2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The overall research goal is to add SSR and SNP markers to the current genetic linkage maps of a diploid blueberry mapping population (interspecific population derived from V. darrowii x V. corymbosum hybrid) developed by the USDA/ARS, Beltsville, MD, and a tetraploid blueberry mapping population (V. corymbosum) developed by the Michigan State University. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Genetic linkage maps will be developed for a diploid interspecific blueberry (V. darrowi x V. corymbosum) mapping population developed by the USDA/ARS, Beltsville, MD, and for a tetraploid highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum) mapping population, derived from across between the northern highbush cultivar ‘Draper’ and the southern highbush cultivar ‘Jewel’, developed by Michigan State University. SSR and SNP markers will be added to the current maps. Markers will be tested on parent plants first. Markers that detect differences between the parents will be followed in the appropriate mapping populations and added to the current genetic linkage maps using computer software programs such as MAPMAKER or JoinMap for the diploid population and Tetraploid Map for the tetraploid population. The populations are segregating for chilling requirement, cold tolerance, and various fruit quality traits; thus, they should be useful for identifying QTL associated with these traits. 3.Progress Report The purpose of this agreement is to distribute part of the funds from a CSREES-funded Specialty Crop Research Initiative project entitled “Generating Genomic Tools for Blueberry Improvement” to the collaborator at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research. Genomic resources for genetic improvement are lacking in blueberry. The objectives of this project are to develop molecular markers for blueberry and add them to genetic linkage maps of diploid and tetraploid blueberry populations. Over the last year research has concentrated on the development and mapping of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for the diploid population using high resolution melting (HRM) analysis on a Roche 480 Light Cycler. A total of 140 markers have been screened so far on the parents of the diploid population, and 95 of these markers were identified as polymorphic, thus, mappable in the population. Of these, 64 have so far been used to genotype the whole diploid population. Data for these markers is being provided to the ADODR for map construction. This work includes the training of two college students this year; one student from Hochschule Rhein Main, Germany (funded by Deutscher Akademischer Astausch Dientst – German Academic Exchange Service, Germany) between February and June 2011, and one American student from the University of Central Arkansas (funded by the SCRI project) between July and September 2011. This research will ultimately be used by blueberry breeders to develop new, improved blueberry varieties through marker-assisted selection. Progress was monitored by the ADODR through phone calls/conference calls and e-mails to exchange data and discuss research plans.