Source: MICHIGAN STATE UNIV submitted to
GREAT LAKES TAR SPOT INITIATIVE: MOBILIZING RESISTANCE IN MAIZE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1022354
Grant No.
2020-67014-30902
Cumulative Award Amt.
$497,916.00
Proposal No.
2019-05422
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jun 1, 2020
Project End Date
May 31, 2023
Grant Year
2020
Program Code
[A1141]- Plant Health and Production and Plant Products: Plant Breeding for Agricultural Production
Project Director
Thompson, A.
Recipient Organization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
(N/A)
EAST LANSING,MI 48824
Performing Department
PLANT SOIL MICROBIAL
Non Technical Summary
Tar spot is a fungal disease that causes black lesions on maize leaves. Though it was first described in Mexico in the early 1900s, it wasn't reported in the United States until 2015, in the Great Lakes region. The disease subsequently spread to 7 states, with multiple reports of yield losses up to 50 bu/A. Our goals in this study are to i) identify and verify genomic regions contributing to tar spot resistance in maize, ii) model levels of disease with aerial spectral data, and iii) produce, sequence, and evaluate doubled haploids from resistant varieties crossed to elite temperate germplasm. We will screen a population of 300 diverse temperate inbreds and 200 tropical introgression lines in three Great Lakes states, with spectral imaging in one location in order to establish a faster and more efficient approach for future scouting and screening. Using preliminary data and resistance screening results, doubled haploids will be created from backcrosses of resistant to elite germplasm. Doubled haploids will be sequenced for marker discovery and screened in the three Great Lakes states to validate the effect of the introgressed genetic regions by re-estimating the effects of the haplotype blocks. This project will create a valuable resource for future research and breeding that will be utilized by both the public and private sectors to reduce the impact of tar spot on farmers' productivity. It is directly relevant to the program goals of resistance to pests and diseases, pre-breeding and germplasm enhancement, applied quantitative genetics, and phenomics.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
40%
Applied
50%
Developmental
10%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2011510108050%
2011510108150%
Knowledge Area
201 - Plant Genome, Genetics, and Genetic Mechanisms;

Subject Of Investigation
1510 - Corn;

Field Of Science
1081 - Breeding; 1080 - Genetics;
Goals / Objectives
Our proposed work has three main goals:1) Map and validate resistance to tar spot by screening diverse temperate maize germplasm across affected locations in multiple years2) Generate new resistant material for breeders by backcrossing resistant varieties into elite germplasm and testing subsequent doubled haploid lines3) Establish resources (doubled haploid germplasm, marker data, and new quantitative genetics and remote sensing approaches) for future research
Project Methods
Objective 1. Map and validate resistance to tar spot by screening diverse temperate maize germplasm across affected locations in multiple years.A subset of 400 lines of field corn from the Wisconsin Diversity Panel will be screened for tar spot resistance in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The 942 lines of the full Panel were initially selected to represent as much of the diversity of maize as possible while restricting phenology to material that is able to flower in Great Lakes climates. The subset of 400 were chosen as a subset that focused on field corn (rather than popcorn, sweet corn, or ornamental varieties) in order to be more uniform for management in on-farm trials. These varieties represent diverse public and private temperate germplasm. As the US did not have tar spot disease until 2015, there is no expectation of strong levels of resistance (unless by random chance) in this material since it would not have been under selection. However, the genetic resources in the population enable rapid progress in genetic mapping and downstream gene discovery should any level or type of resistance be present.In addition, 100 Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) lines and 100 BGEM doubled haploid lines that flower in the region will be screened, as they contain 25% tropical introgressions and may harbor unique resistance to tar spot. The GEM and BGEM lines were developed by backcrossing tropical maize germplasm to PHB47 or PHZ51, two temperate lines. The tropical donor parents are more likely to harbor some resistance to tar spot, as they come out of regions in Central and South America where the disease has been present for over a century. The 100 lines of each (GEM and BGEM) were chosen based on a) diverse representation of donor countries of origin, and b) ability to flower in the upper Midwest based on previous observations. The BGEM population, as doubled haploids, is entirely inbred and has marker data available. The GEM lines, on the other hand, are still segregating, meaning that each plant within a plot would have a unique (but related) combination of alleles present. Ideally, we can find resistance within the Wisconsin Diversity Panel, but if not, the BGEM lines would be the next logical choice. The segregating GEM lines are included as a backup; if we were to use them as our resistant donor sources we would be identifying a specific highly resistant plant within a segregating plot.We plan to collect agronomic and yield data on these lines in addition to taking severity ratings at all locations on at least three dates. Association mapping will be conducted on tar spot and eye plot severity and their combined tar spot index at each of three timepoints, as well as area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC).Objective 2. Generate new resistant material for breeders by backcrossing resistant varieties into elite germplasm and testing subsequent doubled haploid linesUsing preliminary data from Summer 2019 trials, approximately 20 potentially-resistant lines will be crossed to LH244 or another modern elite Ex-PVP line to start generating backcross material, and advanced until 75% elite. LH244 is a stiff-stalk line that grows well in the region of interest, is a very recent and highly used industry breeding line, and has modern genomic resources available. It is not expected to have resistance to tar spot, though this will be confirmed in summer 2019 before proceeding. In the event that LH244 is resistant or the donor resistant lines are non-stiff-stalk, a different recurrent parent will be chosen from recent Ex-PVP material.In subsequent inbred trials, identification and validation of resistance will refine the targeted resistant donor inbreds to 2-3. From each of these select populations, 100 to 150 doubled haploids will be induced, for a total of 300 lines, which will then be sequenced and tested in three locations. Doubled haploid production will occur as a fee-for-service at the Iowa State University facility (see quote in supporting documents). Sequencing for SNP calling will be completed using tGBS by Freedom Markers in order to ensure high-quality calls and reduce the quantity of missing data (see quote in supporting documents).Objective 3. Establish resources (doubled haploid germplasm, marker data, and new quantitative genetics and remote sensing approaches) for future researchSo far, observed levels of partial resistance in maize hybrid yield trials may only be due to hybrids escaping the moderate levels of disease pressure present thus far (Chilvers et al. 2018b). Therefore, these resources are crucial, and will be released immediately upon publication, if not before. Generation of germplasm and marker data will occur as described in Objective 2, and all resources generated will be made publicly available. PD Thompson has been in conversation with the maize curator at GRIN, the germplasm repository, and it is anticipated that these new lines (and accompanying marker data) may be a highly sought-after resource. The extreme ends of phenotypic distribution are likely to be popular, as well as potentially the whole population for linkage studies. Seed increases performed as part of the project will take this demand into account.Drone-based multispectral data will be acquired at the Michigan location and compared to ground-based data collection in order to model relationships between yield, disease severity, AUDPC, and spectral indices. Using phenotypic observations and generated SNP marker data, genetic effects will be re-estimated in the doubled haploids. This provides validation of the mapping results as well as helping to determine whether to approach further selection and introgression via tracking of large chromosomal segments (in the case of beneficial chunks in consolidated regions) vs genomic prediction (in the case of many small-effect regions spread throughout the genome).

Progress 06/01/20 to 05/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The Great Lakes Tar Spot Initiative aimed to help maize farmers, breeders, and agricultural experts across the upper Midwest US, where tar spot has recently become prevalent. Our efforts reached out to diverse groups of people involved in maize production, including farmers, agricultural and genetic researchers, seed companies, and extension agents. Our project focused on screening and testing hundreds of diverse maize varieties for resistance to tar spot disease. Tar spot is a fungal disease that can severely impact maize yield and quality. By identifying maize varieties that are resistant to this disease, we aimed to help farmers grow healthier and more resilient crops. We also conducted pre-breeding and testing to introgress resistance traits into elite maize germplasm. This means we worked toward developing new maize varieties that not only have high yield potential but also possess resistance to tar spot disease. These improved varieties have the potential to enhance crop productivity while reducing the need for chemical fungicides, benefiting both farmers and the environment. Throughout the project, we engaged with farmers through workshops, field demonstrations, and extension programs to share our findings and provide practical guidance on disease management strategies. Additionally, we collaborated with seed companies to facilitate the adoption of resistant maize varieties into commercial production. In addition to traditional disease screening methods, we employed cutting-edge techniques such as predictive phenotyping and drone-based phenomics. Predictive phenotyping allowed us to anticipate how different maize varieties might respond to tar spot disease under various environmental conditions, while drone-based phenomics enabled us to gather detailed data on plant health and disease progression across large field areas. In addition to our research efforts, we prioritized education and outreach. We integrated project data into a dedicated course module, providing graduate students with hands-on experience in predictive modeling and genotype-phenotype linkage. By incorporating real-world data into the curriculum, we aimed to equip the next generation of agricultural scientists with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex challenges in maize breeding and disease management. Overall, The Great Lakes Tar Spot Initiative engaged with maize farmers, agricultural researchers, seed companies, extension agents, and other stakeholders through a combination of research, education, and outreach activities. By leveraging advanced phenotyping techniques and integrating project data into educational modules, we sought to empower stakeholders with the tools and information necessary to enhance maize production and resilience to tar spot disease in the Great Lakes region. Changes/Problems:We seized an additional opportunity by expanding our screening efforts beyond the initially proposed populations. After multiple years of screening, we included a structured multi-parent population in our study. This enhanced our objectives by allowing us to validate our identified sources of resistance and to further delineate genomic regions associated with disease resistance. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided numerous opportunities for training and professional development across various levels and disciplines. These opportunities include: Fieldwork and Laboratory Experience: Engaged undergraduate and graduate students in fieldwork activities, including disease screening, data collection, maize crossing, and field trials. Provided hands-on laboratory experience in genetics, DNA extraction and marker analysis, and phenotypic trait evaluation. Advanced Research Skills: Conducted workshops and seminars on advanced research methodologies related to quantitative genetics, genomic selection, and remote sensing technologies. Provided training in statistical analysis software, bioinformatics tools, and computational modeling for genotype-phenotype associations. Breeding and Genetics Training: Specialized training in plant breeding techniques, including backcrossing, test crossing, and doubled haploids. Provided instruction on genetic mapping methodologies, including linkage mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic prediction. Professional Development Workshops: Organized workshops and seminars on scientific communication, project development, and data analytics. Facilitated networking opportunities with professionals in academia, industry, and government agencies at conferences, through internships, and in collaborative projects. Course Module Integration: Integrated project data and methodologies into graduate-level course modules to teach predictive modeling and link genotype to phenotype. Provided students with hands-on experience in data analysis, interpretation, and application in the context of agricultural research and breeding programs. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among students and researchers from diverse fields such as genetics, agronomy, plant pathology, remote sensing, data science, computer science, and computational mathematics, science, and engineering (CMSE). Encouraged cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas, methodologies, and best practices through collaborative projects and research teams across multiple states and institutions. Professional Mentoring and Supervision: Provided mentorship and supervision opportunities for graduate students, undergraduates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists. Offered guidance in project design, experimental planning, data analysis, and interpretation, as well as career development advice and support. Overall, the project has served as a platform for training and professional development, equipping students and researchers with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in their academic and professional careers in the fields of agriculture, genetics, data analytics, plant breeding, and plant science. Specific Outcomes The breeding activities funded by this grant have provided undergraduate and graduate students interested in plant breeding with valuable hands-on experience. Students have had the opportunity to engage in various aspects of the breeding process, including field and experimental design, seed prep, planting, cross- and self- pollinating, harvesting, seed processing, and inventory management. In addition, students gained experience with disease ratings, statistical analyses, processing and applying genetic marker data, and genetic mapping. Over the three years of the project, there were a total of 5 undergraduate students and 4 graduate students partially or fully supported by this funding. An additional 3students assisted with work on the project, as well as part of one postdoc. Some outcomes of these trainees include: Undergraduate students: One REU student is currently finishingundergrad and will start graduate school in plant breeding and genetics One undergraduate researcheris now in graduate school for plant biochemistry One undergraduate researcher started graduate school in horticultural science Undergrad/Grad combined: One undergraduate researcher on this project finished an undergraduate degree in crop sciences, thenbegan a mastersprogram in plant breeding in 2021 also working on this project, and has now graduated with MS in plant breeding Graduate students: A lead MS student on this project is now working in a sweet corn breeding program in Syngenta Three students completed internships during their graduate programs in the plant breeding industry (Corteva, Bayer, Wyffels) Other studentsare graduating soon and will likely be pursuing careers in plant breeding industry Postdoc: Assisted with genetic mapping for the project and is now a genomic data analyst withSyngenta How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Some of the key dissemination strategies include: Peer-reviewed journal articles submitted Oral and poster presentations at national/international conferences Extension and outreach programs, including field days and events(see details below) Community engagement and stakeholder meetings (see details below) Collaborative partnerships and networkswith other universities,agencies, grower groups, and industry Extension, Stakeholder Engagement details (participant #in paretheses): Tar spot and field crop disease mgmt. Golden Harvest training3-28-23(25) Opportunities and challenges of disease mgmt. MSUE Monday night webinar 3-20-23(125) Diseases of field crops. Virtual for crop insurance adjusters3-9-23(97) Field crop disease mgmt and IPM. Williamston. Jorgensen Farm Elevator3-7-23(110) Irrigated corn and soybean production. Shipshewana, IN3-6-23(120) MSUE Disease Updates. Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center 2-16-23(130) Disease update for LG seeds, at MI Corn Office, Dewitt, 2-15-23 (40) Corey Seed Crop Shop. Fenton, MI2-8-23(50) Ontario Ag Conference - TEC talk. Virtual 2-7-23 (108) Field Crop Disease Update. MSUE IPM meeting. Dundee, MI 2-7-23 (60) AgPhD Radio Interview - Plant Health 2-6-23 Corn diseases in the Midwest. National Crop Insurance Services. Ft Wayne, Indiana. Virtual (35) Tar spot a farmer discussion panel. Great Lakes Crop Summit. Mt Pleasant, MI 1-25-23 (300) Field Crop Disease Update. MSUE IPM meeting. Dowagiac, MI 1-24-23 (90) MABA Present and Emerging Agronomic Issues. Lansing, MI 1-11-23 (60) Field Crop Disease Update. MSUE IPM meeting. Bad Axe, MI 1-9-23 (90) Field Crop Disease Update. MSUE IPM meeting. Ithaca, MI 1-4-23 (40) Tar spot mgmt interview with Bernard Tobin of RealAgriculture https://www.realagriculture.com/2023/02/corn-school-will-tar-spot-spell-trouble-in-2023/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUp81cIn6B0 Tar spot mgmt. Ontario Agricultural Conference. Ridgetown, ON, Canada 1-5-23(956) AgReliant Tar Spot Summit media event 11-29-22 (30) Research Update: Optimizing mgmt of tar spot. MI Corn Blog post. https://micorn.org/news-and-media/blog/article/2022/11/research-update-optimizing-mgmt-of-tar-spot Channel sales team, discussion on corn diseases and fungicide applications 9-23-22 (17) Field crop disease updates, discussion and questions. Bracey Ag Services, Quincy, MI 9-1-22(110) MSUE extension meeting. Three Rivers. Disease mgmt discussion across corn, soybean and wheat 8-22-22 (38) Virtual Breakfast. MSUE. Tar spot mgmt 7-7-22 (159) SPS Tar Spot Grower Lunch. Breckenridge, MI6-29-22 (30) IPM. The Nature Conservancy4-19-22 (37) AgPhD Radio interview - corn stalk rots, lodging, fungicide use and foliar diseases 4-7-22 Tar spot mgmt. Wilbur Ellis - Pewamo Great Lakes Virtual Grower Meeting 3-31-22(53) Tar Spot mgmt - Hybrids, Fungicide Efficacy and Optimizing Fungicide Timing. MSUE Webinar. 3-29-22(145) Tar spot disease mgmt. Coffee with Corn. Virtual3-14-22(139) Tar spot disease mgmt for Bayer Crop Sciences. Virtual3-10-22 (45) Tar spot disease mgmt for Rain and Hail a Chubb company. Virtual3-10-22 (100) Tar spot disease mgmt for Channel/Bayer. Okemos, MI3-8-22 (25) Tar spot disease mgmt for Golden Harvest. Jackson, MI3-4-22 (30) Tar spot and other disease mgmt for Endeavor Ag. Hamilton, MI 2-24-22 (66) Tar spot and other disease mgmt for Simplot -Tony Crist. Corunna, MI2-23-22(65) Tar spot mgmt. Coldwater. MSU IPM 2-21-22 (65) Tar spot mgmt. Kingston, MI. MSU IPM 2-10-22(120) Pathology update. Milan, MI 2-8-22 (42) Tar spot Feb 1 SVREC MSUE IPM (90) Tar spot yield loss. National Crop Insurance Services. Virtual(36) Tar spot mgmt. Great Lakes Crop Summit. Mt Pleasant, MI 1-28-22 (360) Tar spot mgmt. Asgrow Dekalb farmer meeting,125,000 acres (32) and crop advisor meeting,1-25-22 (62) Tar spot mgmt. MSUE IPM meeting. Dowagiac, MI 1-24-22 (45) Tar spot mgmt. Caledonia Farmers Elevator, Lake Odessa1-20-22 (70) Tar spot. Gratiot-Isabella IPM meeting, virtual1-12-22 (65) Tar spot mgmt. MI Agribusiness Association, virtualJan 10, 2022. 90 participants Tar spot meeting for Simplot - Mike Day. Fairgrove, MI. Dec 15, 2021. 160 people Tar spot meeting for Pioneer - Chris Creuger. Kingston, MI. Dec 15, 2021. 80 people Tar spot, white mold, head scab. 6 small groups. Applicators meeting for Farm Deport -Bryan Roberts. Ionia 80.12-15-21 Tar Spot. Shipshewana, IN 12-10-21 (40) 2021 Crop Pest mgmt Short Course. Minneapolis, MN two talks. 12-9-21 (80) Great Lakes EXPO pest panel discussion. Diseases of sweet corn, corn, dry bean, wheat and soybean. Grand Rapids, MI 12-9-21 (100) Agronomy Society of America - Crop Protection Network webinar. Tar spot: Trends and mgmt. Chilvers, M., Telenko, D., Tenuta, A., Schmidt, R. 11-18-21 Registrations - 1151, Live Attendees - 471, 8 different countries, 43 USstates Interview with Nicole Heslip of Brownfield Ag News on tar spot at request of MI Corn 10-20-21 Tar spot impact on corn and silage. MI Milk Producers Association - Advisory Committee Meeting. Virtual9-29-21 (40) Between the rows corn tour. Corn diseases with focus on tar spot. Shady Lodge Farm, Lansing, MI 9-2-21(50) Tar spot and white mold update. 2021 Customer Appreciation and Field Day. Pioneer. Bracy Ag Services 8-27-21 (90) Beet and bean field day. Dry bean, soybean and corn diseases, SVREC 8-24-21 (70) Disease mgmt, field presentation at Covered Bridge, Three Rivers, MI 8-17-21 (30) Disease mgmt, field presentation at Center of Excellence, Monrenci, MI8-11-21 (20) White Mold and Tar Spot Mgmt Options. MSUE Virtual Breakfast 7-22-21 (141) Irrigating corn to minimize infection period for Tar Spot. MSUE/Purdue 7-21-21 (22) Soil Health Partnership. Agronomy Training Call. IPM of disease: Phytophthora sojae, frogeye leaf spot of soybean and tar spot of corn 5-10-21 (8) AgPhD radio. Discussion of early corn fungicide application and disease pressure this season 5-6-21 FMC Xyway in-furrow treatments media briefing 4-13-21 and 4-14-21. Farm Progress and Indiana Prairie Farmer BeckAg BASF Midwest Series 1 Panel Discussions: 2-25-21, 3-3-21, 3-8-21, 3-23-21, 3-25-21, 3-31-21, 4-1-21 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference Field Crops and Forage Sessions. Tar spot lessons learned2-16-20(60) Michiana Irrigation conference. Mgmt of tar spot 2-8-21 (110) MI-Cent. Disease mgmt discussion, field crops and IPM. Organized by MI corn 2-4-21 (10) MSUE IPM meetings SW. Wheat bunts and smuts, SDS and SC of soybean, and tar spot of corn1-29-21 (63) MSUE IPM meetings SE. Wheat bunts and smuts, head scab and tar spot of corn 1-26-21(43) MSUE IPM meetings Thumb region. Wheat bunts and smuts, head scab and tar spot of corn (48) MI Agribusiness Association (MABA) - Tar spot mgmt 1-12-21 (125) MI Corn - Research highlights and proposal presentation 1-7-21 (40) Disease update - wheat smut/bunt and tar spot of corn. MSUE IPM meeting, central MI 1-7-21 (50) Lessons Learned from 2020 Tar Spot Mgmt Trials, Coffee with Corn - MI Corn 1-5-21(152) Channel new product rollout discussion 12-22-20 (16) Agronomy Update - MSU. IPM 12-16-20 (322) AgPhD Radio Interview -White mold and tar spot 11-11-20 Virtual corn field day. MSUE 9-9-20(93) Interview with Ashley Davenport - Soybean sudden death syndrome and corn tar spot 9-1-20 Between the rows - Corn disease discussions. MI Corn 9-1-20 8pm (57) and 8am (37) AgPhD Radio Interview. White mold of soybean, dry bean and corn tar spot, fungicide selection7-20-20 Tar spot webinar for B&M consulting7-29-20 (60) Tar spot and white mold. MSUE Virtual Breakfast7-23-20 (80) Tar spot and other diseases of corn. MI Farm Bureau for Farm News Five. Interview with Janelle Brose Hermes 7-15-20 MI Corn, Checkoff check-in Facebook video and MI Corn blog 7-1-20. https://micorn.org/news-and-media/blog/article/2020/07/tar-spot-in-the-spotlight?fbclid=IwAR1wkZ2K4c4Rtt2fwiMJG8YJ3WP32fGxfIdAZUnUiOithGSsO9yTcWM0IDo What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Under the three main goals of The Great Lakes Tar Spot Initiative, the following accomplishments were achieved: Mapping and validating resistance to tar spot: Conducted extensive screening of diverse temperate and mixed temperate/tropical maize germplasm across affected locations in multiple years. Identified and validated maize varieties with varying degrees of resistance to tar spot disease. Mapped genetic loci associated with resistance traits through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and linkage mapping. Validated the identified resistance loci through field trials and disease challenge experiments, confirming their effectiveness in diverse environments and under varying disease pressures. Generating new resistant material for breeders: Employed backcrossing techniques to introgress resistance traits from identified resistant varieties into elite maize germplasm. Developed and tested subsequent doubled haploid lines derived from backcrossed progeny. Identified and characterized novel genetic combinations conferring enhanced resistance to tar spot disease in elite germplasm backgrounds. Establishing resources for future research: Generated a comprehensive collection of doubled haploid germplasm carrying resistance alleles. Compiled marker data associated with resistance traits, facilitating potential future marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Applied new quantitative genetics methodologies to better understand the genetic architecture of tar spot resistance and its interaction with environmental factors. Integrated remote sensing approaches, such as drone-based phenomics, to enhance disease surveillance and monitoring efforts in maize fields, and to assist breeding efforts by expediting ratings. Utilized data generated in a graduate course to train the next generation of research scientists, agricultural data analysts, and plant breeders in data analytics to connect genomes-to-phenomes. Genome of Phyllachora maydis to assist in unraveling the host-pathogen interaction. Overall, these accomplishments contributed to advancing our understanding of tar spot resistance in maize, facilitating the development of improved maize varieties with enhanced resistance traits, and providing valuable resources and training for future research efforts in this field.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Submitted to Plant Phys, now in revision
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Thompson, AM. July 2022. Panel presentation on Digital Agriculture at Scale at Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB). Madison, WI, USA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Thompson, AM. August 2022. Seeding New Research Opportunities in Tar Spot Genetics and Plant Phenomics Through Public Germplasm. Presentation at National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB). Ames, IA, USA.


Progress 06/01/21 to 05/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientists, breeders (public and private), and farmers Changes/Problems:We were funded to produce and assess one set of doubled haploids. Through public-private partnership, we have negotiated to produce TWO sets -- we will have several hundred lines using B73 (public) and another several hundred using LH244 (private) -- both will be made fully public and available, and will include marker data. We are happy that these collaborations allowed us to double our outputs. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?After the previous graduate student on this project successfully graduated, one of the undergrads involved on the project decided to stay on for a MS starting in Fall 2021. She has been the lead on the project, and has started training multiple undergraduates on the project as well. Another graduate student has been utilizing the field site and ratings to start a computer vision project on estimating tar spot disease severity from cell phone imagery. In addition, the lab group held an internal training session to process and analyze drone imagery for this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Breaking barriers and building bridges: Identifying and addressing bottlenecks in interdisciplinary and translational plant science; invited talk at MSU Genomics Symposium, May 2022 Tar spot and other stories about maize breeding, genetics, and phenomics; Brewbaker Lecture at University of Hawaii, November 2021 Tar spot presentation and discussion with National Corn Growers SARAT committee, 1/11/2022 Field and lab research demonstration site for visiting VIPs: MSU Trustees Renee Knake Jefferson, Rema Vassar, and Dianne Byrum; and Interim Dean Kelly Millenbah, 9/13/2021 Senator Curtis Hertel, 7/29/2021 Representative Julie Brixie, 7/22/2021 Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, 7/20/2021 and 3/2/2022 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Test new germplasm (doubled haploids) in the field; perform further increases; obtain marker data for LH244 populations Establish collaborations to test cross doubled haploid lines for future work Finish analyzing, writing, and publishing datasets Deposit germplasm of interest into the repository in Ames so that it is available concurrently with publication

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Validated resistance by screening stiff-stalk MAGIC population in 3 states 2. Continued backcrossing efforts in both field corn and sweet corn, and continued to produce/increase doubled haploid lines 3. Continued collaborations with public/private breeders to generate germplasm and marker data

Publications


    Progress 06/01/20 to 05/31/21

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Breeders, plant scientists, and farmers Changes/Problems:The pandemic shut down activity for some time in 2020, but we were able to proceed more or less as planned, especially since we had packaged and shipped our seed to off-site locations prior to the shutdown. Our trips to our off-site location throughout the summer were less well-staffed than normal because we were limited to 1 person per vehicle, but we collected the necessary data. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This was the primary thesis project for lead grad student, Blake Trygestad, who has now graduated with his MS. This was also the primary project for two undergraduate students, one of whom will start as a MS student in fall 2021 on this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Corn field day presentation to farmers on tar spot work - 9-9-2020 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference: Field Crops and Forage Session - 2-16-2021 MICENT Young Farmer's Workshop with Michigan Corn - 3-10-2021 Multi-scale image-based innovations for plant breeding research, invited talk at student-run 1st Annual Cell and Molecular Biology Research Symposium on "Discovery through imaging", MSU, May 2021 (virtual) Improving Methods for Maize Breeding and Genetics, invited talk at Plant Breeding Circle, TAMU, Sept 2020 (virtual) Improving Methods for Maize Breeding and Genetics, invited talk for NC State seminar series, Oct 2020 (virtual) Futures Magazine article on Addie Thompson in MSU's publication on plant health https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/examining-plant-genetics-with-an-eye-on-the-future - July 2020 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Validate resistance in a different population Test doubled haploid lines for tar spot resistance Continue breeding goals

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Mapping resistance and screening diverse temperate germplasm was completed. 2. Crosses were completed, doubled haploids were induced, and agreements were started with companies to cross into their germplasm as well. 3. Doubled haploids were induced and recovered, and data was generated for future use.

    Publications