Location: Plant Science Research
Project Number: 6070-22000-019-041-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2030
Objective:
The objective of this research is to leverage advanced breeding methodology in wheat by developing and characterizing targeting induced local lesions in genomes (TILLING) resources for identification and mapping of important genes. The parent project is extensively involved in mapping and isolation of important genes for disease resistance, agronomic performance and quality. Joint development and characterization of mutant populations in common wheat and its related species will accelerate these efforts.
This project will integrate field, greenhouse and laboratory screening of mutant populations with DNA sequencing to accelerate identification of genes underlying important traits. This sequenced TILLING resource will complement on-going ARS fine mapping and mechanistic studies and provide essential data needed to manipulate and select desirable alleles for wheat improvement.
Approach:
The project will develop and utilize EMS induced TILLING populations in common wheat and related species to accelerate discovery of genes underlying key agronomic and resistance traits. Mutant populations will be generated, maintained, and phenotyped across field, greenhouse, and controlled environments to identify informative variation. High quality DNA will be isolated from mutant families and sequenced to detect induced mutations. Combined phenotypic and genomic data will be analyzed collaboratively to map loci of interest and develop markers that enable efficient selection of beneficial alleles. This integrated mutagenesis to marker pipeline will support ARS efforts to fine map genes, understand trait mechanisms, and provide valuable seed and data resources to the broader U.S. wheat research community.