2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Identify genes controlling beta glucan content in oat. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Association mapping in elite varieties. 3.Progress Report Progress was made collecting information on the genetic makeup of hundreds of oat varieties from breeding programs and germplasm repositories and using these data to characterize the associations and distribution of important traits in oats. These data allowed better understanding of oat population structure and revealed the influence of several important varieties on the course of development of modern oat varieties. This information is essential for designing breeding programs that use genetic markers to enhance the selection of useful traits. In addition, we developed improved grinding methods to improve the analysis of oat beta glucan levels, moving toward our goal of having sufficient analytical information to support a breeding program. Progress was monitored with phone calls, emails, and discussions at professional meetings.