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Overall
objective: To contribute to the improvement of
Kenyan maize by identifying and utilizing segments of
the maize genome associated with quantitative resistance
to two important foliar diseases.
Specific
objectives:
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To identify
segments of the maize genome associated with disease
resistance based on published QTL studies, analysis
of shifts in allele frequency in maize populations
that have been subjected to recurrent selection for
disease resistance, and trait-marker associations in
segregating populations.
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To develop and
characterize near-isogenic lines for disease QTL, as
a basis for better understanding chromosomal
segments carrying disease resistance loci.
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To identify
molecular markers that can be used for marker
assisted selection for disease resistance.
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To provide
support to collaborators in Kenya for molecular
analysis of disease resistance in particular, and
molecular genetic analysis in general.
Short
description of the project: Gray leaf spot (GLS) and
northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) are severe problems for
Kenyan maize farmers, and are also important for maize
production in the US.
This summary relates to the US component of a
collaborative project aimed at improving disease
resistance in African maize populations.
The overall project brings together molecular
analysis of disease resistance with marker-assisted
selection and conventional resistance breeding.
Collaborators
Jedidah
Danson and Jane Ininda: Kenya Agriculture Research
Institute
Randy
Wisser, Ying Wei and Steve Kresovich: Cornell University
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