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Abstract: Validation of Molecular Markers Linked to Covered Smut (Ustilago hordei) Resistance in Hulless Barley

 
 
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 Covered smut of barley is a seed-borne disease caused by Ustilago hordei. Breeding for resistance is the preferred method of control. Traditional disease screening methods are time consuming, inconsistent and not practical for hulless barley, thus this disease is a good candidate for molecular marker-assisted selection. Inheritance of resistance was studied in hulless barley lines derived from three hulless x hulled crosses involving two resistance sources. Resistance was controlled by a single major gene in all populations. Three molecular markers (UhR 450, aHor 2 and OPO6780) linked to the resistance gene (Ruhq) in a hulled line (Q21861) were assessed for their usefulness in selecting resistant hulless barley. All three markers were linked to covered smut resistance in the hulless populations although aHor 2 was only polymorphic in one population. These markers will be useful for marker-assisted selection for covered smut resistance in hulled and hulless barley breeding programs and when combined with MAS for true loose smut resistance will aid in the development of smut resistant hulless barley.

Tajinder S. Grewal, Brian G. Rossnagel and Graham J. Scoles
Department of Plant Sciences/Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8

Presented at the 3rd Canadian Barley Symposium, June 19-20, 2003

 
 
 
 
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This information published to the web on October 6, 2003.