Genomics, molecular genetics & biotechnology: Quantitative trait loci for Fusarium head blight resistance in barley detected in a two-rowed by six-rowed population

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease problem (primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) that affects the quality and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain. The objectives of this study were to identify the location of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to FHB in a two-rowed by six-rowed population, to examine the association of FHB resistance with heading date and the Vrs1 (two-rowed spike morphology) locus, to validate the location of the major FHB resistance QTL primarily detected in the field, and to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the QTL for FHB resistance. We created a genetic map of 143 molcular markers from a population derived from the parents Fredrickson (two-rowed, moderately resistant) and Stander (six-rowed, susceptible). The Fredrickson/Stander population was evaluated in two field environments by a grain spawn inoculation method, two field environments by a spray inoculation, and two greenhouse environments. QTL analysis detected three distinct regions on chromosome 2(2H) associated with FHB resistance; two of these regions were also associated with resistance to deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation. One FHB resistance QTL was also associated with heading date, while another FHB resistance QTL was found associated with the Vrs1 locus. The third FHB resistance QTL was detected only in the greenhouse, but was coincident with a QTL for resistance to DON accumulation in the field. All three QTL were detected in the greenhouse, indicating that this environment may be useful for selecting FHB resistant barley genotypes. SSR markers were identified that are linked with each QTL and could prove useful for marker-assisted trait manipulation. Finally, the two major QTL detected in the field were validated using an independent population with Fredrickson and Stander parents.