2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research is to identify and characterize soilborne pathogens of wheat and barley, such as Rhizoctonia, Gaeumannomyces, Pythium and /or Fusarium, which cause root and crown rot diseases; to identify the effects of cropping system on root pathogen population size and diversity; to utilize the approaches of precision farming to enhance understanding of root diseases epidemiology; to identify useful wheat and barley germplasm with performance against root pathogens; and to insert pathogen defense genes into wheat and barley using conventional and molecular approaches. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Root and crown rot diseases will be identified and characterized through a combination of laboratory, greenhouse and field studies. The ecology of root pathogens and effects of cropping system on pathogen population size and diversity and disease epidemiology will be determined using classical plant pathology methods together with the tools of molecular biology and precision farming. Wheat and barley germplasm will be screened for resistance or tolerance to root pathogens in the field and greenhouse. Practical root disease control will be accomplished through a combination of site-specific farming practices, biological and chemical treatments, and resistant varieties. Plants will be transformed with molecular techniques. Documents SCA with Washington State University. Replacing 5348-22000-012-03S (exp. 9/04) and 5348-22000-012-13S(6/07). 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Washington State University. Barley varieties and advanced breeding lines continued to be evaluated for resistance and tolerance to Rhizoctonia root rot caused by R. solani AG-8 and R. oryzae. A rapid greenhouse Rhizoctonia screening assay was developed that allows consistent disease pressure on varieties and lines being tested. Additional details of the research can be found in the report for the parent project 5248-22000-013-00D, NP 303, Plant Diseases. Accomplishments align with Components 1, Problem Statements 1A and 1B; Component 2, Problem Statements 2C; and Component 4, Problem Statements 4A, 4B and 4C of NP 303. Progress on this project is monitored by conversations with the collaborator.