Development of 8-10 populations with resistant lines (120-150 lines per population) that carry genes from new sources of PSD resistance identified during the 2009-2011 phase.

Development of 20-30 advanced genetic lines from each population with resistance and yield potential for use in mapping and identification of genes for resistance to PSD.

Estimates of the genetic and pathogenic diversity of the pathogen isolates from different geographic origins.

Progress for each KPI is specified according to the numbered KPIs in section 3.4:
1. 10 Lines were identified with good resistance to Phomopsis seed decay
2. 150 breeding lines were developed from four mapping populations. The mapping populations will afford identification of resistant QTLs although this has not been accomplished as yet.
3. A cut-stem greenhouse assay was developed for breeders to more effectively screen lines for Phomopsis resistance as well as a petri-plate analysis and seed quality analyses for more thorough screening.
Additional accomplishments, beyond the specified KPIs, include:
4. 100 Phomopsis longicolla isolates collected from MS and AR; the pathogen’s genome was sequenced to more accurately characterize the difference in isolates and their virulence
5. 3-year field studies showed that select fungicides control Phomopsis and its effect on yield when applied at stage R5.