2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Objective 1: Develop a highly informative DArT-MAB genotyping platform complementary to the OOPA-MAB platform and benchmark both platforms. Objective 2: Conduct a two year multi-location association mapping study to develop marker-trait associations to facilitate the development of new oat varieties with superior health benefits and improved agronomics, milling quality, and disease resistance. Objective 3: Partner with the barley CAP portal to effectively utilize and disseminate the information generated by the project. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1. Genotyping: Two DArT discovery arrays from the PstI/TaqI genomic representation will be developed. The arrays will be used to genotype an oat reference panel, and at least one mapping population. From these, we will choose a robust and informative subset of 3,000 final DArT markers that will be arrayed on a second-generation DArT genotyping platform (DArT-MAB). 2. Field testing: A single row augmented plot design will be used to evaluate the oat association mapping population and checks in Winnipeg and Ottawa. Agronomic traits evaluated prior to harvest will include;. 1)heading date,. 2)plant height,. 3)lodging, and. 4)maturity. Each location will collect 500g of seed for shipment to Aberdeen, ID, where all processing and preparation for quality and nutritional component evaluation will occur. Quality traits measured in Aberdeen will include:. 1)groat percentage,. 2)percentage plump kernels,. 3)1000 kernel weight,. 4)groat plumpness,. 5)groat color, and. 6)percentage broken groats. 3. Qaulity: 50 grams of ground meal from groats from two locations over two years will be sent to Winnipeg for determination of total dietary fiber and ß-glucan using standardized methods. 4. Data management: POOL will be expanded to contain the germplasm from this project, and will coordinate records so that they are mirrored in THT. 3.Progress Report Over the past 48 years world-wide oat production has declined 58%, while production of crops like corn and soybean have drastically increased. Research groups in North America actively working on oat have also declined from 28 (1998) to 11 (2008). The Collaborative Oat Research Enterprise was recently established by the USDA-ARS in Aberdeen, Idaho as an international scientific collaboration to reverse these trends. As part of the project, ARS Aberdeen enlisted the help of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers in Ottawa and Winnipeg to develop new “molecular” tools and evaluate 685 oat lines for key characteristics improving plant production, including resistance to various diseases, milling efficiency, and health value. Over the last year (2010–2011), 80,000 oat genetic “mile” markers have been identified of which, 1,100 have been used to build the first complete genetic “road” map. Field and laboratory evaluations in three Canadian locations have yield key information on agronomic and disease characteristics enabling the development of genetic “signpost” for the traits on the map. Seed harvested from one of the Canadian field locations (Winnipeg) is being tested for grain antioxidant and fiber levels. Once these experiments are complete, signpost for each of the genetic locations controlling these characteristics will be added to the map. To date, signpost have been developed and are being used by Canadian oat breeders as a genetic “GPS” to expedite the development of improved oat varieties. This work will allow target development of high beta glucan lines possible in oat. This work directly relates to objective 1 of the current ARS Aberdeen project plan (5366-21000-024-00D) “Develop improved barley and oat cultivars meeting the needs of conventional and specialty markets for both dryland and irrigated production systems.” This collaboration is with scientists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and is monitored through annual meetings, monthly conference calls, and various email exchanges.