Project Number: 5368-21220-002-01
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Sep 25, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2008

Objective:
The objective of this project is to provide an objective, time-tested evaluation of germplasm and variety performance under moderate to severe conditions of Rhizomania, Rhizoctonia, Cercospora Leaf Spot and Curly Top Virus. A second objective of the project is to allow the breeders to select breeding material for resistance to the above-mentioned diseases. Formerly 5368-21220-001-01G (July 2006).

Approach:
Long-term ARS Research at Kimberly will be directed toward the development of improved germplasm lines of sugar beet with improved disease and pest resistance and nutrient utilization. Collaborative efforts with an ARS Plant Geneticist and Plant Pathologist/Virologist will utilize new technologies to improve sugar beet germplasm. To ensure adaptability across a wide range of environments, evaluations of new material must be assessed at sugar beet growing regions other than Kimberly. The Beet Sugar Development Foundation because of its unique relationship with growers, state cooperative extension, and other ARS federal locations, is in a unique position to serve ARS in this agreement. The field evaluations will be done in the appropriate area of the country where each individual disease is prevalent. In the case of Rhizomania, a location that is known to be infected will be the site of the test. In the case of Rhizoctonia and Cercospora Leaf Spot inoculation will be used to ensure the presence of the diseases. And in the case of Curly Top Virus, leafhoppers carrying the virus will be introduced to the trial. Depending on the particular disease, the approved rating system will be used to evaluate such things as leaf damage, root damage and death of plants. In appropriate cases, some trials will be harvested and of root yield and sucrose content will be determined. Documents Grant with Beet Sugar Development Foundation. Formerly 5368-21220-001-01G (7/06).