Breeding locally-adapted Cereal Rye varieties for Kentucky

Breeding locally-adapted cereal rye varieties for Kentucky Breeding for regionally adapted cereal rye varieties contributes to sustainability in Kentucky. This proposal will support ongoing breeding of University of Kentucky open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), with a specific emphasis on breeding for reduced plant height, increased Fusarium head blight resistance, and adaptability. Specifically, our objectives are: (1) Breeding new open- pollinated rye varieties, (2) developing tools to accelerate development of dwarfing varieties, (3) screen for Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance, and (4) conduct multi-location variety trials testing specific agronomic protocols like planting date or nitrogen rate. This proposal addresses the KYSGGA goals of reducing winter fallow and developing new small grain varieties. 1