1. Develop and utilize a second field location for field studies and germplasm evaluation of SDS and SDS resistance. Having good, irrigated field sites to study SDS where early-maturing genetic materials are adapted is critical to increasing our understanding of this disease. We have been using one location with heavy soil near Waseca, MN to conduct field research, but we need another location to improve our odds of getting useful data every year. We propose setting up second field location with irrigation on a lighter soil type near Rosemount, MN where we can conduct additional studies on resistance and characteristics of the pathogen and disease.

2. Study SDS partial resistance in early maturing genetic material and provide resistant germplasm adapted to Minnesota. Early maturing material has a different genetic background than materials used in more southern areas. This project would contribute to our understanding of SDS partial resistance as well as providing early maturing genetic material for both public and private breeder's to use since SDS is moving into earlier maturing regions of the US. We would phenotype and genotype populations with highly tolerant/resistant lines in field and greenhouse experiments and with SNP’s.

3. Determine characteristics of the SDS pathogen that influence survival, spread, and infection of soybean. Because SDS is a new disease in MN, we have much to understand in relation to survival, spread, and its response to crop rotation. Our initial proposed focus would be on determining factors that influence winter survival, spread, infection, and reproduction of F. virguliforme in corn-soybean rotations. This would include study of potential associations between SCN cysts and F. virguliforme