Registration of 'Coral' wheat

'Coral' (Reg. No. CV-1047, PI 658527) soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and released in March 2008 via an exclusive licensing agreement through Michigan State University (MSU) Technologies. The objective of the cross and selection was to develop an agronomically acceptable wheat cultivar with high yields in Michigan, improved resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB, caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe), reduced levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), and acceptable end-use quality. Coral was selected from the cross D3913/D0331 made in 1995. The cultivar is an F₆-derived line, and the original experimental number is E2017. In addition to standard yield-test criteria, milling and baking performance were also considered for selection. Coral was released because of its improved FHB resistance and lower DON levels (compared with other high-yielding soft white winter wheat cultivars grown in Michigan), reasonable test weight, and the fact that it is awnletted (not awned). Its primary weaknesses identified to date are susceptibility to powdery mildew [caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E.O. Speer] and stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend.). Coral is well adapted to Michigan.