Project Number: 5442-21000-030-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 03, 2004
End Date: Oct 31, 2008

Objective:
Identify new sources of resistance to Fusarium head blight, Stagonospora nodorum, and tan spot. Evaluate, characterize, and determine the number and chromosomal locations of novel genes governing improved quality traits and resistance to Fusarium head blight, Stagonospora nodorum, and tan spot. Identify and/or develop user-friendly molecular markers closely linked to novel genes for grain protein content and resistance to Fusarium head blight, Stagonospora nodorum, and tan spot for use in marker-assisted selection schemes. Isolate and characterize the Tsn1 gene conferring sensitivity to a host-selective toxin produced by the tan spot fungus by positional cloning. Incorporate novel genes governing improved quality and disease resistance into hard red spring wheat and durum wheat germplasm using conventional methods as well as marker-assisted selection. Provide genotyping services for the small grains breeding community by screening genotypes for desirable alleles using available markers, and by developing new molecular markers for agronomically important traits.

Approach:
Survey wild relatives of wheat, synthetic hexaploids, and other sources for resistance to Fusarium head blight, Stagonospora nodorum, and tan spot, quality traits such as protein content, and other agronomically important traits. Develop genetic linkage maps in segregating populations using molecular markers and identify genomic regions harboring quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance or improved quality. Use QTL analysis to estimate the number and chromosomal locations of genes governing resistance and quality traits. Target genomic regions harboring QTLs with PCR-based marker technologies, such as microsatellites, sequence-tagged sites, and amplified fragment length polymorphisms, to identify markers suitable for marker-assisted selection. Isolate the Tsn1 gene using positional cloning techniques. Develop improved germplasm through the use of conventional and marker-assisted selection. Release enhanced germplasm to wheat breeders, and deposit germplasm stocks in the National Germplasm System. Utilize high-throughput marker platforms for genotyping lines for the small grains breeding community, and develop new high-throughput markers for agronomically important traits of interest.BL-1; 5/4/04.

Project Team

Faris, Justin Xu, Steven Chao, Shiaoman

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Plant Diseases (303)

Related Projects

WHEAT GERMPLASM ENHANCEMENT THROUGH DISEASE RESISTANCE    DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETIC MUTANTS IN DURUM AND COMMON WHEAT    MAP-BASED CLONING OF THE TSN1 GENE IN WHEAT