The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a devas
tating pest of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), An excellent source of RWA
resistance (STARS-9301B) was recently released to the barley industry
. This greenhouse study was conducted to determine the genetic control
of RWA resistance in STARS-9301B. Crosses were made between Morex, a
susceptible malting barley cultivar and STARS-9301B during 1992 and 19
93. Genetic analysis was performed on the parents, F-1, reciprocal F-1
, F-2, and backcross (BC) populations, as well as 231 F-2-derived F-3
Families. Segregation in the F-2 and BC populations indicated multiple
gene control. Fourteen F-3 families were found to be homozygous resis
tant and 16 were homozygous intermediate, indicating that two genes co
ntrol RWA resistance in STARS-9301B, Analysis of data from the F-2 and
BCs to both parents suggested recessive epistasis of a dominant gene
(Dnb2) on an incompletely dominant gene (Dnb1). This type of genetic c
ontrol will necessitate screening for RWA resistance after each cycle
of selection in a breeding program.