Location: Crop Production and Protection
Project Number: 0500-00053-005-215-G
Project Type: Grant
Start Date: May 1, 2026
End Date: Apr 30, 2030
Objective:
1. Identify candidate genes associated with FHB disease susceptibility within durum wheat genetic background.
2. Characterize and knockout the identified disease susceptibility genes to enhance the host
resistance against FHB.
3. Manage and maintain the standardized FHB nurseries to facilitate the large-scale FHB disease screening for durum wheat research community.
Approach:
1. Identify candidate genes or genomic loci underlying FHB susceptibility through MutMap and QTLSeq.
2. Characterize and knockout candidate genes via wheat x maize hybridization coupled with
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
3. Evaluate disease resistance using Fusarium-infested corn spawn or/and point-inoculation methods to ensure robust disease pressure in field conditions.