Poster # 507

Maggie Gillum, Lauren Brzozowski, and David Van Sanford
1. University of Kentucky, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Lexington Kentucky
Corresponding Author: Maggie Gillum, maggie.gillum@uky.edu

Gillum, Maggie

megi249@uky.edu

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the three most important crops produced worldwide but is devastated annually by fungal diseases. Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, affects wheat both worldwide and in Kentucky. While deployment of resistance QTL has reduced crop losses from FHB, their effect on grain quality is still being explored. In addition to FHB resistance, nitrogen management is an important factor in wheat production. This research aims to assess if different nitrogen rates and pyramiding FHB resistance genes impact agronomic and post-harvest qualities of soft red winter wheat in Kentucky. In this study, an F₂ population was developed from parents with different QTL combinations, and the QTL status of the 120 F₂ – derived lines were characterized by Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP). We hypothesized that an increased number of QTL will lower FHB severity but would also decrease grain protein. To analyze effect of nitrogen applications, thirty F_2:5 lines were planted in a replicated split-block field design with four rates ranging from 0 to 140 lbs/ac at two locations in Kentucky. Based on index selection, the top performing lines contained the QTL combinations of Fhb1, Fhb1 plus 1A Neuse, and 1A Neuse plus 4A Neuse. Fhb1 and Fhb1 plus 1A Neuse had the lowest DON concentrations of the three QTL combinations. QTL combinations had varying responses to increased nitrogen rates, despite no significant difference across all combinations. Grain protein did not differ significantly among the three QTL combinations. A significant gain in grain protein across all QTL combinations was seen as nitrogen rates increased. The effect of nitrogen on FHB and post-harvest quality provides valuable insights to the breeder and producer. This research will lead to a better understanding of FHB resistance QTL and aid in providing producers with management guidelines.

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