Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The primary goal of this project is to develop and disseminate new productive disease resistant cultivars of cacao. To attain that goal we are developing tools and breeding enhancement techniques that will efficiently facilitate recurrent genetic improvement. These tools and techniques are being implemented in the project and have been made available to international breeding programs. Research performed in genetic resource evaluation, molecular genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, plant pathology, and practical field selection are all part of a global strategy to develop superior planting material for farmers. The project has four specific goals: Objective 1. Develop DNA based markers associated with resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa, Moniliophthora roreri, Phytophthora spp., and Ceratocystis fimbrata and evaluate germplasm in the international collections to obtain useful information for developing cacao breeding strategies. Objective 2. Establish families combining traits of interest and develop a Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program to genetically improve cacao for resistance to these diseases and to provide new cultivars with enhanced production. This objective requires cooperation with a number of national and international research organizations in Central and South America, West Africa, and South Asia. The South and Central American institutes are Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Center (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIAP) Estacion Experimental Pichilingue (EET Pichilingue) in Quevedo, Ecuador. Collaboration with West African institutes is through the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria and with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and in Asia with the Coconut and Cacao Institute (CCI) in Papua New Guinea. To ensure access to these populations, specific cooperative agreements (SCA) have been established with these institutions. Objective 3. Identify genes involved with disease resistance reactions and investigate the molecular basis of resistance. Objective 4. Develop biostatistical expertise for cacao genetics for whole genome map development, identification of marker-trait associations, molecular systematic analysis, and development of a genetic relational database. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and association mapping analysis cannot be performed in house. A Specific Cooperative Agreement (SCA) has been established to accomplish the work. Approach (from AD-416) Markers associated with the resistance genes will be used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these four diseases. Candidate gene markers were developed from Resistance Gene Homologues and WRKY genes using Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism-Capillary Array Electrophoresis (SSCP-CAE). These, along with microsatellite markers were used to produce the first definitive saturated linkage map of Theobroma cacao. One major and one minor Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) were discovered controlling resistance to witches� broom and three QTLs have been identified for resistance to frosty pod. The microsatellite loci linked to the QTL are now being used to locate the disease resistance genes in a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Assays are being developed to use these markers for selection in current breeding populations. This project is related to the inhouse objective: The development and implementation of an international Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program for cacao is the major objective of this project. This objective involves a combination of hypothesis-driven and non-hypothesis driven research and includes the training of scientists from cacao producing countries in plant breeding, genetics, and the use of molecular markers in a MAS program. The goals of this project are to develop new DNA based resistance to Frosty Pod, Black Pod, and Witches Broom. Markers associated with the resistance genes are being used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these three diseases. Providing productive, disease resistant cultivars for farmers will ensure a plentiful supply of cocoa beans for the American confectionary industry, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This is the fifth year of the agreement with Mars for $500,000 per year ($5,000,000 total for a 10 year commitment to the breeding project). These funds were used to support the overseas field testing for disease resistance and productivity traits. The Trust supported our field plantings in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea where phenotypic and disease evaluations continue. In addition, the funds supported travel and laboratory expenses associated with the molecular evaluations. These funds also supported one post doctoral fellow and partially supported a lab technician in the Miami lab.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The primary goal of this project is to develop and disseminate new productive disease resistant cultivars of cacao. To attain that goal we are developing tools and breeding enhancement techniques that will efficiently facilitate recurrent genetic improvement. These tools and techniques are being implemented in the project and have been made available to international breeding programs. Research performed in genetic resource evaluation, molecular genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, plant pathology, and practical field selection are all part of a global strategy to develop superior planting material for farmers. The project has four specific goals: Objective 1. Develop DNA based markers associated with resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa, Moniliophthora roreri, Phytophthora spp., and Ceratocystis fimbrata and evaluate germplasm in the international collections to obtain useful information for developing cacao breeding strategies. Objective 2. Establish families combining traits of interest and develop a Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program to genetically improve cacao for resistance to these diseases and to provide new cultivars with enhanced production. This objective requires cooperation with a number of national and international research organizations in Central and South America, West Africa, and South Asia. The South and Central American institutes are Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Center (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIAP) Estacion Experimental Pichilingue (EET Pichilingue) in Quevedo, Ecuador. Collaboration with West African institutes is through the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria and with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and in Asia with the Coconut and Cacao Institute (CCI) in Papua New Guinea. To ensure access to these populations, specific cooperative agreements (SCA) have been established with these institutions. Objective 3. Identify genes involved with disease resistance reactions and investigate the molecular basis of resistance. Objective 4. Develop biostatistical expertise for cacao genetics for whole genome map development, identification of marker-trait associations, molecular systematic analysis, and development of a genetic relational database. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and association mapping analysis cannot be performed in house. A Specific Cooperative Agreement (SCA) has been established to accomplish the work. Approach (from AD-416) Markers associated with the resistance genes will be used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these four diseases. Candidate gene markers were developed from Resistance Gene Homologues and WRKY genes using Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism-Capillary Array Electrophoresis (SSCP-CAE). These, along with microsatellite markers were used to produce the first definitive saturated linkage map of Theobroma cacao. One major and one minor Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) were discovered controlling resistance to witches� broom and three QTLs have been identified for resistance to frosty pod. The microsatellite loci linked to the QTL are now being used to locate the disease resistance genes in a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Assays are being developed to use these markers for selection in current breeding populations. This research relates to inhouse objective: The development and implementation of an international Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program for cacao is the major objective of this project. This objective involves a combination of hypothesis-driven and non-hypothesis driven research and includes the training of scientists from cacao producing countries in plant breeding, genetics, and the use of molecular markers in a MAS program. The goals of this project are to develop new DNA based markers and utilize them to characterize populations of cacao that are segregating for resistance to Frosty Pod, Black Pod, and Witches Broom. Markers associated with the resistance genes are being used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these three diseases. Providing productive, disease resistant cultivars for farmers will ensure a plentiful supply of cocoa beans for the American confectionary industry, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This is the fifth year of the five year commitment from Mars, Inc. for $500,000 per year ($5,000,000 total 10 year commitment to the breeding project). These funds are used to support the overseas field testing for disease resistance and productivity traits. The Trust continues to support our field plantings in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea where phenotypic and disease evaluations continue. In addition, the funds support travel and laboratory expenses associated with the molecular evaluations. They also support one post doctoral fellow and partially support a lab technician in the Miami lab. Monitoring Activities: The project has been managed through regular conference calls and emails with Mars senior managers and with daily interaction with the senior Mars breeder who is stationed at the Miami lab.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The primary goal of this project is to develop and disseminate new productive disease resistant cultivars of cacao. To attain that goal we are developing tools and breeding enhancement techniques that will efficiently facilitate recurrent genetic improvement. These tools and techniques are being implemented in the project and have been made available to international breeding programs. Research performed in genetic resource evaluation, molecular genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, plant pathology, and practical field selection are all part of a global strategy to develop superior planting material for farmers. The project has four specific goals: Objective 1. Develop DNA based markers associated with resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa, Moniliophthora roreri, Phytophthora spp., and Ceratocystis fimbrata and evaluate germplasm in the international collections to obtain useful information for developing cacao breeding strategies. Objective 2. Establish families combining traits of interest and develop a Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program to genetically improve cacao for resistance to these diseases and to provide new cultivars with enhanced production. This objective requires cooperation with a number of national and international research organizations in Central and South America, West Africa, and South Asia. The South and Central American institutes are Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Center (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIAP) Estacion Experimental Pichilingue (EET Pichilingue) in Quevedo, Ecuador. Collaboration with West African institutes is through the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria and with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and in Asia with the Coconut and Cacao Institute (CCI) in Papua New Guinea. To ensure access to these populations, specific cooperative agreements (SCA) have been established with these institutions. Objective 3. Identify genes involved with disease resistance reactions and investigate the molecular basis of resistance. Objective 4. Develop biostatistical expertise for cacao genetics for whole genome map development, identification of marker-trait associations, molecular systematic analysis, and development of a genetic relational database. Approach (from AD-416) Markers associated with the resistance genes will be used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these four diseases. Candidate gene markers were developed from Resistance Gene Homologues and WRKY genes using Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism-Capillary Array Electrophoresis (SSCP-CAE). These, along with microsatellite markers were used to produce the first definitive saturated linkage map of Theobroma cacao. One major and one minor Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) were discovered controlling resistance to witches� broom and three QTLs have been identified for resistance to frosty pod. The microsatellite loci linked to the QTL are now being used to locate the disease resistance genes in a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Assays are being developed to use these markers for selection in current breeding populations. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project is related to the objective of the in-house project: The development and implementation of an international Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program for cacao is the major objective of this project. This objective involves a combination of hypothesis-driven and non- hypothesis driven research and includes the training of scientists from cacao producing countries in plant breeding, genetics, and the use of molecular markers in a MAS program. The goals of this project are to develop new DNA based markers and utilize them to characterize populations of cacao, the plant that chocolate is made from, that are segregating for resistance to frosty pod rot, black pod, and witches� broom. Markers associated with the resistance genes are being used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these three diseases. Providing productive, disease resistant cultivars for farmers will ensure a plentiful supply of cocoa beans for the American confectionary industry, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. More importantly, these improved cultivars will provide an alternative planting material to drug crops currently grown in South America. This is the fourth year of the five year commitment from Mars, Inc. for $500,000 per year ($5,000,000 total commitment to the breeding project). These funds are used to support the overseas field testing for disease resistance and productivity traits. The Trust continues to support our field plantings in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea where phenotypic and disease evaluations continue. In addition, the funds support travel and laboratory expenses associated with the molecular evaluations. They also support one post doctoral fellow and part of a lab technician in the Miami lab. The project has been managed through regular conference calls and emails with Mars senior managers and with daily interaction with the senior Mars breeder who is stationed at the Miami lab.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The primary goal of this project is to develop and disseminate new productive disease resistant cultivars of cacao. To attain that goal we are developing tools and breeding enhancement techniques that will efficiently facilitate recurrent genetic improvement. These tools and techniques are being implemented in the project and have been made available to international breeding programs. Research performed in genetic resource evaluation, molecular genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, plant pathology, and practical field selection are all part of a global strategy to develop superior planting material for farmers. The project has four specific goals: Objective 1. Develop DNA based markers associated with resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa, Moniliophthora roreri, Phytophthora spp., and Ceratocystis fimbrata and evaluate germplasm in the international collections to obtain useful information for developing cacao breeding strategies. Objective 2. Establish families combining traits of interest and develop a Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program to genetically improve cacao for resistance to these diseases and to provide new cultivars with enhanced production. This objective requires cooperation with a number of national and international research organizations in Central and South America, West Africa, and South Asia. The South and Central American institutes are Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Center (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIAP) Estacion Experimental Pichilingue (EET Pichilingue) in Quevedo, Ecuador. Collaboration with West African institutes is through the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria and with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and in Asia with the Coconut and Cacao Institute (CCI) in Papua New Guinea. To ensure access to these populations, specific cooperative agreements (SCA) have been established with these institutions. Objective 3. Identify genes involved with disease resistance reactions and investigate the molecular basis of resistance. Objective 4. Develop biostatistical expertise for cacao genetics for whole genome map development, identification of marker-trait associations, molecular systematic analysis, and development of a genetic relational database. Approach (from AD-416) Markers associated with the resistance genes will be used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these four diseases. Candidate gene markers were developed from Resistance Gene Homologues and WRKY genes using Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism-Capillary Array Electrophoresis (SSCP-CAE). These, along with microsatellite markers were used to produce the first definitive saturated linkage map of Theobroma cacao. One major and one minor Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) were discovered controlling resistance to witches� broom and three QTLs have been identified for resistance to frosty pod. The microsatellite loci linked to the QTL are now being used to locate the disease resistance genes in a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Assays are being developed to use these markers for selection in current breeding populations. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project is related to the objective of the parent in-house project: The development and implementation of an international Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program for cacao is the major objective of this project. This objective involves a combination of hypothesis-driven and non- hypothesis driven research and includes the training of scientists from cacao producing countries in plant breeding, genetics, and the use of molecular markers in a MAS program. Progress on this project relates to National Program 301 Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetics Improvement, Component 2: Crop Informatics, Genomics, and Genetic Analyses. The goals of this project are to develop new DNA based markers and utilize them to characterize populations of cacao, the plant that chocolate is made from, that are segregating for resistance to frosty pod rot, black pod, and witches� broom. Markers associated with the resistance genes are being used in Marker Assisted Selection programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these three diseases. Providing productive, disease resistant cultivars for farmers will ensure a plentiful supply of cocoa beans for the American confectionary industry, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. More importantly, these improved cultivars will provide an alternative planting material to drug crops currently grown in South America. This is the third year of the five year commitment from Mars, Inc. for $500,000 per year. These funds are used to support the overseas field testing for disease resistance and productivity traits. This year the Trust supported our field plantings in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea. In addition, the funds support travel and laboratory expenses associated with the molecular evaluations. They also support a two post doctorial fellows and part of a lab technician in the Miami lab. Monitoring has been through regular conference calls and emails with Mars senior managers and with daily interaction with the senior Mars breeder who is stationed at the Miami lab.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The primary goal of this project is to develop and disseminate new productive disease resistant cultivars of cacao. To attain that goal we are developing tools and breeding enhancement techniques that will efficiently facilitate recurrent genetic improvement. These tools and techniques are being implemented in the project and have been made available to international breeding programs. Research performed in genetic resource evaluation, molecular genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, plant pathology, and practical field selection are all part of a global strategy to develop superior planting material for farmers. The project has four specific goals: Objective 1. Develop DNA based markers associated with resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa, Moniliophthora roreri, Phytophthora spp., and Ceratocystis fimbrata and evaluate germplasm in the international collections to obtain useful information for developing cacao breeding strategies. Objective 2. Establish families combining traits of interest and develop a Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) program to genetically improve cacao for resistance to these diseases and to provide new cultivars with enhanced production. This objective requires cooperation with a number of national and international research organizations in Central and South America, West Africa, and South Asia. The South and Central American institutes are Tropical Agricultural Research and Education Center (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, and the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIAP) Estacion Experimental Pichilingue (EET Pichilingue) in Quevedo, Ecuador. Collaboration with West African institutes is through the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria and with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and in Asia with the Coconut and Cacao Institute (CCI) in Papua New Guinea. To ensure access to these populations, specific cooperative agreements (SCA) have been established with these institutions. Objective 3. Identify genes involved with disease resistance reactions and investigate the molecular basis of resistance. Objective 4. Develop biostatistical expertise for cacao genetics for whole genome map development, identification of marker-trait associations, molecular systematic analysis, and development of a genetic relational database. Approach (from AD-416) Markers associated with the resistance genes will be used in MAS programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these four diseases. Candidate gene markers were developed from Resistance Gene Homologues and WRKY genes using Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism-Capillary Array Electrophoresis (SSCP-CAE). These, along with microsatellite markers were used to produce the first definitive saturated linkage map of Theobroma cacao. One major and one minor Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) were discovered controlling resistance to witches� broom and three QTLs have been identified for resistance to frosty pod. The microsatellite loci linked to the QTL are now being used to locate the disease resistance genes in a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Assays are being developed to use these markers for selection in current breeding populations. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This report serves to document research conducted under a Trust between ARS and M&M Mars, Inc. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 6631-21000-012-00D Development of DNA Markers Associated with Disease Resistance in Cacao. The goals of this project are to develop new DNA based markers and utilize them to characterize populations of cacao, the plant that chocolate is made from, that are segregating for resistance to frosty pod rot, black pod, and witches� broom. Markers associated with the resistance genes will be used in Marker Assisted Selection programs to select for new varieties with resistance to these three diseases. Providing productive, disease resistant cultivars for farmers will ensure a plentiful supply of cocoa beans for the American confectionary industry, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. More importantly, these improved cultivars will provide an alternative planting material to drug crops currently grown in South America. This is the second year of the five year commitment from Mars, Inc. for $500,000 per year. These funds are used to support the overseas field testing for disease resistance and productivity traits. This year the Trust supported our field plantings in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea. In addition, the funds support travel and laboratory expenses associated with the molecular evaluations and a post doctorial fellow for Dr. David Kuhn. Monitoring Activities: A senior Research Geneticist with Mars, Inc. is on site in our laboratory. Site visits are made to check on progress of the experimental field plots both by Mars and by ARS scientists. In addition, cooperator's scientists are brought into our laboratory for training. Telephonic meetings occur as necessary.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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