• Task 1: By the end of the project year, we will have verified copy number differences identified during the current year, and tested the SCN resistance and obtained at least one field season of agronomic performance data for lines derived from plants with verified difference. Additional screening and selection for plants with copy number variation will be completed.
• Task 2: By the end of the project year we will provide information regarding variable DNA methylation at the Rhg1 locus and its correlation with observed differences in the SCN resistance of different soybean lines that carry similar Rhg1 haplotypes. We will develop and begin testing of assays for Rhg1 DNA methylation and RNA expression that can be used in breeding, with greater emphasis placed on the trait (methylation or RNA expression) that our findings indicate can most successfully be assayed and used to predict relative SCN resistance.
• Task 3: We hope by the end of the proposed project year to have at least preliminarily identified the relevant SCN resistance-conferring gene at one of the PI 468916-derived loci cqSCN006 or cqSCN007. Seed increases of one line with these resistance genes will be in progress to produce seed for commercial sale. One line also will be made available to private industry breeders for use as a parent in breeding programs.
• Task 4: Findings presented at scientific meetings in spring and summer 2017.