Location: Vegetable Research
Project Number: 6080-21000-020-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Apr 11, 2023
End Date: Apr 10, 2028
Objective:
Objective 1: Phenotype genetic populations and germplasm and utilize genetic and genomic methodologies to identify gene loci associated with biotic or abiotic stresses, or with horticultural traits in watermelon, broccoli, leafy Brassicas and Onions. (NP301, C1, PS1A, PS1B)
Objective 2: Use marker assisted selection (MAS) and/or genomic selection (GS) approaches to develop and release watermelon, broccoli, leafy Brassica and onion germplasm with improved biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, combined with desirable horticultural traits. (NP301, C1, PS1A, PS1B).
The FY2026 budget increase will be used to conduct research on Vidalia onion genetics and to breed desirable traits into onion breeding lines, with emphasis on bacterial rots, particularly Burkholderia and Pantoea species. This research will provide stable resistance to key pathogens and pests of onion, reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, and produce new onion varieties with marketable traits. This budget increase will enhance the project research under Objective 1: Phenotype genetic populations and germplasm and utilize genetic and genomic methodologies to identify gene loci associated with biotic and abiotic stresses, or with horticultural traits in watermelon, broccoli, leafy Brassicas, and onion [NP301, C1, PSA1A, PS1B; C3, PS3A]; and Objective 2: Use marker assisted selection (MAS) and/or genomic selection (GS) approaches to develop and release watermelon, broccoli, leafy Brassicas, and onion germplasm with improved biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, combined with desirable horticultural traits [NP301, C1, PSA1A, PS1B; C3, PS3A]. Research will focus on Vidalia onion genetics and breeding for key pathogens and pests.
Approach:
This project focuses on watermelon, broccoli, leafy green brassicas, vidalia onions and has a long-term goal to elucidate genetic factors controlling resistance to major diseases, tolerance to environmental stress, and enhanced quality or nutritional attributes. Proposed strategies will employ both conventional crop breeding methods and advanced genomic technologies to identify and incorporate gene loci associated with traits of interest into the genome of cultivated lines. The watermelon part of this project focuses on identifying genetic resources and gene loci useful for improving resistance to major diseases, including Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and common aphid-transmitted potyviruses. Germplasm collections will be evaluated for resistance to the emerging virulent race 3 of Fusarium wilt. Marker assisted selection (MAS) will be employed to pyramid qualitative traits of resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 and potyviruses, while “genomic selection (GS)” approaches will be used to improve watermelon cultivars with complex traits of resistance to Fusarium wilt race 2 and powdery mildew. This project will also focus on identifying viadlia onions for resistance to major diseases for use in breeding programs. This project has devoted efforts to elucidate gene loci and to breed for broccoli lines with improved tolerance to high-temperature stress. As with watermelon, GS methods will be employed to uncover all or most gene loci, including those with minor or major effects in conferring heat tolerance and production of high-quality mature broccoli heads. A different objective of this project focuses on evaluating and selecting for collard genotypes suitable for cultivation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) production systems, used as an alternative to meet the increased demand for local growing food crops. Here, collard genotypes rich in phytochemicals will be selected and bred for cultivation in CEA. Successful completion of this project objectives will contribute to the long-term improvement of disease resistance and abiotic tolerance in cucurbit and brassica crops. It will also greatly benefit seed company breeders, growers, and consumers of these important vegetable crops.