International Workshop - Fusarium head scab: global status and future prospects.

The workshop was organized by Jesse Dubin (deputy director of the CIMMYT Wheat Program) and Peter Ruckenbauer (head of the Institute for Agrobiotechnology, Tulln, Austria), 13-17 October, 1996, at CIMMYT Headquarters, El Batan, Mexico, with substantial financial support from the Austrian Government. Approximately 30 scientists from 12 countries participated in the workshop.

Aims of the workshop were to:

1. obtain an update on the global situation of small grains scab and its impact in food-feed production and health,

2. document relevant research and increase communication among researchers, and

3. search for funds to increase the research effort to obtain sustainable control methods.

The workshop proceedings, published in the spring of 1997 and available from CIMMYT-Mexico, includes the following contributions:

- Fusarium head blight: recent epidemics and research efforts in the upper midwest of the United States. Ruth Dill-Macky.

- CIMMYT wheat Fusarium scab program. Lucy Gilchrist.

- Research on Fusarium head blight of wheat in Uruguay. Martha Diaz.

- Reduced virulence of trichothecene nonproducing mutants of Gibberella zeae in wheat field tests. Anne Desjardins.

- Sexuality and diversity in Gibberella zeae. Bob Bowden.

- Detection, identification, and quantification of individual fungal species in FHB of cereals by polymerase chain reaction. Paul Nicholson.

- Strategies for breeding for resistance to Fusarium head blight in Canada spring wheats. Jeannie Gilbert.

- Breeding for scab resistance in wheat: I. Inheritance of resistance and II. Possibilities for in vitro selection. Hermann Buerstmayr and Marc Lemmens.

- New counter-measures of breeding wheat for scab resistance. Peidu Chen.

- Breeding spring wheat for scab resistance. Jackie Rudd.

- Breeding study and genetic analysis of Fusarium head blight resistance in Japan. Tomohiro Ban.

- Review of the progress of the cooperative research between the Wheat Genetics Resource Center at Kansas State University and Nanjing Agricultural College. Bob Bowden.

- Latest results on breeding resistance to Fusarium scab in wheat and the impact of resistance on toxin contamination. Akos Mesterhazy.

- Breeding schemes for introgressing diverse scab resistance into adapted wheats. Ravi Singh.

- Problems of head scab resistance in winter wheat varieties. A.M. Slusarenko and Irina B. Ablova.

- Progress in selection for Fusarium head scab in winter wheat of eastern Canada. Radhey Pandeya.

- Control of Fusarium scab of wheat by genetical, biochemical and ecological mechanisms. Elena Klechkovskaya.

- Significance and control of Fusarium ear blight (scab) in winter wheat. David Parry.

- Accumulation of mycotoxins in cereal grain after ear inoculation with Fusarium species and after natural infection. Akos Mesterhazy.

- Fusarium toxin in Uruguayan wheat. Maya Pineiro.

European Wheat Database.

I. Faberova¹ and A. Le Blanc².

¹ Research Institute of Crop Production (RCIP), Genebank Department, Prague, Czech Republic.

² Groupement d'Etude et de Controle des Varietes et des Semences (GEVES), Surgeres, France.

The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), especially its Regional Office in Rome, is the main promotor of activities on plant genetic resources in Europe. A network of crop-specialized working groups and central crop databases have been developed in the framework of the European Cooperative Programme for Genetic Resources (ECP/GR). The main objectives for development of such network are to enable an overview and to facilitate an access to crop collections in European countries. A central crop database is being created within the European wheat collections.

The first workshop on wheat genetic resources within the ECP/GR was held in Paris in March, 1996. Representatives of 27 European countries and Israel agreed to contribute and help by establishing European Wheat Database (EWDB). Collections of wheat have a long tradition in all European countries and most of them are well managed and documented. The first estimate on the number of European collections of the genus Triticum L is approximately 220,000 and is reason why joint management of EWDB of two centers was suggested. One center at GEVES Surgeres (France), for EU-member countries and another at RICP, Prague (Czech Republic), for all other European countries. Of course, many accessions (advanced cultivars) in European wheat collections are duplicates or multiplicates. There also is a large number of landraces or valuable indigenous materials from southeastern Europe that are not so widely known. The EWDB should enable a clear and quick orientation at the European level.

The structure of EWDB tables were developed during the last year as a result of a workshop of database managers. Data processing began in December, 1996, and it will continue in 1997. Passport data will first be established, followed by characterization and evaluation data as a second phase. The final version of the EWDB will use the standardized set of Multi-Crop Passport Descriptors, which was developed jointly by IPGRI and FAO, and will use the widely-accessible Internet-based information platform, which will be common to all central crop databases in Europe.

More information see:

Gass T, Ambrose M, Faberova I, Le Blanc A, and Weibull J (Comp). 1997. Report of a Workshop on Wheat Genetic Resources, 21-23 March 1996, Paris, France. IPGRI Rome, Italy.

Catalogue announcement.

I. Faberova and Z. Stehno.

APPENDICES Pedigree and Gene Alleles as the supplement to the two volume Catalogue of genealogies and gene alleles identified in 31,000 cultivars and lines of wheat, Vol. I and II, by S. P. Martynov et al., 1992, is available from the RICP, Prague. Additional information is provided for accessions included in the previous two volume Catalogue, including data for gene alleles (2,200 records) and pedigrees (586 records).

The new Volume III of the Catalogue of genealogies and gene alleles of wheat 15,000 cultivars and lines by S. P. Martynov et al. was published jointly by Information and Computation Centre of Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tver, Russia, and Research Institute of Crop Production, Prague, Czech Republic at the beginning of this year. This volume contains information on the more than 15,000 additional newly described wheat cultivars, breeding lines, and genetic stocks.

The data structure in both of the above-mentioned publications and its presentation are generally similar to those in the previous two volumes. Some changes were made in alignment of the data with the protocols agreed to by the authors of the Genetic Resources Information Package for wheat project - GRIP I (Australian Winter Cereals Collection, CIMMYT, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences), November, 1994.

For more information please contact:

Ing. Zdenek Stehno, CSc., Genebank Department, Research Institute of Crop Production, Drnovska 507, CZ-161 06 Prague 6 - Ruzyne, Czech Republic.

phone: + 420 36 08 51.

fax: + 420 36 52 28 or +420 36 52 29 or +420 36 58 84.

E-mail: stehno@genbank.vurv.cz.

A monograph on hulled wheats now available from the IPGRI.

Stefano Padulosi; Coordinator Underutilized Mediterranean Species Project

IPGRI recently published the proceedings of the First International Workshop on Hulled Wheats, which took place in Castelvecchio Pascoli, Tuscany, Italy on 21-22 July, 1996. The workshop was jointly organized by the BMZ/GTZ German-funded Project on Neglected Species and the Italian-funded project on Underutilized Mediterranean Species (UMS), coordinated by IPGRI Headquarters, Rome, Italy.

The monograph comprises 262 pages and is well illustrated with figures, photographs, and drawings. This work brings together the presentations made at the workshop by participants from 12 countries and covers a wide range of disciplines, including archeobotany, breeding, genetic resources, gene bank management, and taxonomy. A comprehensive list of international scientists working on hulled wheats throughout Europe and elsewhere also is included.

Among the key issues dealt with in the monograph are the decline in the use and cultivation of hulled wheats through the centuries; actions needed to prevent einkorn populations from disappearing from the few remaining cultivating sites (mainly in Turkey); and ensuring that landraces still will be grown, despite the possible spreading of new improved types (the case of emmer in Italy). Present day use and commercialization of hulled wheats and the role that national and international communities could play to secure the remaining diversity of these species while promoting their sustainable use also are discussed in the book. In addition, the publication also reports on the initiatives promoted by the "Hulled Wheat Genetic Resources Network", an international working group created under the UMS project whose main goal is the better conservation and use of these species.

Why a monograph on hulled wheats? These species are among the most ancient cereal crops of the Mediterranean region. In Italy and the neighboring Near East, wild ancestors of very unattractive appearance (brittle rachis, small seeds, etc.) were domesticated by farmers who, in their simple breeding approaches, produced plants possessing more useful agro-botanical traits. The wheats were popular within the region for hundreds of years and long represented a staple food. However, at some time in history, the introduction of higher-yielding, free-threshing wheats caused hulled wheats to become neglected to such an extent that they even become a relic crop (as in the case of einkorn).

For social, cultural, or simply economic reasons, hulled wheats again are becoming popular. They are no longer seen as the `food of the poor' as in the past. On the contrary, they have become an exclusive and fashionable food for which discerning consumers are prepared to pay a higher price than for any other wheat product. The cultivation of these crops has received increasing interest from farmers in Italy in particular, and the area that is now being planted with hulled wheats is rapidly expanding. The underutilized aspect of hulled wheats is recognized and this acts as a further incentive to farmers to grow them.

The history of hulled wheats is particularly instructive in understanding the importance of conserving plant genetic resources. There are fashions in the utilization of a particular crop. A popular, common food during one period can become a neglected species in another. The history of plant genetic resources contains numerous examples of this phenomenon even more dire than that of hulled wheats. What we abandon today could be useful tomorrow and there exists a moral obligation towards future generations to preserve the wealth of genetic diversity that has been bequeathed to us. It is vital that we understand this and ensure that the diversity of our crops is always properly safeguarded, despite the reduced attention a particular crop may receive at a particular time. The knowledge and cultural traditions that are interlinked with our rich agrobotanical legacy should also be a subject of concern.

Awareness is needed of another important aspect of the exploitation of underutilized species. A widespread increase in the cultivation of crops that presently occupy specific market niches, such as hulled wheats, is likely to lead to a market surplus of the product. This may in turn cause a drop in prices, which could have a negative impact on the cultivation of these species, as it will put many farmers out of business. And it is the small farmers, who have been maintaining landraces of hulled wheats in their fields, that are most likely to be affected. The resulting loss of diversity imaginable in such a scenario will clearly be to our detriment.

The increase in popularity of once-neglected species, and of minor crops in general, is relevant to another issue, namely the need for the registration of material in commercial seed catalogs. This is a very sensitive issue for conservationists, as the successful promotion of underutilized species inevitably leads to the registration of those improved varieties bred for increasing yields and produces higher-quality crops. In a sad paradox of modern agriculture, the spread of these improved varieties also leads to the replacement of landraces and thus to a loss of the very diversity that has been safeguarded by farmers over generations and used to breed the improved types.

For further information, on the UMS project or to request a copy of the monograph, please contact:

Stefano Padulosi, UMS Coordinator, IPGRI, Via delle Sette Chiese 142, 00145

Rome, Italy. tel: (+39) 6- 51892243, fax: (+39) 6- 5750309, E-mail: s.padulosi@cgnet.com

internet <http://www.cgiar.org/ipgri>

The 5th International Wheat Conference.

The 5th IWC was successfully held in Ankara, Turkey, 10-14 June, 1996. More than 300 wheat researchers from all over the world attended the Conference. A Book of Abstracts consisting of 320 pages and covering breeding, genetics, physiology, agronomy, biotechnology, and genetic resources is available from the IWWIP at a cost of $15 per copy. The Steering Committee was elected during the Conference to decide and organize the 6th IWC to be held in 2000.

To order the Book of Abstracts contact the International Winter Wheat Improvement Program, P.K. 39 Emek, 06511 Ankara, Turkey.

II. MEETINGS

Ninth International Wheat Genetics Symposium.

2-7 August, 1998.

University of Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
First Announcement, send your name and address to:

Ninth IWGS

c/o C. Ouellet (Conference Secretary)

Department of Crop Science and Plant Ecology University of Saskatchewan

51 Campus Drive

Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8 CANADA

Fax: 1-306-966-5015

E-mail: carolyn.ouellet@usask.ca

World Wide Web Address: http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/cropsci/winter_wheat/9th_iwgs.

The 3rd International Triticeae Symposium.

The 3rd International Triticeae Symposium was held in Aleppo, Syria, 4-8 May, 1997. The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, West Asia and North Africa Regional office (IPGRI-WANA), and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) served as hosts.

During the symposium, plenary lectures were delivered by leading scientists in their field of expertise. Scientific papers were presented by participants in five sessions, either orally or as posters. The session topics included Evolutionary genomic relationships in the Triticeae, biodiversity and biogeography, genetic resources and core collections in breeding and research, evaluation and prebreeding of cereals and forages, and quality and utilization.

Abstracts of the papers presented at the meetings are available via the World Wide Web at <http://www.cgiar.org/ipgri/regional/wana/sessions.htm> or <http://www.biology.usu.edu/herbarium/triticeae/>. A proceedings from the Symposium will be published sometime in 1997.

Roland von Bothmer announced that Antonio Martin, on behalf of the Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible in Cordoba, Spain, had agreed to organize the next symposium. The timing of the Cordoba Symposium, in 2001, was left to Dr. Martin to decide, in consultation with the Executive Committee.

The participants also approved the formation of a formal body, The International Triticeae Consortium, to help maintain continuity and promote interaction among those working on the Triticeae. The articles of incorporation and bylaws can be found at <http://www.biology.usu.edu/herbarium/triticeae/>. Membership in the Consortium is free and carries no obligations. Anyone interested in belonging should send an e-mail to that effect to Mary Barkworth (stipoid@cc.usu.edu). The Executive Committee of the Triticeae Consortium consists of Roland von Bothmer (roland.von.bothmer@vf.slu.se), Chair; Mary Barkworth, Treasurer; Antonio Martin (ge1mamua@lucano.uco.es), Program Officer; Abdul Mujeeb-Kazi (mkazi@cimmyt.mx); Vojtec Holubec (holubec@genbank.vurv.cz); M. Taeb (Department of Genetics and Plant Genetic Resources, SPII,

P.O. Box 4119, Karaj, Iran); and a representative of the IPGRI.

III. SPECIAL REPORTS

MINUTES OF THE WHEAT CROP GERMPLASM COMMITTEE

formerly the Wheat Crop Advisory Committee

20 November, 1996.

College Park, MD, USA.

Eight of the fourteen committee members were in attendance. Those present were: Olin Anderson, Harold Bockelman, Stephen Jones, Frederick Kolb, Steven Leath, David Marshall, John Moffatt, and Chuck Murphy. The Chairman, Roland F. Line, and some other members did not attend because of the impact of weather on air transportation. In addition to the WCGC members, 14 nonmembers, including many members of the National Wheat Improvement Committee, also attended the meeting.

The 1995 minutes were not available at the meeting, but are in the 1995 Annual Wheat Newsletter.

Roland F. Line, previously vice-chairman, was accepted as the new chairman following the resignation of Stan Cox. Steve Leath was elected as the Vice-chairman.

Reports.

General national germplasm topics.

1. GRIN. Mark Bohning reported on two major foci with the database; 1) an effort to add image technology (images of spikes, seed, etc.) for all germplasm entries; and 2) an effort to link GRIN with international databases, such as those at CIMMYT and The Vavilov Institute. Discussion and suggestions followed. A. Stoner discussed the nomenclature used in GRIN and whether it should be updated. An ad-hoc committee consisting of O. Anderson (chairman), S. Leath, D. Marshall, and J. Raupp was appointed to study the issue.

2. Core subsets. H. Bockelman reported no changes and that a preliminary core of approximately 4,000 accessions selected by country of origin and species was being developed.

3. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. N. Garvey and K. Williams queried the committee on needs for collection and evaluation of wheat germplasm. C. Murphy proposed that the Wheat Newsletter contain a discussion of exploration priorities and procedures. S. Jones and D. Marshall were appointed to study and summarize the collection and evaluation needs for wheat and report the priorities at the 1998 meeting.

Wheat germplasm topics.

1. Germplasm collection. The 1996 report was accepted and H. Bockelman distributed summaries through November, 1996. He questioned the WCGC on the need for agronomic checks. The committee recommended the inclusion of one check per wheat type per location. Bockelman will conduct research on this subject and report on the research in 1998.

2. Germplasm evaluation. H. Bockelman reported on the Karnal bunt issue. Spores of the KB fungus were detected around the National Small Grains Collection grow-out sites and also on seed harvested in 1993 and 1995. Those 4,000 lines are currently unavailable, and all recipients of that seed were notified. Currently, seed is being increased in Aberdeen. One-half of the collection needs to be regrown.

3. Head scab evaluation. Evaluation of germplasm for resistance to head scab was discussed. A. McKendry reported that the Eastern Wheat Workers wanted this issue addressed. Y. Jen presented a proposal to screen the collection in South Dakota. There was considerable discussion on the approach, location, and other current scab-resistance screening programs. The Committee voted to have F. Kolb survey eastern and southern wheat workers to determine their scab evaluation efforts. He will then send a list of workers who currently screen for scab resistance to D. Wesenberg, with copies to Murphy, Gingery, and Line.

4. Screening for Winter hardiness. A proposal to screen for winter hardiness was briefly discussed, but not supported.

Other reports.

Reports on numerous other pertinent topics were requested, but not presented at the meeting.


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