Project Number: 3655-21000-048-10
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2008
End Date: Aug 31, 2013

Objective:
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.

Approach:
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.