Genomic selection for stable FHB resistance in winter wheat and barley -- 1) evaluate cooperative nurseries for adaptation and FHB resistance in wheat and barley. 2) develop and employ a novel…

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service awarded Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University $182,643 on May 1, 2026, under the Agricultural Research Basic and Applied Research program (CFDA 10.001) to conduct genomic selection research for stable Fusarium Head Blight resistance in winter wheat and barley.

The recipient will evaluate cooperative nurseries for adaptation and FHB resistance in wheat and barley, develop and employ a novel phenological genomic selection model to select for stable resistance independent of weather around flowering time, and accelerate breeding cycles using rapid generation advancement while rapidly sharing resulting wheat and barley inbreds with other breeders. Work is performed in Blacksburg, Virginia, with a period of performance from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2030.

Genomic selection for stable FHB resistance in winter wheat and barley -- 1) evaluate cooperative nurseries for adaptation and FHB resistance in wheat and barley. 2) develop and employ a novel phenological genomic selection model select for stable resistance independent of weather around flowering time. 3) accelerate breeding cycles using rapid generation advancement, rapidly sharing resulting wheat and barley inbreds with other breeders.