Objective:
We propose screening the 2008 Uniform Hard White Spring Wheat Nursery for resistance to FHB at several North Dakota locations. This nursery will include experimental hard white spring wheat lines and speciality low-amylose spring wheat line entries from around the region.

Approach:
A successful wheat breeding approach to reduce DON accumulation has been to combine different sources of host FHB resistance into a single genotype. To increase the efficiency of developing FHB resistant specialty spring wheat varieties, we will collaborate with the USDA-ARS Genotyping Lab to identify advance hard white and specialty spring wheat breeding lines with both Sumai 3 and Triticum dicoccoides sources of FHB resistance. Yield trial nurseries including lines with both sources of FHB resistance will be evaluated for desirable agronomic traits, and lines exhibiting acceptable agronomic performance will be considered for release as germplasm. To evaluate the function of types I and II resistance genes, we will use previously developed reciprocal backcross monosomic lines developed by hybridizing FHB resistant spring wheat 'Frontana' to a set of 'Chris' spring wheat monosomics, which are susceptible to FHB. Greenhouse evaluations will be conducted 7, 14, and 21 days after point and spray inoculation of spikes. After harvest, the number of visually diseased kernels will be assessed, and DON content of seed from inoculated spikes will be determined. We will collaborate with the USDA-ARS to separate diseased from sound kernels and assess FHB kernel damage using NIR technology.