Project Number: 6402-21220-007-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jul 04, 2003
End Date: Jul 03, 2008

Objective:
Elucidation and characterization of traits involved in the amelioration of biotic and abiotic stresses of soybean in the Mid-South including heat, drought, and disease; develop screening methods to identify soybean germplasm with improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses; characterize pathogen variability and disease epidemiology/ecology; molecularly map tolerance/resistance components; and develop and release enhanced germplasm.

Approach:
Apply physiological, genetic, and molecular techniques to identifying and characterizing resistance/tolerance mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stresses that reduce seed yield and seed quality. Develop assays to differentiate soybean genotypic responses to these stresses and identify potential resistance/tolerance mechanisms. Characterize mechanisms physiologically and molecularly to determine the basis of tolerance or resistance. Isolate and clone responsible genetic factors responsible where feasible. Develop and assay genetic populations to study the inheritance of resistance/tolerance mechanisms and related physiological parameters. Construct genetic maps and identify molecular markers linked to the tolerance/resistance genetic factors. Develop soybean germplasm with tolerance/resistance to individual abiotic and biotic stresses. Incorporate multiple (pyramided) abiotic and biotic resistances into elite germplasm.