Project Number: 1275-21220-222-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 01, 2003
End Date: Apr 30, 2008

Objective:
Characterize sugarbeet genes and resistance mechanisms involved in the defense response of specific sugarbeet genotypes to the sugarbeet root maggot. Compare the gene expression pattern that is induced by the root maggot vs. another important pest of sugarbeet, the leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus), a vector of beet curly top virus (BCTV) as well as spiroplasmas.

Approach:
A sugar beet cDNA library was prepared from taproot tissues of a sugarbeet root-maggot resistant line and screened with subtracted probes enriched for genes associated with resistance. Sequences of cDNA clones that specifically hybridize with only the subtracted probe will be compared against GenBank sequences for identification purposes. Molecular techniques (Northern macroarrays and/or Realtime PCR) will be used to characterize the expression patterns of the cloned genes in root maggot and leafhopper infested sugarbeet tissues. Cloned genes will be reconstructed for increased expression in sugarbeet hairy roots. Hairy roots will be bioassayed for insect resistance. BSL-1, 10/14/04.