Results of Agronomic and Weed Science Research Conducted in South Central Montana - 2006

Wheat lines with Fusarium crown rot and nematode resistances arrived in November of 2006 from the laboratory of Dr. Richard Smiley. In this initial collection, we received 69 wheat lines (46 spring and 23 winter) displaying varying levels of resistance to Fusarium crown rot and plant parasitic nematodes including those to root lesion nematodes (RLN). The late arrival of the collection limited our abilities to amplify seed for the current year’s field trials. In the greenhouse, we amplified 4 of the most promising RLN resistant spring wheat lines (Pelstar, Hartogg, Krichauff, and Excalibur) along with a susceptible check (Gatcher). These lines will be used for initial field screenings starting this spring along with the most popular spring wheat cultivars from Montana. The resistant lines have also been used in initial crosses by Dr. Phil Bruckner for the production of resistant winter wheats. Seed from additional wheat lines from the collection will be amplified this field season for further screening in 2008.