Author
Havey, Michael | |
CHEUNG, FOO - J CRAIG VENTER INST | |
CRAMER, CHRISTOPHER - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV | |
PAPPU, HANU - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV | |
SCHWARTZ, HOWARD - COLORADO STATE UNV |
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2008 Publication Date: 1/9/2009 Citation: Havey, M.J., Cheung, F., Cramer, C., Pappu, H., Schwartz, H. 2009. Ensuring U.S. onion sustainability: Breeding and genomics to control thrips and iris yellow spot virus [abstract]. USDA National Research Initiative Project Director Meeting. p. 19. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The use of high throughput DNA sequencing to address important production constraints has been termed “translational genomics”. Classical breeding of onion is expensive and slow due to a long generation time and the high costs of crossing with insects. Translational genomics will revolutionize onion breeding by reducing the costs of selecting for important traits during the development of superior inbreds and populations. Collaborative research among growers, extensionists, pathologists, and breeders will identify, validate, and deliver resistances to thrips and thrips-vectored Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), both identified by stakeholders as the most important threats to the sustainability of US onion production. The cost benefits of these resistances will be estimated and communicated to growers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in expressed regions will be used to build a high-density genetic map of onion and tag resistances to these two prioritized pests, opening the door for marker-aided selection of onion. Project outcomes will be presented to breeders, growers, horticulturalists, and students by new and expanded web-based resources, articles in trade magazines, and workshops at regional and national grower meetings. |