MT16F02902 Memorandum

Downloadable version

FROM: Traci Hoogland, Greg Lutgen and Jamie Sherman, Spring Barley
DATE: 1/4/2022
RE: Release of MT Cowgirl (MT16F02902) spring forage barley
PEDIGREE: LAVINA/CDC COWBOY
RECOMMENDATION: Public, protected
NAME: MT Cowgirl (MT16F02902)

Summary

MT16F02902 is well-suited for production across all forage barley growing regions of Montana and is being released due to forage yield performance.

Agronomic Strengths

• High performing forage line
• Taller plant height
• Longer grain fill period
• Higher percentage of plump seed

Quality Strengths

• Potential improvement of forage quality with lower NDF and ADF

Selection history

MT16F02902 is a spring, 2-row, hulled, hooded barley developed for forage barley production in Montana.
MT16F02902 has a tall, erect growth habit, lax head type, rough awns, white aleurone and long rachilla hairs.
MT16F02902 is an F4 derived selection from Lavina by CDC Cowboy cross. ‘Lavina’ (MT981397), one of the top barley forage producers in the state, is a two rowed hooded spring barley and is a cross between ‘Haybet’ and ‘Baronesse’. ‘Haybet’ (P.I.533600), developed by USDA-ARS and the Montana Experiment Station. CDC Cowboy is a dual-purpose feed forage line with awns and produces well across environments in the Great Plains. MT16F02902 was advanced by single seed descent from the F1 thru F4 generations. It was increased from a F4 plant to produce seed for preliminary yield testing in 2016. MT16F02902 was tested for agronomic and forage traits beginning in 2017.

Purification/seed stocks

We purified MT16F02902 in 2021 by planting 100 F9-derived F10 headrows at Bozeman Post farm. We evaluated for phenotypic uniformity before bulking all headrows. The 2021 breeder strips appeared uniform and were regularly rogued by barley breeding employees and Foundation staff. MT16F02902 will be in Foundation seed in 2022. 

Agronomic performance and characteristics

Table 1 compares MT16F02902 to control varieties Haymaker, Hays and Lavina. Across all environments, MT16F02902 was equal to or better than controls for forage yield and grain yield. MT16F02902 is taller than the controls, which likely supports forage yields. When MT16F02902 is compared to commonly grown lines it tends to head earlier and mature later such that it has a longer grainfill. The extended grainfill likely increases plump seed and might extend harvest flexibility. Seed size stability under dryland conditions could be important to seed production stability. MT16F02902 is not significantly different in percent grain protein and tends to have better quality with lower ADF and NDF although not significant.

Table 1. Comparison of MT16F02902 with Varietal Controls

Difference indicated by a T-test at *p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001

The trials in 2020 and 2021 were lattice square designs with 25 entries and 3 replications. Due to planting issues in several locations in 2018 and 2019 the trials had to be analyzed with a randomized complete block design that consisted of 16 entries and 3 replications. Due to the difference in design the trials are averaged over the years with similar design. Therefore, the tables below report agronomic data by location averaged across 2020 and 2021, as well as 2018 and 2919. The more powerful lattice square design indicates MT16F02902 has more tons/acre in most environments. In most environments where the difference is not significant, MT16F02902 trends equal to or better than most lines. Across environments MT16F02902 trends taller and earlier heading. The greater height in some part explains the greater tons/acre. The earlier heading may explain the more plump seed reported in Table 1. Importantly, the dataset is not balanced with some locations being lost for a variety of reasons, particularly for grain yield. MT16F02902 tends to be equal in grain yield to Lavina and Hays, while in some environments better than Haymaker. Improved grain yield performance in Bozeman suggests the best environment for seed production.

Agronomic data 2020-2021 Forage Intrastate Trial
Lattice square design, 25 entries, 3 replications

Agronomic Data 2018-2019 Forage Intrastate Trial
Randomized Complete Block Design, 16 entries, 3 replications

Disease resistance

MT16F02902 is being tested in 2022 for stripe rust, since a relative has been found stripe rust resistant

R = Resistant
MR = Moderately Resistant
M = Intermediate
MS = Moderately Susceptible
S = Susceptible

MSU Barley Breeding Program:

• Jamie Sherman, PI
• MSU Breeding Staff – Greg Lutgen, Traci Hoogland, Joe Jensen, Jessica Williams, and Trevor Palone. With special thanks to Ron Ramsfield.
• MSU Malt Quality Laboratory - Hannah Turner, Sarah Olivo

Data Provided By:

MAES Research Centers Current and Former Staff/Faculty:

• SARC - Ken Kephart, Kent McVay, Qasim Khan, Valerie Smith
• NARC - Darrin Boss, Peggy Lamb
• WTARC – Justin Vetch, John Miller
• CARC - Patrick Carr, Jed Eberly, David Wichman
• EARC - Chengci Chen, Frankie Crutcher, Calla Kowatch
• NWARC – Clint Beiermann and Jessica Torrion,
• WARC- Zach Miller, Kyrstan Hubbel, Marty Knox

Support and Assistance:

Irene Decker, Jim Berg, Doug Holen, Karen Maroney, Jack Martin, Jennifer Lachowiec, David Baumbauer, Heather Unverzagt, Phil Bruckner, Kevin McPhee, Hwa-Young Heo, Jason Cook, Andreas Fischer, Mike Giroux, Andy Hogg, and Erin Cumin.

Critical Financial Support:

• Montana Wheat and Barley Committee
• American Malting Barley Association
• Brewers Association
• USDA
• MSU Fertilizer Advisory Committee
• New Belgium Brewing
• US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative