2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Identify the genetic map location of genes controlling pollen fertility restorer in sorghum. Identify potential candidate genes controlling pollen fertility in sorghum. Elucidate the mode of action of fertility restorer genes in controlling pollen viability in sorghum hybrids. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Utilize existing molecular marker technology to locate the position of fertility restorer loci on the annotated gene map of sorghum. Utilize the sequence of the sorghum genome to identify genes that belong to the pentatricopeptide gene family. Utilize bioinformatic tools to compare sequence of candidate fertility restorer genes to known fertility restorer genes in rice to more accurately predict functional fertility restorer genes and to better understand the mode of gene action in restoring pollen viability. 3.Progress Report The goal of this project is to map and clone fertility restoration genes in sorghum. With major fertility restoration gene mapping in advanced stages, efforts were initiated in 2011 to map partial fertility restoration genes. This mapping, when completed, will provide the required information to allow plant breeders to develop new female and male lines for hybrid seed production. Project work will be foundational to ultimate development of improved sorghum varieties for U.S. and Australian farmers. The ADODR of this project and the cooperator maintain regular communication by phone and e-mail, where progress of the work is discussed and evaluated, and where solutions to work impediments are developed. The ADODR and cooperator meet periodically (at national scientific meetings, etc.) where they discuss the direction and progress of the work.