Project Number: 6217-21000-006-04
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Jul 01, 2003
End Date: Jun 30, 2008

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project focus on the exploitation of untapped germplasm for enhancing sorghum germplasm/cultivars with improved pest resistance. As anticipated, application of DNA marker technologies in exploiting the vast and largely under-utilized pool of desired genes/traits existing in the wild relatives of cultivated sorghum will provide a huge new resource of genetic resistance to promote the next phase of sorghum genetic improvement. This study will also greatly accelerate the acquisition of knowledge about the genetic control of pest resistance, with further development of tools for interrogating and modifying the genome of sorghum.

Approach:
A large collection of sorghum and related species will be screened to identify new sources of resistance to pests using laboratory, greenhouse and field screenings. DNA marker technologies will be used to uncover the genetic difference responsible for resistance to insect pests, such as greenbug and other important insects, within and among germplasm accessions and in cultivated sorghum lines. Once DNA markers linked to insect resistance are identified, we will develop protocols that use marker-assisted selection (MAS) to characterize and profile resistant sorghum germplasm and track and monitor resistance genes among breeding lines. In addition, mechanisms of resistance and the bases of resistance will be investigated in field tests and in laboratory bioassays.

Project Team

Huang, Yinghua Charles Tauer - Professor 405-624-4141

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

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