Small Grain Genetic Program
Objectives
Improving wheat production using techniques in conventional breeding and molecular genetics and genomics.
Traits of interest
Drought and heat tolerance, resistance to greenbug, hessian fly, and Russian wheat aphid, as well as leaf, stem and stripe rust and streak mosaic virus.
Current projects
1. Ogallala drought tolerance
Physiological and Genetic Basis for Improved Water Use Efficiency in Five Crops
of Ogallala Region
Drought tolerance is the number one problem in Panhandle areas of Texas as well
as most part of the Great Plains, the major wheat production areas of the U.S.. Genetic
dissection and molecular characterization of physiological traits are challenges
to researchers as they are controlled by multiple genes with small effects. Texas wheat
breeders have developed some cultivars, such TAM111 and TAM112,
showing drought tolerance. Understanding and utilization of these promising sources
are priority of research.
2. USDA map based cloning of greenbug resistance gene, Gb3
Greenbug infestation is the number two problem in dryland. Several genes conditioning
greenbug resistance have been identified. Gb3 having resistance to biotype C, E, H,
I, K is under cloning. Perfect molecular markers linked this gene is available to be used
for marker-assisted slection.
3. Marker-assisted selection to pyramid multiple genes into new germplasm
lines or cultivars.
Funded by Texas Wheat Producer Board
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