Research Project: Characterization of Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat and its Relatives

Location: National Programs

Project Number: 0500-00053-004-029-G
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Jul 10, 2017
End Date: Jul 9, 2020

Objective:
Project 1: 1) Characterize the hexaploid-derived FHB resistance genes in durum background and the role of D-genome chromosomes in FHB resistance; 2) Incorporate FHB resistance QTL from hexaploid wheat into adapted durum backgrounds for germplasm development; 3) Validate the molecular markers tagging resistance QTL in durum germplasm. Project 2: Continue FHB resistance gene introgression from wheat-alien species derivatives into spring wheat and to develop spring wheat germplasm with diverse FHB resistance genes.

Approach:
(1) Characterize the effects of durum background and D-genome chromosomes on FHB resistance by molecular mapping and chromosome analysis and to continue FHB resistance gene introgression from distinct hexaploid resistance sources into durum. (2) 1) Incorporate FHB resistance genes from wheat-alien species derivatives into adapted spring wheat genotypes; 2) Position the alien chromatin containing FHB resistance genes incorporated into the wheat genome and minimizing linkage drag associated with resistance genes; 3) Pyramid alien and wheat FHB resistance genes; and 4) Develop FHB-resistant germplasm directly usable in spring wheat breeding.