1. 7 seed lines, containing varying combinations of Resistance-to-Phytophthora sojae (Rps) genes (Rps1a and/or 1c), were subject to USDA Uniform Test by the University of Missouri (UMO) group. Depending on the testing results, some of these lines could soon be released.
2. 72 additional lines, 20 of them carrying various Rps genes (Rps1a, 1c, and/or 1k), have entered advanced yield trials at UMO.
3. 75 new breeding lines, including 50 from the Ohio State University (OSU) group that contain potentially multiple new Rps genes, and 25 from the UMO group, are being subjected to preliminary yield trials.
4. 48 new crosses have been performed. Among them, 34 (at UMO) are being propagated for more seed, 12 (6 each at UMO and OSU) are being advanced to varying generations.
5. At least 14 new R genes are being identified and characterized to varying resolutions. Among them 11 new Rps genes have been identified by the OSU group and await further characterization. 2 R genes conferring resistance to the fungal pathogen Phialophora gregata, named as Rbs1 and 2, are being characterized by the USDA-ARS group. Most excitingly, 1 new R gene that confers resistance to a different root rot pathogen, Phytophthora sansomeana, has been delineated to a <500 kb genome region on soybean chromosome 3.
6. The new virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vector, FZ, developed through USB support, has received 26 requests from academia, and 8 requests from a company. More than 60 FZ-based VIGS constructs have been produced and tested. Among them, the Rps1c-targeting constructs made it possible for us to nail down the gene responsible for Rps1c-mediated resistance.
7. During FY23, we have published 4 peer-reviewed research paper. 2 more manuscripts are being prepared for submission. Finally, we have had 8 presentations at multiple conferences.