2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To identify genes in soybean that are involved in resistance to disease. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Using gene expression biotechnologies such as cDNA and oligo microarrays as well as small RNA sequencing to identify disease-resistant genes in soybean. 3.Progress Report We have made RNAi constructs of a G-protein coupled receptor, received putative transgenic embryos of these transformants, and have germinated the embryos and cultivated 16 putative transgenic plants. However, the overall health of the transgenics was poor and of the five fertile plants that survived each produced only a single seed. We have germinated one seed and will test it, and the others when they are ready, for disease response. We have also summarized our RNA (genes and small RNA) expression studies of soybean response to Sclerotinia and submitted 8 new samples for RNAseq and 4 more for small RNA analysis. Activities of this project are monitored through personal meetings, phone calls and e-mails.