The goal of this project is to evaluate soybean genotypes to identify novel resistance to Cercospora pathogens. We will screen promising new germplasm to identify and map soybean resistance genes to frogeye leaf spot and Cercospora leaf blight. Research aims to determine the occurrence and distribution of frogeye leaf spot and Cercospora leaf blight infecting soybean in Delmarva, identify soybean accessions resistant to Cercospora by field screening and phenotyping and map resistance genes to Cercospora leaf blight. Mapping QTLs associated with Cercospora leaf blight resistance will allow for more efficient breeding practices and possible pyramiding of resistance loci via the implementation of marker-assisted selection.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents, soybean breeders, seed companies