Location: Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research
Project Number: 3042-21000-035-026-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 15, 2021
End Date: Sep 14, 2026
Objective:
1) Identify and characterize Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance genes derived from wheat and its relatives;
2) Incorporate FHB resistance genes into adapted wheat backgrounds for germplasm development;
3) Map FHB resistance genes and develop user-friendly DNA markers to assist selection in wheat breeding and gene introgression; and
4) Understand epistatic effects of FHB resistance genes in different wheat backgrounds.
Approach:
1) We have developed and identified wheat-alien species derivatives with FHB resistance. We have crossed the FHB-resistant derivatives to adapted wheat cultivars and breeding lines. We will develop recombinant inbred lines using single seed descent method. A special long-photoperiod protocol will be adopted to rapidly advance generation for RIL development. This approach can easily increase segregation population size and enhance the generation and recovery of favorable recombinants in breeding for complex quantitative traits like FHB resistance.
2) DNA markers will be developed and utilized to map and select FHB resistance genes in introgression.
3) Molecular cytogenetic techniques FISH/GISH will be used to identify the alien chromatin containing FHB resistance genes in germplasm development.
4) Point inoculation method will be used to screen the materials for FHB resistance in the greenhouse and irrigation system will be used in the FHB nursery in the field by collaborating with the collaborator at UNL.
