Progress for each KPI is specified according to the numbered KPIs in section 3.4:
1. Key findings indicate that charcoal rot is not just a “drought disease” and can occur under adequate moisture conditions. Also, epidemiological studies show the pathogen is present and infects plants throughout the season although symptoms typically show up in late reproductive stage. Control of charcoal rot is not related to choice of maturity group nor by planting date either.
2. USDA-TN has released one line with moderate resistance to charcoal rot and SCN resistance (JTN-43070 and since then, two MTAs have been issued to commercial breeders). Also, TN identified a set of 10 PI/germplasm accession lines as new sources of resistance. At MO, 8 new genetic sources of resistance have been identified. Work in IL and MO show that 5-10% of the current commercially grown varieties they tested had above average resistance.
3. Major seed companies have adopted the cut-stem assay as a high throughput initial screening device to screen their germplasm for charcoal rot.
4. USDA-MS is poised to publish a set of markers for a DT-4290, a long-time standard resistant line, making the first available markers available to the industry.
5. Work in KS and OH determined that SCN does not have a direct role in affecting charcoal rot severity – although certainly, control measures against SCN enhance overall yield protection along with measures to control charcoal rot.