Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #203174
Title: Single Kernel Sorting Technology for Enhancing Scab Resistance and Grain Quality

Author
item Dowell, Floyd
item Maghirang, Elizabeth
item BAENZIGER, P - UNIV OF NEBRASKA

Submitted to: National Fusarium Head Blight Forum
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2006
Publication Date: 12/10/2006
Citation: Dowell, F.E., Maghirang, E.B., Baenziger, P.S. 2006. Single Kernel Sorting Technology for Enhancing Scab Resistance and Grain Quality. Proceedings of the 2006 National Fusarium Head Blight Forum, December 10-12, 2006, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. p. 96.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: We developed automated visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy procedures and instrumentation to select kernels with specific hardness, protein, and color traits to enhance the development of scab resistant hard and soft wheat varieties. The system also shows potential to sort for other characteristics such as scab damage, vomitoxin levels, ergosterol levels, vitreousness, sprout damage as measured by alpha amylase content or falling number, moisture content, selenium content, Karnal bunt-infected kernels, and waxy character. Our single kernel near-infrared system can sort single kernels based on specified properties as a rate of about one kernel/2s (500-1000g/day). We also have high-speed sorting technology that can sort visible defects at rates as high as 80,000 kernels/s (300 bu/hr). This technology is now used routinely for such applications as purifying red or white breeding lines, removing Karnal bunt-infected kernels during routine inspection for the APHIS national surveys, and selecting waxy seeds from segregating populations. While most of our work has been with wheat, we have also shown applications for proso millet, barley, rice, and sorghum. This poster will report the development of this NIR-based sorting system and our sorting accuracies.