Research on barley yellow dwarf: state of the art of the CIMMYT program and its future research focus

Abstract

This Wheat Special Report is motivated by changes in leadership and funding of CIMMYT's research on barley yellow dwarf viruses (BYD viruses). In 1991, P.A. Burnett, who headed the section in the 1980s, left CIMMYT. R. Ranieri then provided leadership before his transfer to Purdue University for Graduate studies. Between June 1992 and October 1994, the BYD Section was headed by L. Bertschinger. This document outlines: The most important points and essential findings from CIMMYT's research on BYD viruses and from projects of other institutions over the past few years. The future research on BYD viruses and guidelines for CIMMYT's work. A draft version of this Special Report was sent to program directors, subprogram leaders, section heads and international staff members of the Crop Protection (CP) Subprogram of CIMMYT's Wheat Program. It was discussed and modified. Conclusions were derived from several meetings at CIMMYT in 1992 (CP staff meeting, October 28; Wheat Program prebreeding priorities, December 4; Genetic improvement-CP interactions, December 7). The report has been approved by the Wheat Program's directing staff and the Subprogram leader to be the document for guiding CIMMYT's BYD Section in the coming years, or until such time that a further plan is elaborated. It is llQI the purpose of this Special Report to present a complete and detailed review of CIMMYT's BYD Section and the published achievements in BYD research worldwide. Only principal avenues for CIMMYT's future BYD research are described. Selected references are given which are considered essential. The operational details of the section's program (projects, budgeting, networking, etc.) will be documented as it develops. CIMMYT is, primarily, a germplasm institute. This Special Report, therefore, focuses on germplasm issues. Most of the research and activities related to viruses in CIMMYT's Wheat Program have emphasized BYD viruses and will do so in the future. However, other viral pathogens of small grain crops may require attention in the future. Although, this report focuses on BYD viruses, the general research strategy may be applied to other cereal viruses.