Objective:
Develop more precise markers for known major FHB-resistant QTLs.

Approach:
Associate known FHB-associated genes with known major FHB-resistant QTLs by functionally studying their differential expression in a pair of near-isogenic lines. Validate the candidate genes/miRNAs as markers to FHB resistance/susceptibility by assaying their expression in winter wheat lines/ populations that are known to have the QTLs with which the genes/miRNAs are associated.