1. The mapping populations in Michigan will be rated for SDS symptoms in those environments with significant disease symptoms and genes controlling SDS resistance will be mapped.
2. Data from field evaluations of validation populations will be analyzed to validate the SDS resistance genes identified in the mapping population.
3. Disease resistance data from the evaluations of the NIL confirmation populations will be analyzed. A manuscript will be prepared describing the results from the testing of the confirmation populations across years.
4. A manuscript will be prepared describing results from gene expression studies with NILs that are identical in their genetic background except for resistance to SDS.
5. Data analysis along with the gene annotation will be completed to identify common and different gene regulation pathways between roots and leaves. Additionally, qRT-PCR will be used to validate RNA-Seq data.