Project Number: 5402-21220-007-02
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Jun 04, 2007
End Date: Jun 03, 2012

Objective:
Increased host-plant resistant sources or alternative sources of resistance are needed against root maggot, root aphid, beet cyst nematode, rhizomania, Rhizoctonia root rot, root rotting complex, curly top virus, Beet Western and other yellowing viruses, and Cercospora leaf-spot. The Sugar Beet Crop Germplasm Committee (CGC) has coordinated evaluations in these areas in the past, and is currently evaluating 20-30 PI accessions with funding from NPGS, which was received last year. If the U.S. sugar industry is going to remain competitive in the face of global competition, it is paramount that the genetic resources available in our NPGS be exploited for resistance to these pests and diseases, and used to form an expanded germplasm base in commercial varieties.

Approach:
Researchers with expertise in screening germplasm for resistance to these diseses will work with the Beet Sugar Development foundation (BSDF) to use the appropriate tests to evaluate accessions from the NPGS Beta collection. Resistance to the root rotting complex, and sugar beet root maggot will be evaluated in replicated field trails. Resistance to sugarbeet root aphid, and sugarbeet cyst nematode will be evaluated in replicated greenhouse Trials. The data will be collected by the BSDF and forwarded to the Sugarbeet Crop Germplasm Committee Chairperson, who will see that they are entered in the GRIN system.