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Genomic regions most
consistently associated with disease resistance
identified based on an analysis of published QTL
studies in maize, as well as comparative analysis
with resistance studies in rice.
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Simple-sequence
repeat (SSR, or microsatellite) markers associated
with putative disease QTL regions, and also those
providing general genome coverage, selected and
provided to KARI for use in analysis of potential
donors of resistance.
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Near-isogenic lines (QTL-NILs)
are being developed for selected resistance donors,
to allow the QTL regions to be more precisely
defined and characterized.
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Positional
candidate genes (genes related to plant defense and
likely located at the QTL) are being identified
through comparative analysis with the sequenced rice
genome.
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SSR
and candidate gene markers are being used for
analysis of maize populations developed by CIMMYT
through recurrent selection for disease resistance,
to identify regions showing shifts in allele
frequency and to identify the specific alleles
enriched through selection for disease resistance.
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An
approach to testing the phenotypic effects of
individual disease QTL alleles is being developed
for segregating inbred and F2 populations.
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Collaborative
interaction and technical support is provided to the
KARI maize improvement program through visits,
telephone conferences and exchange of research
materials.
Collaborators
Jedidah
Danson and Jane Ininda: Kenya Agriculture Research
Institute
Randy
Wisser, Ying Wei and Steve Kresovich: Cornell University
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