ARS | Publication request: Genetic Dissection of Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Sorghum

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 16, 2010
Publication Date: January 9, 2011
Citation: Burow, G.B., Burke, J.J., Franks, C., Xin, Z. 2011. Genetic Dissection of Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Sorghum. Plant and Animal Genome Conference Proceedings. January 15-19, 2011. San Diego, Califonia. Paper No. W540.

Technical Abstract: Sorghum, the fifth most important cereal crop in the world is a highly versatile crop and an excellent model species due to its overall tolerance to a number of abiotic stress conditions. To gain a better understanding of the physiological and genetic basis of abiotic stress tolerance in sorghum we are harnessing the abundant genetic diversity in the species and employed a combination of physiological studies, QTL mapping and mutant analysis. We have developed a number of recombinant inbred and mutant populations that offer variation for traits such as early season cold tolerance and profuse wax-robust cuticle traits, respectively. Genetic mapping using a mutant population for profuse wax-robust cuticle trait allowed the identification of candidate genes and further characterization of the role of the trait in water use efficiency of sorghum. QTL mapping for early season cold tolerance using diverse Chinese Kaoliangs have resulted in identification of DNA markers that can be used in improvement of cold tolerance in sorghum. We will pursue testing the utility of QTL markers through marker assisted analysis of near isogenic lines and backcrosses and conduct in depth study of the molecular basis of cold tolerance in sorghum.