Location: Soybean/maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Research
Project Number: 5012-22000-023-018-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2030
Objective:
To advance disease resistance through research on major soybean pathogens typically found in the US Midwest including species of Calonectria, Fusarium, Phytophthora, Cercospora, Pythium, Macrophomina, Rhizoctonia, Colletotrichum, and Meloidogyne, as well as soybean cyst nematodes.
Approach:
Access and Characterize Pathogen Resources: We will obtain diverse soybean pathogen and nematode isolates from field sites provided by the Cooperator and collaborating locations. These isolates will serve as the foundation for downstream biological and molecular analyses.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization: We will conduct phenotypic and molecular characterization to evaluate isolate diversity, virulence, and pathogenicity. This will include whole-genome sequencing, gene expression analysis, comparative genomics, and development of high-throughput and race-specific detection methods to identify virulence factors and population structure.
Field and Greenhouse Trials: We will integrate naturally infected field trials with controlled greenhouse experiments to study pathogen behavior, host–pathogen interactions, and disease progression under variable environmental conditions. These trials will also support screening and validation of soybean germplasm for resistance.
Resistance: We will evaluate diverse soybean germplasm lines in both field trials and controlled greenhouse settings to identify sources of resistance to major soybean pathogens and nematodes. Resistant and susceptible lines will be further analyzed using genetic and molecular tools to support breeding and functional gene studies.