2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Develop a genomic framework by integrating physical map data with existing genetic map, and ECO-TILLING of new alleles for genes related to resistance, industrial, and nutraceutical traits. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Development of a genetic population segregating for pest resistance, horticultural, and nutraceutical traits. Construction of a BIBAC library, and making BAC pools and physical mapping for a multiple pest-resistant ARS cultivar. Genetic population will be characterized for the resistance and other traits. ECOTILLING will be used to identify genetic marker variants that may be correlated with these traits. 3.Progress Report This report documents research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and West Virginia State College. Additional details of the research can be found in the report for the in-house associated project 6659-22000-18-00D, New Approaches for Insect Pest Management in Vegetable Crops. A genetic population segregating for pest resistance was established by crossing two sweetpotato clones, Excel and SC1149-19. Excel is highly resistant to multiple species of insect pests; SC1149-19 is susceptible. The resulting population of 160 clones was grown in replicated plots at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, SC. These 160 clones were evaluated for pest resistance, yield, root color, and leaf shape. Tissue culture tubes of all 160 clones were sent to the principal investigator at Alabama A&M University. The principal investigator at Alabama A&M University has initiated construction of a BIBAC library and physical mapping of the pest-resistant cultivar. Coordination and project monitoring was done through conference calls and e-mail messages.