Location: National Programs
Project Number: 0500-00053-004-033-G
Project Type: Grant
Start Date: Jul 10, 2017
End Date: Jul 9, 2021
Objective:
Project 1: (i) Characterize FHB resistance and mycotoxin accumulation in lipoxygenases silenced and overexpressing transgenic wheat lines; (ii) Target non-host resistance mechanism for enhancing FHB resistance; and (iii) Target expression of a Ca2+-binding protein-encoding gene associated with diterpenoid signaling for promoting FHB resistance in wheat.
Project 2: (i) to confirm if knock-down of Lpx3 in other wheat varieties can similarly enhance FHB resistance, and (ii) simultaneously to identify Lpx3 variants that confer resistance to FHB in wheat varieties that can be utilized by breeding programs.
Approach:
Project 1: Utilize these activators and defense/susceptibility genes to enhance FHB resistance in wheat. Three strategies will be utilized: (i) The ectopic expression of defense regulatory genes, (ii) targeting non-host resistance mechanism, and (iii) reducing the level of host susceptibility factors.
Project 2: (i) Isolate homozygous Lpx3 mutant lines from the three sub-genomes, and backcross them to clear background mutations; (ii) Characterize the response of Lpx3 mutants to F. graminearum; and (iii) Develop wheat lines containing combinations of Lpx3 mutant alleles at the homeologous chromosomes.