Genetic variation and screening techniques for resistance to black point in soft white spring wheat

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Abstract
Large differences in black point incidences were detected among cultivars of soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown under irrigation in the field. SWS15(1CARDA 15), SWS21, and Bliss appeared to be the most resistant cultivars while other cultivars were either moderately resistant or susceptible. Inoculation techniques using an isolate of Alternaria alternata demonstrated that needle inoculation or vacuum infiltration provided the most reliable means to distinguish between SWS15 and susceptible cultivars. Inoculation treatments such as dips or sprays gave low, inconsistent results, which would not allow the identification of resistant lines. Inoculation prior to anthesis tended to produce lower levels of black point discoloration than inoculations at anthesis or the mid-dough stage. Black point severity was not influenced by spore concentrations between 10 .times. 103 and 100 .times. 103 spores/mL, but at high concentrations (500 .times. 103 spores/mL) black point severity was reduced.