This project continues the characterization of soybean genes that combat root and seedling pathogens. Pathogens including Phytophthora sojae and Fusarium graminearum cause soybean seeds or young seedlings to rot, severely decreasing output. Some soybean varieties possess R genes or quantitative resistance loci (QRLs) that protect soybean against these pathogens. The objectives include interrogating soybean R genes and QRLs that fight seed and seedling rot pathogens using a new VIGS vector, developing and optimizing a soybean hairy roots approach to investigate these R genes, developing a CRISPR editing approach for heritably disrupting these candidate R genes.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents, soybean breeders, seed companies