Location: Crop Production and Protection
Project Number: 0500-00053-005-210-G
Project Type: Grant
Start Date: May 1, 2026
End Date: Apr 30, 2030
Objective:
1. Provide high-throughput DON analysis for barley, spring wheat, and durum wheat breeding and pathology programs.
2. Ensure analytical accuracy, reproducibility, and comparability across years and laboratories.
3. Support advanced research needs through expanded mycotoxin profiling, such as DON-3-glucoside.
Approach:
DON diagnostic services will be provided through the established DON testing laboratory in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University. Samples submitted by cooperating researchers will be analyzed using validated GC-ECD and GC-MS methods, with LC-MS employed for DON-3-glucoside and comprehensive toxin profiling when required. Single-kernel or spike analyses will be conducted as needed to support detailed genetic studies. Samples will be prioritized based on cooperator needs, with ground samples tested first and unground samples queued for grinding. Quality control will include routine internal check samples and external inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure accuracy and consistency.