ANNUAL REPORT ON CONTROL OF BARLEY DISEASES FOR LESSER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD

Evaluation covers the period 8/79-8/80 and consists of an annual report by the contractor, Montana State University (MSU). Recurrent selection populations (RSP"s) have been assembled by MSU for seven different barley diseases; five (scald, net blotch, xanthomonas streak, and barley yellow dwarf virus -- BYDV) are receiving major emphasis. A description of progress in the development of various RSP"s is included. Leaf rust of barley, a major yield reducing factor in North Africa and the Middle East, has been studied intensely over the past year and the results of research on this disease are set forth. In addition, research findings on viral diseases (BYDV and barley stripe mosaic virus), bacterial diseases ("Pseudomonas syringae"), root rots of barley, and powdery mildews are described. Tools have been developed for identifying specific plant characters directly altered by stress and photoperiod sensitivity -- this facilitates quick and efficient screening of large numbers of plants. The screening tools used under this project are discussed. An outreach program has been established through which annual trips are made to the Middle East to evaluate the various RSP nurseries and to dicuss the problems and progress of scientific personnel. Trip reports are attached. Close working relationships have been developed with Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT) and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA); their crossing block materials are evaluated under this project each year and resistant germ plasm stocks are furnished to their programs. A U.S. training program in barley diseases and associated breeding is being conducted. Five trainees and three research assistants participated in the past year. One M.S.-degree graduate of the training program has been hired as a plant pathologist at ICARDA. Extensive tables and a workshop itinerary are attached.