Project Number: 6659-21000-014-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Sep 10, 2003
End Date: Sep 09, 2008

Objective:
Develop superior breeding lines and genetically improved cultivars of southernpeas that exhibit enhanced horticultural traits, enhanced yield potential, and high levels of resistance to damping-off of seedlings caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Develop superior breeding lines and genetically improved cultivars of sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) and Habanero-type peppers (C. chinense) that exhibit high levels of resistance to root-knot nematodes.

Approach:
The techniques of classical plant breeding, especially the pedigree, single seed descent and recurrent backcross procedures, will be used to develop advanced breeding lines of southernpeas and peppers. Efforts to identify sources of R. solani resistance in southernpea will involve the development of efficient and effective methodology for evaluating germplasm and then the progressive evaluation of collections of cultivars, collections of advanced breeding lines, the designated core collection of the U. S. Plant Introduction (USPI) Cowpea Germplasm Collection, selected portions of the USPI cowpea collection from specific geographic areas of the world, and, if necessary, the entire USPI cowpea collection. A backcross breeding technique will be used to incorporate a dominant root-knot nematode resistance gene into several non-bell, sweet-type peppers, and a similar approach will be used to incorporate a dominant resistance gene into Habanero-type peppers. Cooperative research will be conducted to develop genetic marker-assisted strategies that facilitate rapid incorporation of resistances into breeding lines. Advanced southernpea breeding lines with needed seed and plant characteristics, persistent green seed phenotypes, resistance to root-knot nematodes, and enhanced yield potential will be evaluated in replicated field trials at Charleston, SC, and throughout the southeastern U.S. as entries in the Regional Southernpea Cooperative Trials. Advanced sweet-type and Habanero-type pepper breeding lines with high levels of resistance to root-knot nematodes will be evaluated in replicated tests at Charleston, SC.