Location: Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research
Project Number: 5030-21220-007-061-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jan 1, 2025
End Date: Dec 31, 2025
Objective:
In the U.S., seedling pathogens and root rots cause losses of 90 million bushels during wet springs across all soybean growing areas. Genetic resistance is the most effective management tool to minimize disease losses and maintain consistent yields. This research team has identified 100+ sources of resistance for diseases caused by Phytophthora sojae, more than eight species of Pythium, Fusarium graminearum, or the brown stem rot pathogen Phialphora gregata. The project will continue to release cultivars and germplasm with resistance to one or more of these pathogens as well as identify and characterize the candidate genes for development of ‘perfect’ molecular markers for rapid and precise incorporation of the targeted resistance into US germplasm and ultimately varieties that farmers can grow. This work continues to be important as pathogens evolved to evade plant defense responses.
Approach:
1. Cooperators will continue to develop new and improved soybean varieties and germplasm with enhanced resistance traits.
2. Cooperators and ARS PI will use mapping, whole genome expression analyses to identify the specific gene(s) contributing to resistance and determine how resistance is regulated.
3. Cooperators will use VIGS and CRIPSR/Cas9 technologies to confirm candidate genes.
4. ARS PI will use VIGS coupled with RNA-seq to confirm candidate genes and the molecular networks they control. Research will focus on Phytophthora sojae and Phialophora gregata.