2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To improve the MSU breeding program by using molecular markers. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Specific DNA molecular markers will be run on material selected by the MSU breeding program. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under Trust Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Mississippi Rice Promotion Board. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the in-house project 6402-21310-001-00D, “Genomics and Bioinformatics Research in Catfish, Cotton, and Soybeans.” Techniques were developed and utilized to rapidly and accurately test rice samples from the Mississippi Breeding program. Selected rice lines from advanced generations were screened for homozygosity for loci associated with Blast resistance and starch content. Subsequent output was analyzed and provided to the Mississippi State University rice breeder with consultation on how to interpret and utilize the data.