Project Number: 5305-21000-013-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jul 19, 2008
End Date: Jul 18, 2009

Objective:
Develop host-plant resistance in sugarbeet to diseases, pests, and stresses with particular emphasis on the western U.S. production areas. These goals require continuation of a comprehensive program on germplasm enhancement, breeding, and genetics. The research involves a search for useful genes for host-plant resistance in cultivated sugarbeet and its wild species.

Approach:
Breed for resistance to rhizomania and other soil-borne viruses of sugarbeet. Lines for genetic and serological analyses will be produced and evaluated. Molecular and genetic markers will be investigated and used to determine allelism and for marker-assisted selection. Resistance to virus yellows will be sought, effects of individual viral components investigated and resistance breeding lines developed. Resistance to Meloidogyne spp. in Beta spp. will be investigated, inheritance patterns elucidated, markers identified, and root-knot nematode sugarbeet lines developed. Comprehensive germplasm enhancement and population improvement program will be continued. Sugarbeet with combined resistance to diseases and pests with improved yield components and genetic structure will be developed. Replacing 5305-21000-012-00D (9/08).