2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Develop improved malting barley cultivars 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Utilizing existing testing locations and off-season winter nurseries for the F2 and F4 generations, populations will be advanced to the F5 generation in bulk and F5:6 lines derived for yield evaluation. Lines will be derived from plants as opposed to spikes, and will therefore begin yield evaluation directly following derivation. The necessity to pull individual plants is the reason for the large majority of salary documented in this form. Approximately 350 crosses covering both winter and spring backgrounds will be made each spring and spring populations advanced as previously discussed. Winter populations will be advanced in bulk under field conditions, except for specific populations which may be advanced in the greenhouse. Quality evaluation for malt quality will begin with the advanced yield trials, following at least two years of prior yield evaluation. 3.Progress Report: Progress was made on the objective, which fall under National Program 301, Component 3: Genetic Improvement of Crops. Progress on this project focuses on problem of assessment of barley cultivar development. A total of 6225 malting barley plots were planted and evaluated in four locations across Idaho: Aberdeen, Tetonia, Filler, and Soda Spring using conventional breeding methodology. All the objectives were met:. 1)Three winter lines in the second year of AMBA pilot scale evaluation: 02Ab431, 02Ab669, and 02Ab671,. 2)2Ab04-X010084-27 (2-rowed spring malting barley) approved for 3rd year of AMBA pilot-scale evaluation, and. 3)Elite lines from Anheuser-Busch and Miller-Coors were evaluated allowing us to provide valuable information to area producers and both industry partners. Results support Objective 3 in the parent project plan, development of improved barley lines.