GrainGenes

MISSOURI

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

Department of Agronomy and the USDA-ARS, Curtis Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.

J.P. Gustafson, K.D. Kephart, A.L. McKendry, K. Ross, D.N Tague, M.K. Kroening, B. Rauh, T. Mueller, E. Butler, M. Christophers, B. Kim, X. Ma, S. Madsen, A. Mahmoud, Z. Wang, and M. Xie.

1996 Missouri winter wheat crop.

Projected crop statistics. Based on 1 July estimates by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Missouri's 1996 wheat crop was harvested from approximately 1.3 million acres, up 8 % from the wheat acreage harvested in 1995. Severe winter injury resulted in significant wheat acreage abandonment prior to harvest in the North-Central, North-East, Central, and East-Central crop reporting districts. The statewide average yield projected by the Missouri Agricultural Statistical Service is 39 bu/acre, nearly equal to average yields attained in 1995, but below the 44 bu/acre reported for 1994. Projected district average yields ranged from a high of 48 bu/acre for the South-East district to a low of 33 bu/acre in the North-West district. Total projected production of the 1996 Missouri wheat crop is 50.7 million bushels, over 6 million bushels more than 1995 production levels and representing a 14 % increase.

1996 Missouri winter wheat performance tests. Dry conditions at planting combined with winter freezing and heaving injury were the major constraints to wheat production at most test locations in Missouri during 1996. All locations were planted in a timely fashion, but germination was delayed and wheat stands were slow to establish due to drought conditions that existed in Missouri during the fall of 1995. Fall plant growth and tillering were less than normally observed, particularly at the northern and southwestern test sites. Temperatures remained moderate during the late fall months, permitting some wheat growth almost to 1 January, as far north as Trenton and Novelty. Beginning in mid-January, severe winterkill and heaving resulted from repeated cycles of below zero temperatures followed by brief periods of above freezing weather. Substantial stand losses occurred. Winter survival averaged 39 % across all locations, with the three northern sites (Columbia, Novelty, and Trenton) suffering the greatest winter injury, thinnest stands, and competition from annual weeds that persisted until these sites were harvested. An extended period of cold temperatures in March and early April delayed jointing and heading by as much as 3 weeks. Average to above-average rainfall prevailed during May at all locations, providing adequate soil moisture during the grain filling period but also creating conditions favorable for the development of scab (Fusarium spp.). Yields at Novelty were further reduced by atrazine injury caused by the disposal of atrazine rinsate in the plot area approximately 1 month prior to planting, resulting in the loss of one replication.

The occurrence of foliar and head diseases was light to modest at most test locations during the 1995-96 growing season. Delayed germination and slow crop growth associated with the dry conditions existing in the fall of 1995 resulted in smaller plants and less foliage, reducing the opportunity for diseases such as powdery mildew, Septoria leaf blotch, Septoria glume blotch, and/or tan spot to develop. Warmer temperatures and timely rainfall in late April and early May encouraged Septoria leaf blotch development at Columbia. All soft red winter wheat entries possessed some level of infection from Septoria leaf blotch by the milk stage of kernel development (Feeke's GS 11.1), but leaf blotch development was most rapid on GA-Dozier, Patterson, and VA93-52-60 soft red winter wheats. No differences in Septoria leaf blotch development were noted among the HRWWs tested at Columbia, but these varieties tended to have higher infection levels than most SRRWs. Scab was evident at most locations in 1996, but symptoms for this disease were most severe at Lamar and Mt. Vernon. Trace levels of Cephalosporium stripe were observed across the experiment at Trenton but not associated with a particular set of entries. Late-season development of leaf and stem rusts occurred at most locations, but most winter wheats had already achieved the late soft dough or early hard dough stage of kernel development.

The overall yield of the SRRWs tested in 1996 was 48.8 bu/acre, 5.6 bu/acre more than the previous year and 16.7 bu/acre less than yields observed in 1994. Average yields at the seven test locations varied from 30.6 bu/acre at Novelty to 70.2 bu/acre at Charleston. The Columbia, Novelty, and Trenton sites averaged 35.6 bu/acre compared to 66.2 and 49.6 bu/acre for the southeastern (Bootheel) and southwestern regions, respectively.

The nine SRWW varieties producing the highest yields in 1996 demonstrated either superior or above-average winter hardiness compared to most other varieties tested. Pioneer 2540 was the highest-yielding entry tested in 1996, averaging 66.7 bu/acre across all locations. The highest-yielding public variety was Howell, released by the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station in 1992. Howell averaged 60.5 bu/acre. In addition to Howell, seven other entries produced yields equal to those of Pioneer 2540 including; HBR 4020 (60.9 bu/acre), NeCo S98 (60.3 bu/acre), Pioneer 2571 (60.3 bu/acre), Coker 9474 (60.2 bu/acre), FFR 558W (59.4 bu/acre), LG Seeds JMS 104 (58.8 bu/acre), and AgriPro Clemens (58.1 bu/acre). Pioneer 2571 (54.1 bu/acre) and Pioneer 2552 (59.3 bu/acre) have been the highest yielding varieties tested for the past 2 and 3 years, respectively.

The seven HRWWs tested in 1996 averaged 41.6 bu/acre across the three test locations. Location yields varied from 34.9 bu/acre at Trenton to 51.8 bu/acre at Mt. Vernon. As with the SRWWs, adequate winter survival among the HRRWs was necessary to achieve high yields. 2137 was the highest-yielding HRWW tested in 1996, averaging 55.6 bushels per acre across all locations. Yields of Karl 92 (51.1 bu/acre) and 2163 (48.5 bu/acre) were equal to those of 2137. All three entries exhibited superior winter survival compared to the remaining four HRWW entries tested.

Test weights among the soft and HRWWs averaged 55.4 and 57.4 lb/bu, respectively, in 1996. Test weight levels measured in 1996 were nearly equal to those observed in 1995 and nearly 5 pounds heavier than the test weights reduced by scab in 1991. Location means during 1996 varied from 48.8 lb/bu at Novelty to 60.4 lb/bu at Charleston. Coker 9474 produced the heaviest test weight at 60.1 lb/bu. Seven other SRWWs averaged a test weight equal to or exceeding the 58 lb/bu minimum necessary for U.S. No. 2 grade SRWW; HBR 4020 (59.2 lb/bu), Howell (58.8 lb/bu), NeCo S98 (58.8 lb/bu), LG Seeds JMS 104 (58.6 lb/bu), AgriPro Elkhart (58.2 lb/bu), Terra SR204 (58.2 lb/bu), and AgriPro Pontiac (58.0 lb/bu).

Hard red winter wheat test weights were heaviest and more consistent at Mt. Vernon, where winter survival was greatest and crop development was more uniform. Test weights were lightest and more variable among HRWWs at the Trenton site, where survival was approximately one third of that observed at Mt. Vernon. Among the HRWWs tested during 1996, none averaged better than the 60 lb/bu minimum required for U.S. No. 1 HRWW. 2137 averaged the heaviest test weight at 59.0 lb/bu.

Wheat genetics.

Genes and RFLP markers isolated from wheat, barley, oats, and rye genomic and cDNA libraries are being physically mapped onto mitotic wheat ditelocentric chromosome preparations using an in situ hybridization technique. The ends and translocation breakpoints located on the genetic linkage maps from homoeologous groups 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of hexaploid wheat are either complete or nearing completion. In addition, the ends of several linkage groups in barley and all of the 1993 linkage groups in rice have been physically mapped to sites on chromosomes. The data suggest that there are still regions present in all genomes so far analyzed that do not contain any polymorphic markers. The data also suggest that significant differences do exist in recombination frequencies within a genome or even within individual chromosomes.

Genome-specific DNA sequences and minisatellites are being isolated and characterized from hexaploid wheat and rice. The wheat and rice DNA-fingerprinting sequences are currently being mapped to locations on existing linkage maps. At present, it appears that over 50 % of segregating bands can be placed on linkage maps. Minisatellite sequences also are being used in DNA fingerprinting varieties, evolutionary studies, and backcross-mediated wheat breeding.

Wheat-rye translocation research. Near-isogenic lines containing either the T1BL-1RS or T1AL-1RS translocation were developed in six soft wheat genetic backgrounds. A collaborative study with the USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory in Wooster, OH; the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturer's Association; and the University of Missouri Wheat Breeding Program will be completed in 1997. The study investigates the impact of these translocations on soft wheat quality. The data from the first year of the study indicates that both translocations have a negative impact on both milling and baking quality in six SRWW backgrounds. Both T1AL-1RS and T1BL-1RS significantly reduce adjusted flour yield and overall milling quality. These translocations also reduce overall baking quality by reducing softness equivalent and increasing both alkaline water retention capacity and flour protein. Although the effects of both translocations are significant, the effect of the T1AL-1RS translocation is significantly more detrimental than that of the T1BL-1RS translocation. Background effect is significant. The impact of the translocations vary in degree across genetic backgrounds. Where the background has superior milling and baking quality, the effects of the translocation may not preclude their use in breeding programs. The effects of these translocations on agronomic traits are being investigated, and preliminary data suggest that the significant effects on grain yield observed in many hard wheat studies are not apparent in these soft wheat backgrounds.

Septoria leaf blotch resistance research. Research continues to focus on mapping S. tritici resistance genes to T. tauschii chromosomes using RFLP, RAPD, and protein markers in order to facilitate selection of these genes in T. aestivum backgrounds. Resistances in three populations developed from crosses involving the resistant accessions TA2470, TA2479, and TA2377 with the susceptible accessions TA2405 and TA2469 (derived from the Kyoto germplasm collection maintained by Kansas State University) currently are being investigated. Classical genetic studies are currently being completed.

Visitors.

X. Ma, Z. Wang, and M. Xie, from the Peoples Republic of China, and B. Kim from Korea.

Publications.

Aswidinnoor H, Nelson RJ, and Gustafson JP. 1995. Analysis of alien genome introgression in rice using genome-specific repetitive DNA probes. Asia Pacific J Mol Bio Biotech.

Aswidinnoor H, Oliva NP, Nelson RJ, and Gustafson JP. 1995. Analysis of alien genome introgression in rice using genome-specific repetitive DNA probes. 3rd Inter Workshop on Rice Mol Biol, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Abstract.

Baier AC, Somers DJ, and Gustafson JP. 1995. Aluminum tolerance in wheat: Correlating hydroponic evaluations with field and soil performance. Plant Breed 114:291-296.

Chen J, Ren A, and Gustafson JP. 1996. Heterochromatin differentiation in Xizang cultivated and semi-wild wheat revealed by C-banding technique. Acta Agronomica Sinica 22:525-530.

Chen J and Gustafson JP. 1994. Physical mapping of genetically mapped molecular markers in homoeologous group 7 chromosomes of wheat by in situ hybridization. J Jiangsu Agric College 15:1-9.

Daud HM and Gustafson JP. 1996. Molecular determination of a B genome progenitor of wheat (Triticum aestivum) using a genome specific repetitive DNA sequence. Genome 39:543-548.

Gustafson JP and Flavell RB (eds). 1996. The Genome. 21st Stadler Genetics Symposium. Plenum Press.

Kephart KD, McKendry AL, Kroening MK, and Tague DN. 1996. Missouri Winter Wheat Performance Tests. Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, College of Agriculture, Food and natural Resources, University of Missouri-Columbia. Special Report 497

McKendry AL and Geden EA. 1996. Evaluating the productivity of university plant breeders with teaching and research appointments. J Nat Resour Life Sci Educ 25:175-178.

McKendry AL, Tague DN, Finney PL, and Miskin KE. 1996. Effect of 1BL-1RS on milling and baking quality of soft red winter wheat. Crop Sci 36:848-851.

McKendry AL, Tague DN, and Miskin KE. 1996. Effect of 1BL-1RS on agronomic traits of soft red winter wheat. Crop Sci 36:844-847.

McKendry AL, Tague DN, and Somers DJ. 1996. Effects of 1BL-1RS and 1AL-1RS on aluminum tolerance in soft red winter wheat. Crop Sci 36:987-990.

Somers DJ, Briggs KG, and Gustafson JP. 1996. Aluminum toxicity and protein synthesis in near-isogenic lines of Triticum aestivum L. differing in aluminum tolerance. Physiologia Plantarum 97:694-700.

Somers DJ, Zhou Z, Bebeli PJ, and Gustafson JP. 1996. Repetitive, genome-specific probes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) amplified with minisatellite core sequences. Theor Appl Genet 93:982-989.

MONTANA

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Plant, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.

L.E. Talbert, P.L. Bruckner, S.P. Lanning, J.E. Berg, and R.L. Burkhamer.

1996 wheat crop.

Although the growing season ended up hot and dry, Montana's wheat crop was near average in 1996. The months of April through July had temperatures ranging from 1-3 degrees warmer than normal and precipitation approximately 3 inches below normal. Winter wheat production was approximately 63 million bushels in 1996, averaging about 32 bu/acre from 1.98 million harvested acres. Leading winter wheat cultivars were Neeley, Tiber, Rocky, and Redwin. The 1996 spring wheat production was 107 million bushels, averaging 26 bu/acre from 4.1 million harvested acres. The leading spring wheat cultivars were Amidon, Rambo, Grandin, Fortuna, and Hi-Line. Approximately 7 million bushels of durum were harvested from 270,000 acres in Montana in 1996.

Breeding objectives.

The objectives of both the winter and spring wheat cultivar development programs include resistance to wheat stem sawfly, WSMV, and RWA; improved end-use qualities; and development of hard white wheats adapted to Montana. Enhanced cold tolerance also is a major objective of the winter wheat program.

Sawfly-resistant germplasm. Development of sawfly-resistant cultivars remains the top priority of both breeding programs. A selection nursery has been established in northcentral Montana where wheat stem sawfly is endemic to facilitate this objective. This nursery is being used for selection in early-generation bulk populations and among headrows, advanced lines, and parental cultivars. New sources of stem solidness are being identified and incorporated into adapted germplasm. Yield testing is being conducted under heavy sawfly pressure to document and demonstrate the value of pest resistance. Hard red spring wheat experimental line MT9433 has been approved for general release. MT9433 has good yield potential and high protein and is moderately resistant to the wheat stem sawfly.

End-use quality. Montana wheat germplasm is routinely screened for quality parameters associated with flour milling and bread baking quality. We have expanded quality screening in recent years to characterize a subset of Montana wheat germplasm for suitability in whole wheat and noodle products. Release is pending for one hard white spring wheat experimental line.

Cultivar releases.

Rampart (MTS92042) HRWW with tolerance to feeding and cutting damage by wheat stem sawfly was released to Montana producers in 1996. Rampart joins Vanguard as emergency cultivars to reduce losses to wheat stem sawfly, which have been severe in Montana winter wheat production areas since the mid-1980s. Rampart has marginal winter hardiness and is recommended for production only in sawfly-infested areas, because of lower yield potential than hollow-stemmed cultivars in the absence of the pest.

Erhardt (MT8719), a widely adapted, high-yielding, medium-maturity, HRWW line with good winter hardiness, intermediate height, strong straw, stem rust and Hessian fly resistance, high grain protein, and excellent milling and baking qualities was released in 1996. Erhardt is expected to replace Roughrider in areas of Montana requiring a moderate level of winter hardiness.

McGuire (MT88046), a medium- to low-yielding HRWW line with early maturity, intermediate test weight, height, and winter hardiness, good lodging resistance, stem rust resistance, and exceptionally high grain protein, dough mixing characteristics, and baking qualities also was released in 1996. McGuire has potential for value-added marketing as a niche cultivar grown on limited acreage. However, because of similar yield potential to Redwin with higher grain protein, McGuire has potential to replace Redwin acreage.

Associated research.

Kuifu Lou, a Ph.D. student from P.R. China, has completed a study characterizing the nature and extent of genetic variation in wheat stem sawfly using RAPD markers. He found that sawfly populations from Montana and North Dakota were characterized by high levels of within-site RAPD diversity. Montana populations differed by collection site, and were genetically diverse from wheat stem sawfly populations collected in North Dakota.

Doug Holen, Research Associate at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center in Kalispell, completed a 3-year study examining the relationship between spring stand and grain yield performance in Judith, CDC Kestrel, and Neeley winter wheats. He found that a spring stand of 30 to 40 % was adequate to achieve the yield level obtained in control plots where stand was not reduced.

Personnel.

Rebecca L. Burkhamer was hired as a research associate with the winter wheat breeding program.

Publications.

Burkhamer RL. 1996. Prediction of progeny variance based on parental similarity estimates in hard red spring wheat. M.S. thesis, Montana State Univ, Bozeman. 79 p.

Holen DL Jr. 1996. Critical overwintering plant population for the successful production of winter wheat in Montana. M.S. thesis, Montana State Univ, Bozeman. 103 p.

Bruckner PL, Taylor GA, Stougaard RN, Jackson GD, Carlson GR, Eckhoff JL, Kushnak GD, Stallknect GF, Wichman DM, Bowman HF, Mathre DE, Hockett EA, and McGuire CF. 1996. Registration of 'Nuwest' wheat. Crop Sci 36:209.

Erpelding JE, Blake NK, Blake TK, and Talbert LE. 1996. Transfer of sequence-tagged-site PCR markers between wheat and barley. Genome 39:802-810.

Storlie EW, Xie H, and Talbert LE. 1996. Tall off-types in semidwarf spring wheat with height-reducing genes Rht1 and Rht2. Crop Sci 36:1521-1522.

Talbert LE, Bruckner PL, Smith LY, Sears RG, and Martin TJ. 1996. Development of PCR markers linked to resistance for wheat streak mosaic virus. Theor Appl Genet 93:463-467.

Carlson GR, Bruckner PL, Berg JE, Kushnak GD, Wichman DM, Eckhoff JL, Tilley KA, Stallknect GF, Stougaard RN, Bowman HF, Morrill WL, Taylor GA, and Hockett EA. 1997. Registration of 'Vanguard' wheat. Crop Sci 37:291.

Engel RE, Bruckner PL, Mathre DE, and Brumfield S. 1997. A chloride deficient leaf spot syndrome of wheat. Soil Sci Soc Am J 61:176-184.


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