Location: Sugarbeet Research
Project Number: 3060-21000-045-032-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2025
End Date: Aug 31, 2026
Objective:
1. Obtain high quality whole genome sequences in sugarbeet germplasm lines.
2. Identify genes specific in sugarbeet for sucrose production by comparing genomic sequences of different genotypes.
3. Identify genomic regions affecting sugar productivity and pathways of gene expression regulation related to sugar synthesis or transportation.
4. Development markers for accumulating benefiical genes to ensure high sucrose concentration in root during breeding slection.
Approach:
1. RNA-seq will be used to compare gene expression levels among beet types to identify differentially expressed genes related to sucrose production in sugarbeet.
2. Whole genome sequencing 400 beet germplasm lines with10X genome coverage (about 10 GB per genotype) .
3. Identification of gene family members of SUTs and SWEET based on the whole genome sequences obtained.
4. Sequence compare to identify genomic variations (SNPs and k-mers), and then conduct whole genome association studies to identify genes related to sucrose production in sugarbeet.
5. Check variations in the promoter region of the target genes (mainly SUTs and SWEETs).
6. Estimating breeding value of genetic variations and develop markers for genes enhancing sucrose content in root.