Evaluation of barley cultivars for resistance to ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.

From 1988–1990, entries of a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) adaptation test were evaluated under conditions of natural infection for resistance to the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea L. (Fr.) Tul.). The study was conducted at four sites in the Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, Canada, where the disease is endemic. Cultivars Laurier (3-yr test), Maskot and Sabina (2-yr test) were the most resistant with sclerotial content below 0.10%. Cultivars Albany and Leger (3-yr test), Symko and Morrison (2-yr test) were the most susceptible. Results indicate there is genetic variability for ergot resistance in barley. This resistance may be useful in control of ergot under conditions of natural infection. Key words: Barley, ergot, resistance