Progress on development and application of single kernel NIR sorting technology for assessment of FHB resistance in wheat germplasm

Authors: PEIRIS, K.H. - Kansas State University; Pumphrey, Michael; DONG, Y. - University Of Minnesota; WEGULO, S. - University Of Nebraska; BERZONSKY, WILLIAM - South Dakota State University; BAENZIGER, P. - University Of Nebraska; Dowell, Floyd

Submitted to: National Fusarium Head Blight Forum
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/25/2008
Publication Date: 1/29/2009
Citation: Peiris, K.S., Pumphrey, M.O., Dong, Y., Wegulo, S., Berzonsky, W., Baenziger, P.S., Dowell, F.E. 2009. Progress on development and application of single kernel NIR sorting technology for assessment of FHB resistance in wheat germplasm. National Fusarium Head Blight Forum Proceedings. Session 5, page 192.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Plant breeders working on developing Fusarium resistant wheat varieties need to evaluate kernels coming from a multitude of crosses for Fusarium Damaged Kernels (FDKs). We are developing Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopic methods to sort FDKs from sound kernels and to determine DON levels of FDKs nondestructively to facilitate rapid varietal screening for Fusarium resistance by assessing proportions of sound and FDKs and estimating their DON levels. We report the progress and research highlights of the development and use of our single kernel NIR (SKNIR) scab sorting and deoxynivalenol (DON) estimation techniques since January, 2008. We have improved the SKNIR scab sorting technique and its feasibility as an objective, rapid and nondestructive method for assessment of FDKs of wheat germplasm demonstrated. Depending on the kernel DON level, FDKs can be sorted into 2-3 fractions. This makes it possible to get an understanding of what fraction and how much each fraction contributes to the final DON level of a composite sample. Moreover, our studies with sorting of North Dakota State University (NDSU) germplasm showed that proportions of SKNIR sorted FDKs in wheat lines affected by FHB correlated fairly well with field FHB assessment indices. Therefore, this technique can be used by wheat breeders as a nondestructive, rapid and an objective method for comprehensive analysis of FDKs when wheat germplasm are screened for Fusarium resistance. Since April 2008 we have sorted 108 samples for NDSU and 405 samples for University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL) wheat breeders. Another set of samples from the above two institutions will be sorted in November-December, 2008. A calibration was developed for estimation of DON concentration in single wheat kernels by SKNIR system. This can estimate DON levels in single kernels having more than 60 ppm DON. Experiments will be carried out in collaboration of UNL researchers to further test and refine this calibration to estimate DON levels of FHB affected wheat samples. NIR spectra of pure DON were also studied and DON absorption peaks identified. Results of these experiments are presented in a separate poster. A SKNIR wheat moisture calibration was also developed. It will be integrated to determine moisture content of kernels concurrently when DON levels are estimated so that it is possible to compare DON levels of kernels having different moisture contents or to express DON content of kernels with specific moisture content. Acknowledgement: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is a cooperative project with the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.