2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Freezing injury is a major source of risk and yield loss in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) production. Our long-term goal is to improve frost tolerance in cultivated wheat. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) We will use known gene sequences to identify and sequence genes on wheat chromosomes. Primers will be developed and used to resequence. Populations will be developed and we will determine the effect of each on frost tolerance. Documents SCA with UC Davis. 3.Progress Report Breeding Wheat for Winter Survival. The question is whether the three genes, CBF12, CBF14, and CBF15, clustered at the FR2 locus in wheat, play a major role in cold tolerance differences among wheat germplasm. PCR was used to clone the CBF12 gene from Triticum aestivum based on sequences from the cloned gene in Triticuim monococcum and genome specific primers for CBF12 were developed. We will be able to assay allelec differences in CBF 12 across a wide array of germplasm. If allelec differences in CBF 12 are associated with cold tolerance differences, we will be able to use this gene as a marker for improved cold tolerance in wheat. This research is monitored by the ADODR through phone calls and emails to the cooperators at UC Davis, and through visits with cooperators at national society meetings.