2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Grow and store materials from diverse populations of non-cultivated plants related to vegetable crops. Evaluate the populations for accumulation of unusual compounds and for the influence of environment (including pollnator populations) on the expression of these traits. Develop molecular markers to identify the underlying genotypes and describe the genetic diversity of non-cultivated plants related to vegetable crops in their environment. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Diverse populations of cucurbits, potato, and wild carrot will be planted, or native populations sampled, and analyzed for molecular markers and pigments/carbohydrates in storage roots, tubers, and fruit. Associations among markers, storage compounds, geographic location and microclimatic variation will be evaluated. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document accomplishments under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 3655-21000-043-00D. This cooperative agreement contributes to the sampling of leaf tissue from wild cucurbits and carrot populations and in the development of molecular markers to identify the genetic diversity within and among populations of these plant species. Sample collections of leaf tissue in wild squash and carrot populations are ongoing. A large number of microsatellite markers developed in melon, cucumber or Cucurbita pepo have been tested and shown to amplify in wild squash, but have shown no genetic variation within wild squash. Microsatellite primers developed in cultivated carrots have been tested on wild carrot populations, amplified and some primers showed significant genetic variation in wild carrots. These microsatellite markers will be used to determine the genetic structure of wild carrot populations; quantify the outcrossing rate and the potential for gene flow among wild carrot populations. An alternative strategy will be used to obtain variable microsatellite primers for wild squash. All scientists on this project are located in the department of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin Madison and monitoring of activities goes on periodically via discussions and meetings. This research is relevant to Component 3, Plant Biotechnology Risk Assessment, of the Plant Biological and Molecular Processes Action Plan (NP 302) and addresses Problem Statement 3B: Interaction of transgenic plants with their environment.