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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #234298
Title: Ensuring U.S. Onion Sustainability: Breeding and Genomics to Control Thrips and Iris Yellow Spot Virus

Author
item Havey, Michael
item CHEUNG, FOO - J CRAIG VENTER INST
item CRAMER, CHRISTOPHER - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIV
item PAPPU, HANU - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item 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.