1. Characterize and fine map sources of potentially novel Rps genes towards Phytophthora sojae.
2. Using Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) to assay the function of.
3. Identify QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) essential for resistance towards seed and seedling pathogens: Phytophthora sojae, several Pythium spp., and Fusarium graminearum.
4. Fine map QTL and identify key genes involved in the expression of resistance in these populations.
5. Functional analysis of key genes associated with partial resistance to P. sojae, Pythium spp. and F. graminearum.
6. Development of highly adapted germplasm with QTL identified in these studies.
7. Assess the population diversity of Phytophthora sojae and key Pythium spp. throughout the Midwest, targeted towards identifying key pathotypes or effectors required for screening.
Expected Outputs/Deliverables:
1. Characterize and fine map sources of potentially novel Rps genes towards Phytophthora sojae.
Germplasm/varieties/markers associated with novel Rps genes for Phytophthora sojae.
Numerous plant introductions from the soybean germplasm collection have been identified with potentially novel Rps genes.
2. Using Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) to assay the function of candidate P. sojae Rps genes.
Within these loci, we have identified numerous candidate R-genes. It is important to identify the correct sequence to facilitate rapid development of new varieties. Thus, our collective goal is to fine map these novel R-gene loci, compare R-gene sequences, and verify the activity using virus induced gene silencing.
3. Identify QTL to those that are essential for resistance towards seed and seedling pathogens: Phytophthora sojae, Pythium spp., and Fusarium graminearum.
4. Fine map QTL and identify key genes involved in the expression of resistance in these populations.
5. Functional analysis of key genes associated with partial resistance to P. sojae, Pythium spp. and F. graminearum.
For these 3 objectives/strategies, we will have developed molecular markers that are directly tied to genes associated with the resistance response to these key soybean seed and root pathogens. In addition, we will have available, germplasm with key QTL to use in variety development, varieties for release from different backgrounds will be in progress.
In addition we will have identified numerous sources of resistance to the several key pathogens and will have populations, genetic maps of these populations for others to screen and map other traits.
6. Development of highly adapted germplasm with QTL identified in these studies.
Develop and release germplasm and varieties with resistance to multiple soybean root pathogens.
7. Assess the population diversity of Phytophthora sojae and key Pythium spp. throughout the Midwest, targeted towards identifying key pathotypes or effectors required for screening.
Characterized pathogenisolate collections that can be used for screening and comparison of resistance response.
1. This project was initiated preceding the incorporation and standardization of KPIs. The goals of the project are as follows:
Quantitative outputs are the direct generation and analysis of sequence data on critical pathways to amino acid synthesis in soybean development.
2. Quantitative measures are also publications in journals and abstracts and deposit of data in public databases that disseminate the knowledge gained to the larger community of soybean geneticists and breeders and other plant scientists.
3. The long range performance indicators would be a % change to increase protein quantity or quality of the amino acid profile of soybeans.