GrainGenes
A Database for Triticeae and Avena
Moseman, pp. 145-147
IV.8. Report on genes for resistance to pests.
John G. Moseman, Leader, Barley Investigations, Plant Science Research Division, A R.S, U.S.D.A., Beltsville, Maryland 20705, U.S.A
The Barley Genetics Committee of the American Barley Research Workers Conference met at Bozeman, Montana, on August 9 and 10, 1971. At that meeting, rules for gene symbolization and nomenclature were prepared for adoption at the American Barley Research Workers Conference at Tucson, Arizona, January 24-27, 1972. Those rules are published in this Newsletter as part of the report of the meeting at Bozeman. A similar meeting was held at Aberdeen, Idaho, in 1970. The following suggestion was made at the Aberdeen meeting:
"Many genes can be logically grouped and rules for nomenclature and symbolization established for the group. An example would be genes for disease and insect resistance. For this group of genes, it is proposed that, when not ambiguous or misleading, the symbol should consist of the first letter of the genus and the first letter of the species of the parasite. In the case of virus diseases, the symbol should be based on the common name of the virus. In some cases, it may be desirable, because of historical usage, to base symbolization on the common name of the parasite."
The following is a list of symbols presently used and those proposed for genes conditioning resistance to diseases and insects:
If the new rules are adopted at Tucson, three letters will be used to designate each character. Therefore, I am proposing the following: The first of the three letters for designating genes for reaction to pests should be R. The second and third letters will be the genus and species names of the pests as indicated on the above list.
A letter explaining this proposal for designating genes which control the reaction of barley to pests, has been sent to several individuals for their suggestions and comments. I will welcome suggestions and comments from anyone interested in the reaction of barley to pests.
I am soliciting your help in obtaining information on genes in barley for reaction to pests (viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and insects). The information on those genes will be used in converting the present symbols to the new symbols.