Location: Cereal Crops Improvement Research
Project Number: 3060-22000-051-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2021
End Date: Jul 31, 2026
Objective:
FY24***
7) Expand on the 2022 and 2023 BLS isolate collection in 2024
8) Test Xtt isolate collection for virulence on barley panel
9) Identify nonhost resistance to Xtt in wheat progenitor species Aegilops tauschii.
FY23***
5) Expand the collection of isolates from 2022 on Bacterial Leaf Streak and other pathogens, including but not limited to, Spot Blotch, Barley Rust, and Net Blotch
6) Investigate seed borne potential of Bacterial Leaf Streak pathogen by Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens
1) Collect isolates of (but not limited to) Spot Blotch, Bacterial Leaf Streak, Stem Rust, and Net Blotch.
2) Characterize isolates of (but not limited to) Spot Blotch, Bacterial Leaf Streak, Stem Rust, and Net Blotch for Virulence on Barley and Genotype Isolates.
3) Survey barley varieties for resistance against (but not limited to) Spot Blotch, Bacterial Leaf Streak, Stem Rust, and Net Blotch.
4) Further development of greenhouse/ growth chamber inoculation and screening of barley lines for bacterial leaf streak or other pathogens.
5) Screening barley germplasm for durable resistance against bacterial leaf streak or other pathogens.
6) Time point RNA-sequencing experiment to identify possible barley susceptibility genes to bacterial leaf streak or other pathogens.
Approach:
Barley pests are responsible for significant annual yield reductions, leading to substantial financial losses ranging from $36 to $118 million nationwide for growers. This Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NACA) aims to empower scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and North Dakota State University to conduct comprehensive research on key barley pathogens within the state of North Dakota. The primary focus will be on the following pathogens, among others: Spot Blotch (caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana), Bacterial Leaf streak (caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens), Net blotch (including net form of net blotch caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres and spot form net blotch caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculate), and Stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici). These pathogens inflict the most significant damage to barley crops in the region and are the primary targets for investigation under this grant.
The proposed approach entails the following steps:
1. Isolate Collection and Screening: Graduate students will collect important isolates of the targeted pathogens or screen isolates already collected to assess their virulence and pathogenicity on key barley cultivars within North Dakota.
2. Genotyping of Isolates: In collaboration with university and USDA partners, researchers will design or utilize existing markers to genotype the collected isolates. This genotyping effort will provide crucial information on the genetic profiles of the pathogens and their variations.
3. Resistance Surveys: Various populations of barley will be surveyed to evaluate resistance levels specific to each pathogen. This survey will help establish and characterize the molecular resistance mechanisms of barley against the aforementioned pathogens.
4. Comparative Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis: By comparing the genotypic and phenotypic traits of the tested isolates, researchers will gain a deeper understanding of the virulence mechanisms employed by the pathogens.
This comprehensive approach will enable researchers to better comprehend the molecular interactions between barley and the targeted pathogens. It will also aid in identifying markers associated with resistance, which can be crucial for developing resistant barley varieties in the future. Additionally, the research will shed light on the genotypic and phenotypic variations in the pathogens, helping to inform disease management strategies. By collaborating closely and utilizing the expertise of graduate students, university partners, and USDA collaborators, this NACA aims to enhance our knowledge of barley pathogens and contribute to the development of effective strategies for their control and management.
