ABSTRACT
A review of all approaches for combating preharvest sprouting damage suggests that the most feasible approach is to incorporate genes for preharvest sprouting resistance in cereal cultivars. Increased interest in preharvest sprouting research and, consequently, breeding for sprouting resistance occurred in the early 1970s. The breeding strategy varies from breeder to breeder, and each breeder usually modifies his/her breeding strategy in accordance with the program goals. Many cereals breeders approach preharvest sprouting resistance as a complex trait involving dormancy, starch sensitivity, α-amylase synthesis, response to gibberellic acid, physical characteristics of the spike, etc. G. Oettler argues that instead of using the wild species to improve the sprouting tolerance of rye, it is more advisable to utilize cultivated rye populations which already have some sprouting tolerance. When selecting for sprouting resistance, a considerable number of random plants must be screened to find the individuals which have the resistance factors.
