Mobilizing WGRC Germplasm to Accelerate Durable Resistance to the Wheat Streak Mosaic Disease in Wheat

Project Summary:

Diseases caused by Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) are major constraints to wheat production in the U.S. Great Plains, including recent severe outbreaks in Kansas. Previous evaluations of WGRC germplasm have identified promising resistant sources. This project will establish a pipeline to systematically screen WGRC introgression germplasm for resistance to WSMV and TriMV. Using integrated phenotyping, mapping, marker development, and transcriptomic analyses, we will identify and refine resistance-associated genomic regions, develop breeder-ready KASP markers, characterize resistance-associated pathways, and prioritize candidate genes associated with viral resistance. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses will further establish a foundation for future functional characterization of prioritized candidate genes. The project outputs will accelerate deployment of durable resistance in wheat breeding programs.