Project Number: 6217-21000-006-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 11, 2003
End Date: Jun 10, 2008

Objective:
Identify new sources of genetic resistance to insect pests (Russian wheat aphid, greenbug, and bird cherry-oat aphid) in wheat, barley, sorghum, and related species; determine the genetic diversity and genetic control of resistance to insect pests in wheat, barley, and sorghum; develop improved wheat, barley, and sorghum germplasm with genetic resistance to insect pests.

Approach:
The project will search available germplasm collections to find new, effective sources of resistance to virulent aphid pests in wheat, barley, and sorghum. The genetic diversity and genetic control of resistance will be characterized, and resistance genes will be transferred into adapted genetic backgrounds. Molecular markers of aphid resistance genes will be developed for use in marker-assisted selection protocols. The project will work closely with collaborating plant breeding programs to obtain elite breeding lines to use as parents in backcrossing procedures to transfer aphid resistance genes. The resultant aphid-resistant germplasm will be field-tested for agronomic and quality performance prior to release. The project will provide testing and selecting support to assure these aphid resistance genes move through the various breeding programs on their way to the producers via cultivar and hybrid releases.

Project Team

Porter, David - Dave Mornhinweg, Dolores - Do Huang, Yinghua

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

DEVELOPMENT OF BIRD CHERRY-OAT APHID RESISTANT WHEAT AND BARLEY GERMPLASM    IDENTIFYING WHEAT AND BARLEY GERMPLASM RESISTANT TO SYRIAN AND UNITED STATES POPULATIONS OF THE RUSSIAN WHEAT APHID    IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INSECT RESISTANCE IN SORGHUM GERMPLASM