CDC GAINER, a two-rowed hulless barley variety developed at the Crop Development Centre, was registered for sale in Canada in May, 1997. CDC Gainer was selected for and demonstrates very low levels of beta-glucan, acid extract viscosity, ADF and NDF, which should make it desirable for the monogastric feed markets. While not as high yielding as CDC Dawn, it is stronger strawed, has improved net blotch resistance and is slightly easier threshing. Like CDC Dawn it is resistant to scald and carries the Rpg1 gene (the t-gene) for stem rust resistance.

CDC Gainer was tested as SB90594 or HB326 and is from the cross VD40385/SB86154, where VD40385 is a Vanderhave breeding line tested in the USDA Western Spring nurseries during the 1980’s and SB86154 is a CDC hulless breeding line with good disease resistance derived from CDC and AAFC Winnipeg/Brandon breeding materials. CDC Gainer has been released exclusively to Value Added Seeds Ltd., Lumsden, Saskatchewan for Pedigreed seed production and marketing. Certified seed should be available in the spring of 1999.