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Title: Goals of a grant funded by the Specialty Crops Research Initiative Grant on translational genomics and pest resistances in onion

Author
item Havey, Michael
item CHEUNG, FOO - J CRAIG VENTER INST MD
item CRAMER, CHRISTOPHER - NM STATE UNIV LAS CRUCES
item PAPPU, HANU - WA STATE UNIV PULLMAN
item SCHWARTZ, HOWARD - CO STATE UNIV FT COLLINS

Submitted to: National Allium Research Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2008
Publication Date: 1/23/2009
Citation: Havey, M.J., Cheung, F., Cramer, C., Pappu, H., Schwartz, H. 2009. Goals of a grant funded by the Specialty Crops Research Initiative Grant on translational genomics and pest resistances in onion [abstract]. National Allium Research Conference. p. 13.

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. This funded project will establish collaborative research among growers, extensionists, pathologists, and breeders to identify, validate, and deliver resistances or tolerances 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. A high-density genetic map of onion will be constructed and used to 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. The research and extension components of this project will address important threats from pests and diseases, exploit genomics to speed the delivery of pest-resistant onion cultivars to growers and consumers, and educate lay and professional horticulturists to improve production efficacy in order to establish the foundation for long-term translational genomics of onions.