Research Project: Using High-Throughput Sequencing to Characterize the Genetic and Genomic Architecture of Brown Stem Rot Resistance in Soybean

Location: Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research

Project Number: 5030-21220-006-048-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement

Start Date: Apr 1, 2018
End Date: Mar 31, 2020

Objective:
Identify and characterize genes for resistance to Brown Stem Rot (caused by Phialophora gregata) in soybean using RNA-seq and Virus Induced Gene Silencing.

Approach:
1. Use next generation sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify and characterize genes in roots and leaves responding to Phialophora gregata infection and identify gene expression differences in resistant and susceptible cultivars. We will use three resistant genotypes carrying resistance genes. Plants will be grown simultaneously to allow direct comparisons across genetic backgrounds. 2. Use Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) to assay the function of 20 candidate Phialophora gregata resistance and defense genes. 3. Use generated RNA-seq data to develop and test markers linked to Brown Stem Rot Resistance.