2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Extension: We will expand close working relationships among breeders, extensionists, and growers of major Alliums in the US to evaluate germplasms for prioritized pest resistances and lay the foundation for the long-term translational genomics of the Allium vegetables. Workshops will be held at regional and national Allium meetings. Research: We will significantly increase the numbers of robust single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and develop a high through-put genotyping platform for onion. We will tag chromosome regions controlling prioritized disease-resistance traits of onion and transfer these tools to the private sector. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Develop a detailed genetic map for onion: o Identify simple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in onion; o Develop high throughput SNP genotyping platform for onion; Work with extension professionals to empower growers to complete on-farm evaluations for resistances or tolerances to prioritized diseases and pests; Self-pollinate and testcross selected plants and return seed to the extension-grower collaborators for validation of phenotypes; Deliver validated germplasms to private and public sector breeders; Exploit association genetics to tag grower-selected resistances. Develop workshops for public and private-sector researchers, students, and regional grower and consumer groups for onion to illustrate the usefulness of genomics to solve high-priority research goals. Specialty Crops Research Initiative. 3.Progress Report Project was initiated in September, 2008. Onion inbreds B5225B and OH-1 were grown, vernalized in the cold and tissues delivered to J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) for isolation of Ribonucleic acids (RNAs). RNAs were provided to a corporate entity for synthesis of normalized cDNAs. An onion F2 family segregating for the semi-glossy phenotype was produced and foliage types were scored in the field. Over 200 gynogenic haploids extracted from F1 plants from the cross of OH-1 by B5225B were asexually propagated for Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) isolations, mapping of molecular markers and evaluations of bulb quality. Field evaluations for tolerances to Iris Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV) and thrips were completed in Colorado and New Mexico and selected plants were self-pollinated for validation of tolerances. Project is monitored by conference calls every two months.