A breeding programme was developed to obtain barley yellow dwarf virus
(BYDV)-resistant winter genotypes using the Yd2 gene. The aim was to
incorporate the Yd2 allele into the new high-yielding genotypes to rel
ease cultivars that allow barley cultivation in areas where BYDV is en
demic. The resistant lines were developed using pedigree selection. An
ICARDA resistant line (83RCBB130) carrying the Yd2 gene was crossed w
ith three susceptible, high-yielding winter varieties and their F-1 li
nes were either selfed or backcrossed to the matching susceptible pare
nt. The best lines selected from subsequent selfing generations were e
valuated in replicated trials in the presence or absence of BYDV, star
ting from F-6 and BC1F5 to F-8 and BC1F7 generations. Four genotypes w
ith superior agronomic traits and BYDV resistance were selected.