Relationships between soil-borne virus infection and root growth damage in Korean hulless barley cultivars

Viral infections and root growth were examined to elucidate the relationship between viral resistance and root growth in 26 Korean hulless barley cultivars. Viral resistance was estimated in experimental filed of Honam agricultural research institute for 3 years. Length and number of seminal and adventitious roots were examined for evaluation of root growth in both field and greenhouse conditions 30 days after seeding. Dominant viral infection occurred in Korean hulless barley by Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) in fields; however, susceptible cultivars were infected by either BaYMV, Barley mild mosaic vims (BaMMV) or both. Only four cultivars, including Donghanchalssalbori, Kwangwhalssalbori, Namhossalbori and Naehanssalbori, presented stable resistance to viral infections. Susceptible cultivars to viral infection in fields showed shorter seminal root length and fewer adventitious root number than resistant cultivars. Resistant cultivars showed better root growth and significant difference in adventitious root length in green house conditions. Increase in the number of seminal roots in resistant cultivars was derived from decreased damage of roots by the viral infection compared to the susceptible cultivars.