Program Staff is in progress. Under Plowman, NPS leadership evolved to five Associate Deputy Administrators, responsible for plant research, animal research, post-harvest technology and nutrition, natural resources, and genetic resources. Horn has proposed to reduce the number of Associates to three; responsible for animal, plant, and natural resources. Three Assistant Deputy Administrators would be added to concentrate on international and interagency issues in nutrition outreach; sustainability; and biodiversity. The Assistants would not be involved in in-line agency program planning, rather their focus would be on outreach issues The goal is to increase interactions within the agency and increase visibility and interests with other agencies. No change in the National Program Leader structure is expected. NPL roles as program leaders and staff to the Administrator will continue, with the expectation that time for program leadership activities will be increased.
A change in national research program structure also is being considered, with the goal of more effectively describing and categorizing broad program activities. Individual research projects would be placed in a matrix defined by ARS program areas juxtaposed by five REE outcome areas. Proposed program areas include human nutrition, food safety, animal and plant health, plant and animal genetics and germplasm, efficient food and fiber development, sustainable food and fiber development, pest management, product quality, new product uses and aquaculture, preservation of natural resources, and information resources. The REE outcome areas include ag production systems, safe and secure food supply, nutritious foods, harmony of agriculture and the environment, and economic opportunity and quality of life. A concern is relative commonalities of research programs under the categories as currently proposed.

Karnal bunt.

Sears introduced Matt Royer, APHIS Project Manager for Plant Science and Plant Health, and Arnold Tschanz, APHIS Director of National Plant Germplasm Quarantine Center. Roy Gingery, ARS-NPL, and Winston Wilson, President of U.S. Wheat Associates, also were introduced and present for the discussion. Royer began by presenting an update of the APHIS Karnal bunt survey. At this time 80-90 % of survey samples have been tested for KB. The most recent finds were located in Alabama and Tennessee, where grain elevators have been placed under an emergency quarantine directive. Some of these samples have had relatively high spore counts, of several 100 spores per 50 gram sample. Royer indicated that the survey was designed to find teliospores, so data on bunted kernels per infected sample is not currently available. APHIS will be discussing possible preharvest sampling techniques this winter to move away from use of combines for field sampling. Tshanz anticipates that a survey will be conducted in 1997 that is as intensive as that conducted in 1996.

Royer indicated that APHIS is now pursuing a `curative' method as the basis of quarantine policies and has softened its stance on the former policy of `eradication'. APHIS would not move into a `management' scenario unless trade implications are minimized, rapid tests for KB are available to confirm samples are KB free, and existing research on KB is recognized and continued. For example, propoconozol is registered for use in Canada and Mexico for disease management. However, the chemical is 97-98 %, not 100 % effective, so it cannot be endorsed in the U.S. for use as an eradicant.

Gingery emphasized that KB is primarily a trade issue and that the disease can be effectively managed. Murphy suggested that language used by APHIS, regarding the seriousness of the disease, has frightened our trading partners. Royer agreed that the major concern is trade loss, not yield loss, but with so many persons involved in the KB effort, often the language used to describe the disease is not technically correct. Wilson indicated the U.S. is currently unable to sell wheat to Chile and Venezuela and sales to Brazil and Argentina are questionable. China is currently not a problem, but a question mark for the future. Recently, the European Union has also become concerned about the disease. The countries most concerned about the disease are generally also major wheat producers. U.S. Wheat is spending funds to inform trade customers about the limited impact of the disease, limited disease distribution, and provide updated information from APHIS. However, the message has had little effect to date. Wilson emphasized the need for data and information to show our customers that the disease is not a problem. However, even with this information, it will take a minimum of 2-3 years to regain all our export markets. Royer indicated the need to avoid KB becoming a trade issue similar to TCK (dwarf bunt, Tilletia controversa). Information is needed to confirm that KB is a minor disease that can be effectively managed and that low spore levels corresponds to low risk. However, what would trigger the transition from eradication to a management policy in APHIS was unclear. APHIS supports the American Phytopathology concept for an international meeting to present and discuss scientific information related to KB. Murphy agreed a research meeting is needed, but recognized that KB is both a scientific and political problem. If the meeting is for scientific purposes, then politics must be separated out to ensure scientific integrity.

Gingery discussed current ARS research efforts on KB. As the research arm for APHIS during the emergency actions, ARS initially concentrated on methods for detection, sampling, sanitation, and decontamination. Recently, ARS has provided funds to CIMMYT to screen 220 spring wheats for reaction to KB. Funds also have been allocated to Montana State University for a 2-year project. Don Mathre, as principal investigator, will examine spore survival and spore detection in soils. Luther Talbert is leading germplasm enhancement and gene mapping efforts in collaboration with Mark Sorrells, Cornell University. Souza indicated that resistance genes in Altar wheat have been mapped and within 2 years, resistant inbred lines will be available in all market classes. Worrall emphasized the need for baking studies with varying levels of KB infected grain. He also reminded the group that CIMMYT has an extensive research and information base on KB and that we need their expertise and involvement.

Possible actions for the NWIC were extensively discussed. Souza suggested a resolution of support for the American Phytopathology Society statement was a possibility , but was concerned that the statement did not adequately address all the issues. Souza presented a resolution from the Western Wheat Workers that was more explicit. The resolution suggested that adequate research information and methods are now available for effective economic control of Karnal bunt, that the disease is not an economic problem, that current quarantine measures are unjustified, and resources should be placed into a policy of disease management. Souza moved that the NWIC accept the resolution, seconded by Dale Clark. Worrall expressed opposition and suggested it was not in the best interests of the NWIC to endorse such a resolution. He indicated that while KB is not yield-limiting, it is currently a real economic problem with regard to trade. Also, the U.S. does not have the technology currently in place to control the disease. A more positive statement toward furthering research efforts was suggested as more appropriate. Baenziger suggested that while the U.S. pursues eradication, we should develop and provide for management alternatives. Sears reminded the Committee that the NWIC has been on record since 1986 on the need for bunt research in the U.S. Language has been included in the NWIC legislative information packet each year since then. Sears also was concerned that with the NWIC efforts to foster strong research and cultivate relationships with growers, such a statement would not be well received by grower organizations. Instead, the Committee should support international research efforts and endorse holding of international meetings on KB.

The motion to adopt the Western Wheat Workers resolution was defeated with a vote of 3 for, 10 against, and 2 abstentions. Worrall proposed the NWIC develop its own statement and resolution. The Committee agreed upon key principals that were to be included in the resolution: 1) the NWIC record of support for needed bunt research; 2) need for an international meeting to address current KB research information and quarantine measures; 3) the impact of KB on germplasm development; and 4) the need for research on the disease and disease management. Souza, Peterson, and Line drafted the resolution and presented it to the Committee the following day. Worrall moved to adopt the resolution, Carver second, with allowance for minor editorial changes as suggested by Committee members after the meeting. The NWIC voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. The resolution is to be distributed to government agencies, state department of agricultures, U.S. Wheat Associates, NAWG, and state grower organizations as appropriate.

Fusarium head scab update.

Rudd commented on a recent workshop on Fusarium head scab sponsored by CIMMYT. He indicated that scab levels are increasing in many countries, because of reduced tillage practices and increased intercropping of wheat and corn. Progress is being made utilizing genetic resistance to scab, but nothing has shown better resistance than the cultivar Sumai 3. There is a need for additional sources of resistance, as all programs are currently using the same few materials. Frontana also is another resistance source frequently used and it has two resistance genes that differ from Sumai 3. Rudd indicated that genetic diversity for scab tolerance is already present within the breeding programs. There may be potential to combine these background levels of resistance. There does not appear to be any negative agronomic trait associations with the Sumai 3 resistance, but in epidemic situations, a yield loss of 20 to 30 % still can occur. When asked about effectiveness of genetic resistance, Rudd indicated that in most situations, that available levels of genetic resistance would be adequate. However,an integrated management approach is still required in China. Genetic resistance may be adequate for the Red River Valley, but management aids also may be required. There is some variability in virulence of fungal isolates and questions remain regarding durability of genetic resistance. To date, the Sumai 3 resistance has been effective in many locations and is considered durable under Chinese conditions.

Rudd indicated that the Uniform Regional Scab Screening Nursery has been implemented in the HRS region for screening and exchange of information and germplasm. The nursery is grown at seven locations, including sites in Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Canada. A diversity in screening methods used at the sites has been advantageous in characterizing resistance levels. Rudd indicated there was diversity for scab tolerance, but tolerances did not match the level of Chinese sources. Busch has recently released the variety BacUp, which has scab resistance intermediate between Sumai 3 and is the best spring variety currently in production.

McKendry reported that five or six programs in the Eastern region were now screening for scab resistance. They have found functional resistance levels in adapted materials and were in the process of organizing a regional screening nursery. The Eastern Wheat Workers strongly urged screening of the NSGC to identify additional sources of resistance.

Sears indicated that the NWIC included scab in the legislative disease initiative starting two years ago. They have worked with Minnesota to coordinate efforts and to increase funding for the Cereal Rust Lab. So far, they had received interest and sympathy from Congressional staff, but had made no progress in obtaining additional support.

Wheat classification issues.

John Giler and Paul Manol were introduced from the Standards and Operations Branch, Federal Grain Inspection Service. Giler updated the Committee on hard white wheat classification issues. Since hard white wheat became a recognized grade in 1990, there have been difficulties in defining `white' for use in wheat classification. Hard white grain color may be less of an issue for the domestic market, but is viewed as important for foreign buyers. FGIS has backed off the color line initially used and is now classifying hard whites based on knowledge of what is expected of an individual variety. Research is underway to develop rapid tests for measuring tannins and seed `brightness'. Giler anticipates that hard white classification will eventually be based on chemical composition, likely tannin concentration, with a subgrade based on seed color. Such a grading criteria would be acceptable to the domestic market, but the question remains as to acceptance in foreign markets. Giler emphasized the need for obtaining additional type samples of all existing hard white varieties, as well as for those under development.

Giler then responded to various questions from the Committee. Regarding lack of classification of hard whites into winter and spring classes, Giler indicated that there was no price difference and simply no need at this time. Martin expressed concern that the hard whites that were most difficult to classify were also the best quality samples, i.e., hard vitreous types, and may be targeted for discounts. Giler indicated that, rather than being discounted, a premium for `very white' grain is more likely to emerge, as there appears to be two markets developing for hard white wheats. Martin also questioned the definition of hard white as a `contrasting class' to hard red winter wheat. Giler agreed there was no functional reason for doing so, but did not expect this would be changed in the near future.

FGIS has examined test weight standards and issues for several years now and has solicited input from U.S. Wheat Associates, NAWG, and wheat grower organizations. As a whole, the wheat industry does not support a change in standards at this time. There remains a market value for test weight as a measure of potential milling throughput, if nothing else. The long-term goal at FGIS remains implementation of the Single Kernel Hardness System (SKHS) to replace test weight. The current problem is how to use data from the instrument to effectively predict milling value. Implementation of the SKHS for hardness classification is not expected for 4 years. There remains some problem with differentiation of soft red/soft white and soft white/hard white samples. Giler indicated that few grain handlers are currently using SKHS, although some foreign buyers are now asking for information to evaluate the system. FGIS provides the SKHS data on request, the same with NIR hardness data, but the official standard for hardness remains visual classification. Part of the issue for the SKHS remains cost. The industry needs to recognize value relative to the cost of implementation.

National program issues.

Carver reported on the ESCOP/ACOP leadership development program. The program is designed to prepare researchers for leadership roles in the land grant system through a one year internship with participating directors of ag experiment stations. Carver noted that the majority of participants have been from animal science, ag economics, and ag engineering departments to date and encouraged participation from plant scientists.

Baenziger reported that the National Research Council review of the US land grant institution system was now available and accessible through the internet. He noted that among the NRC conclusions was the need to encourage interdisciplinary and regional collaborations. A new `geography' for the system was recommended that promotes research partnerships across institutions and over states. The report also noted that too many funds were tied to inflexible areas and that more funds should be allocated to peer-reviewed grant programs. Murphy reminded the group that peer-review is already in place, both in the land-grant system and ARS, and that with increasing reliance on grant funds, that both ARS and state administrators loose control of research agendas to the granting agencies. Baenziger noted that 25 % of stable Hatch funds were currently spent on regional projects and that these could be effectively used to force regionalization to occur.

Baenziger called on the NWIC to support development of `special constraints' grant processes for agricultural research priorities. He expressed his concern for lack of flexibility in current funding processes to meet high priority research needs. A useful model could be the special constraints grant program developed through the International Research Centers was noted.

Regional reports.

Stan Cox resigned his position with ARS at Manhattan, KS, in August and moved to India, where his spouse is now employed by ICRISAT. New funds allocated to the ARS Plant Science Unit at Manhattan will bring their total budget to over $600,000 and allow for Cox's position to be refilled. Kansas State University is filling two molecular research positions. One is a tenure-track position with the goal of pyramiding Lr genes through molecular-marker approaches. The second is a nontenure-track position for transformation of wheat and other crops. The KSU dean is committed to development of a `National Wheat Research Center' and will advertise for a Center Director in the near future. The Center is funded exclusively by state dollars to date. The new Center Director is expected to work with the Manhattan Grain Alliance, which is developing contracts for research and extension activities related to wheat and wheat quality. The Alliance will serve as a marketing tool for KSU research and extension activities and related organizations.

Jim Quick was recently named as interim Head of Agronomy for Colorado State University, serving for a minimum of 1 year. A postdoctoral will be hired to support the CSU breeding program during that time. Moffatt reported on the Monsanto acquisition of the Agripro Seeds hybrid wheat program. HybriTech now has rights to all the Agripro genetic stocks, exclusive right to develop hybrids worldwide and will take possession of the Agripro facilities at Berthoud, CO. Agripro will continue its pureline varietal development and marketing efforts. With the acquisition have been several personnel changes: Koy Miskin, Blake Cooper, and Jim Reeder have joined the HybriTech program and Gordon Cisar moved to Berthoud as Senior Project Leader for the HybriTech hard winter wheat effort. Moffatt, Rob Bruns, and Joe Smith have remained with Agripro.

McKendry indicated that the Eastern Region was concerned over the loss of ARS pathology positions, i.e., Roberts' and Hewing's positions, and continued state reductions in applied pathology research. The Eastern Wheat Workers were supportive of efforts to obtain a new pathology position at Raleigh, NC, and increase funding for the Cereal Rust Lab.

Line reported that Jim Anderson has joined the ARS unit in Pullman, WA, in the position formerly held by Bob Allan. A portion of the new ARS funds for club wheat research will be used for technical support at Pendleton, OR, under Anderson's supervision. The unit will be advertising for an additional geneticist position, description of which is being discussed at this time. Cal Qualset's position at Davis, CA, was refilled by George Dubcovsky. The position includes both a breeding and mapping component. Victor Rayboy, ARS Geneticist, has been transferred from Bozeman, MT, to Aberdeen, ID. Montana State University is currently recruiting for a cereal chemist.

Rudd indicated that North Dakota State University intends to refill Jim Anderson's position with emphasis on spring wheat enhancement and molecular marker development. An additional spring wheat breeding position is also under development at NDSU. At South Dakota State University, Donald Kenefick has retired and his plant physiology position will not be replaced. Yue Jin joined SDSU as wheat pathologist this past year, specializing in epidemiology.

NWIC strategic plan.

Kolb presented an updated draft of the NWIC Strategic Plan for discussion of legislative priorities. Sears suggested that erosion of plant pathology research remained a critical national concern. He also suggested that the Eastern Wheat Workers write to their respective Deans regarding the situation in the Eastern region. With new funds allocated to ARS groups at Manhattan and Pullman, there was need to revise NWIC legislative priorities. A new ARS pathology position at Raleigh, NC, and increased funding for the Cereal Rust Lab were proposed as the highest current priorities. Other items mentioned included need for support of international nurseries and germplasm exchange, support for ITMI, and opportunities for special constraints grants. Sears noted that a strong commitment from University Deans on-site was critical in going after new funds and positions for ARS, and there is currently strong internal state support for the Raleigh position. Murphy noted that the President's new budget will likely include funds for `emerging diseases'. Positioning of both the Raleigh position and Cereal Rust Lab support under that banner could be effective. Murphy also reminded the NWIC that it was important to recognize and express appreciation to Congressional staff for past support.

Souza motioned, with Baenziger second, that first priority for legislative efforts be a new pathology position in the Southeast, followed by funding of the Cereal Rust Laboratory back to `full-staffing levels'. The motion was approved unanimously. General support for funding ITMI was noted, but no actions were proposed or taken. A committee was set up to revise the Strategic Plan, and included Kolb, Baenziger, Rudd, Line, and members of the Legislative committee. Sears and Murphy indicated they would again serve on the Legislative committee for a visit to Capitol hill in March. Baenziger also indicated his interest. Sears will again ask for NAWG support to arrange Congressional visits.

1997 meeting date and election of chair and secretary.

The 1997 meeting will be the last for which Sears and Peterson will serve as NWIC officers. Nominations and an election will be by mail by the Secretary prior to the November meeting. Nominees for Chair and Secretary are not limited to current NWIC members.

The 1997 NWIC meeting was proposed to be held in Minneapolis, MN, in conjunction with regional scab research meetings, if possible. A tentative date of 13-14 November was set, with the CGC meeting to be held on the evening of the 12th.

Respectfully submitted, C. James Peterson.

A resolution of the National Wheat Improvement Committee, adopted 22 November, 1996.

Subject: Karnal bunt.

WHEREAS, the National Wheat Improvement Committee has supported the need for research on smuts since 1986 and recognizes that the introduction of Karnal bunt has had a major impact on the U.S. wheat industry; and

WHEREAS, Karnal bunt has impacted national and international exchange of germplasm and has delayed deployment of cultivars resistant to economically important diseases, such as Fusarium head scab; and

WHEREAS, there is a critical need for additional research on Karnal bunt biology, epidemiology, plant resistance, and control through crop management, including fungicides; and

WHEREAS, there is a critical need for additional research on the biology, epidemiology, plant resistance, fungicidal control, and management of Karnal bunt; and

WHEREAS, the National Wheat Improvement Committee recognizes the tremendous cost of current quarantine efforts relative to their probability of success;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the National Wheat Improvement Committee recommends a national research effort on methods, beyond quarantine, for disease containment and control. The National Wheat Improvement Committee suggests a coordinated, multifaceted approach to Karnal bunt control be implemented, similar to the national response to the introduction of the Russian wheat aphid; and

FURTHERMORE, the National Wheat Improvement Committee supports an international meeting directed to 1) consolidate and evaluate current and future knowledge on Karnal bunt; 2) reevaluate use of international quarantines for control of smuts; and, 3) develop comprehensive strategies for the control of other emerging diseases.
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