Source: TEXAS A&M UNIV submitted to
USE OF GEM GERMPLASM TO IMPROVE DROUGHT AND CORN EARWORM RESISTANCE
Sponsoring Institution
Agricultural Research Service/USDA
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
USDA COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0402158
Grant No.
58-3625-9-124
Project No.
3625-21000-036-05S
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 1999
Project End Date
Mar 31, 2004
Grant Year
1999
Project Director
BLANCO M H
Recipient Organization
TEXAS A&M UNIV
(N/A)
LUBBOCK,TX 79401
Performing Department
AGRONOMY
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
70%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20215101080100%
Knowledge Area
202 - Plant Genetic Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
1510 - Corn;

Field Of Science
1080 - Genetics;
Goals / Objectives
To identify GEM germplasm suitable for developing hybrids for irrigated corn in Texas and High Plains; to identify new sources of CEW resistance genes from the GEM germplasm; to identify GEM germplasm resistant to pre-tassel drought stress; to identify GEM germplasm resistant to post-tassel drought stress; and to use the selected GEM germplasm to develop lines for corn production in Texas and High Plains.
Project Methods
The field evaluation will involve four tests: full-irrigation (T1), pretassel (T2) and post-tassel (T3) drought stress, and full-irrigation plus CEW infestation (T4). The field for all tests will have a drip irrigation system and be watered prior to planting to ensure a good stand is established. A RCBD design will be used with single-row plot and three replications. Test T1 is designed to evaluate yield and agronomic performance under full-irrigation and to determine the effect of drought stress in comparison to T2 and T3. In T2, the field will be watered until 50% of the plants have tassels. In T3, plants will be watered like T1, up to 50% of plants tasseling, thereafter irrigation is withdrawn. Although we usually have active CEW every year, plants in T4 will be artificially infested at green-silk stage by injecting 35-40 CEW eggs in a 0.2% agar solution to the base of silks at ear tips. Data will be collected. Selected GEM germplasm will be used to develop inbred lines according to the GEM protocol.

Progress 04/01/99 to 03/31/04

Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report. This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement (SCA) between ARS and Texas A&M University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project, 3625-21000-036-00D, Enhancing Agronomic and Value-Added Traits of Corn Germplasm. Drought and corn earworm (Heliocoverpa zea) are major problems for corn production in the world. Development of drought resistant corn is an important approach for managing drought stress, reducing irrigation cost, and saving Ogallala aquifer water in the High Plains. Corn earworm (CEW) causes significant yield loss and reduces grain quality. Both drought stress and CEW feeding significantly increase aflatoxin contamination in grains. The objectives of 2003 were to: (1) to conduct a second year field evaluation of 71 Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) breeding crosses for drought tolerance, grain mold resistance, and CEW resistance; (2) to conduct second-year field trials of the topcrosses of the inbred lines derived from AR03056:N0902, AR01150:N0406, SCROGP3:N2017, SCROPG3:N1411a, and FS8A(T)N1801 and to release the drived lines from these crosses; and (3) to continue inbred line development from selected GEM breeding crosses; and (4) to make topcrosses of the GEM inbred lines and advanced lines (F4-F6) for 2004 trials. Progress was made in 2003 in the identification of stress tolerant GEM germplasm. A total of 71 GEM breeding crosses and three checks (B73 x Mo17, Pioneer hybrids 3223 and 34K77) were evaluated under three water regimes. Several crosses such as ANTIG03:N12 showed good yield potential, earworm resistance, stay green rating, grain mold resistance, long ear, early maturity, tall plant, upright leaves, or good husk coverage. The results of this study were presented in the Arnel R. Hallauer International Symposium on Plant Breeding at CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), Mexico on 17-22 August 2003, and a literature citation will be included in the next Progress Report after official publication in the Symposium Proceedings. Candidate inbred lines for public release were developed from AR03056:N0902, AR01150:N0406, SCROGP3:N2017, SCROPG3:N1411a, and FS8A(T) N1801. The derived lines were evaluated for a second year in four environments for drought tolerance, heat tolerance, CEW resistance, spider mite resistance, and other agronomic traits. They are uniform, have unique characters, and produce high yielding hybrids. Topcrosses of these lines with B110, B113, and other public lines were also in yield trials in multiple locations and were evaluated for biotic and abiotic stress. We will have sufficient data following 2003 harvest results for submitting the release proposals to the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (a minimum of 10 environments is required. Approval is expected at the end of 2003. Other activities during summer 2003 include making new topcrosses of GEM inbred lines with elite commercial lines from Holdens which includes LH185, LH198, LH200, LH247, and LH283. Three yield trial experiments were conducted with GEM material from Dr. Major Goodman's (NC State University) program. This includes experiment numbers EX69, EX31, and EXD1. This is the final report of this SCA that terminated on 3/31/2004. Continuation of this research is planned for a future SCA project which will report results of the first objective (second year field evaluation of 71 breeding crosses, and the top cross results of crosses with B110, B113, and the other public lines).

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Wan, C., Xu, W.W., Sosebee, R.E., Machado, S., Archer, T. Hydraulic lift in drought-tolerant and -susceptible maize hybrids. Plant and Soil. 2000. v 219. p. 117-126.
  • Xu, W.W., Subudhi, P., Crasta, O.R., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Molecular mapping of QTLs conferring stay green in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Genome. 2000. v 43. p 461-469.
  • Crasta, O.R., Xu, W.W., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Mapping of post-flowering drought resistance traits in grain sorghum: Association of QTLs influencing senescence and maturity. Molecular General Genetics 1999. v 262. p. 579-588.


Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03

Outputs
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and Texas AM University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project, 3625-21000-036-00D, Enhancing Agronomic and Value-Added Traits of Corn Germplasm. Drought and corn earworm (Heliocoverpa zea) are major problems for corn production in the world. Development of drought resistant corn is an important approach for managing drought stress, reducing irrigation cost, and saving Ogallala aquifer water in the High Plains. Corn earworm (CEW) causes significant yield loss and reduces grain quality. Both drought stress and CEW feeding significantly increase aflatoxin contamination in grains. The objectives of 2003 were to: (1) to conduct a second year field evaluation of 71 Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) breeding crosses for drought tolerance, grain mold resistance, and CEW resistance; (2) to conduct second-year field trials of the topcrosses of the inbred lines derived from AR03056:N0902, AR01150:N0406, SCROGP3:N2017, SCROPG3:N1411a, and FS8A(T)N1801 and to release the drived lines from these crosses; and (3) to continue inbred line development from selected GEM breeding crosses; and (4) to make topcrosses of the GEM inbred lines and advanced lines (F4-F6) for 2004 trials. Progress was made in 2003 in the identification of stress tolerant GEM germplasm. A total of 71 GEM breeding crosses and three checks (B73 x Mo17, Pioneer hybrids 3223 and 34K77) were evaluated under three water regimes. Several crosses such as ANTIG03:N12 showed good yield potential, earworm resistance, stay green rating, grain mold resistance, long ear, early maturity, tall plant, upright leaves, or good husk coverage. The results of this study were presented in the Arnel R. Hallauer International Symposium on Plant Breeding at CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), Mexico on 17-22 August 2003, and a literature citation will be included in the next Progress Report after official publication in the Symposium Proceedings. Candidate inbred lines for public release were developed from AR03056:N0902, AR01150:N0406, SCROGP3:N2017, SCROPG3:N1411a, and FS8A(T) N1801. The derived lines were evaluated for a second year in four environments for drought tolerance, heat tolerance, CEW resistance, spider mite resistance, and other agronomic traits. They are uniform, have unique characters, and produce high yielding hybrids. Topcrosses of these lines with B110, B113, and other public lines were also in yield trials in multiple locations and were evaluated for biotic and abiotic stress. We will have sufficient data following 2003 harvest results for submitting the release proposals to the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (a minimum of 10 environments is required. Approval is expected at the end of 2003. Other activities during summer 2003 include making new topcrosses of GEM inbred lines with elite commercial lines from Holdens which includes LH185, LH198, LH200, LH247, and LH283. Three yield trial experiments were conducted with GEM material from Dr. Major Goodman's (NC State University) program. This includes experiment numbers EX69, EX31, and EXD1.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Wan, C., Xu, W.W., Sosebee, R.E., Machado, S., Archer, T. Hydraulic lift in drought-tolerant and -susceptible maize hybrids. Plant and Soil. 2000. v 219. p. 117-126.
  • Xu, W.W., Subudhi, P., Crasta, O.R., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Molecular mapping of QTLs conferring stay green in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Genome. 2000. v 43. p 461-469.
  • Crasta, O.R., Xu, W.W., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Mapping of post-flowering drought resistance traits in grain sorghum: Association of QTLs influencing senescence and maturity. Molecular General Genetics 1999. v 262. p. 579-588.


Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02

Outputs
4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? D. Progress Report: This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and Texas A&M University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 3625-21000-036-00D - Enhancing Agronomic and Value-Added Traits of Corn Germplasm. (1). Development of inbred lines from Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) germplasm: A set of 34 testcrosses are being evaluated in three locations in the Texas High Plains. These testcrosses were made with the lines developed from GEM breeding crosses with 25-50% tropical background. Several testcrosses appear to perform well. The lines have been advanced to the F6 or F7 generation. We plan to release 2-3 inbred lines after additional field testing in 2003. (2). Evaluation of GEM breeding crosses for drought tolerance and corn earworm (CEW) resistance: A total 70 non-stiff stalk type breeding crosses with 25-50% tropical background are being tested in Lubbock under full-irrigation, moderate and severe drought conditions. Irrigation is supplied with a subsurface drip irrigation system. Drought stress is created by withholding irrigation. Ears from the full irrigation block will be harvested and evaluated for CEW resistance. Field tests are to be completed by the end of September. (3). Relationship of kernel chemical compositions with CEW resistance and other traits in selected GEM lines. A total of 40 S4 bulks from GEM breeding crosses were grown in Lubbock in an irrigated field for CEW resistance evaluation. In addition, 20 hybrids with special kernel chemical composition developed by Dr. Linda Pollak were grown under irrigated and drought stressed conditions in the same field. Data on CEW resistance, grain mold, yield and other agronomic traits are being collected. These data will be correlated with the kernel chemical composition information. In short, this project has identified new drought- and CEW-resistant sources from the GEM germplasm and developed inbred lines from GEM germplasm that are adapted to Texas environments.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Wan, C., Xu, W.W., Sosebee, R.E., Machado, S., Archer, T. Hydraulic lift in drought-tolerant and -susceptible maize hybrids. Plant and Soil. 2000. v 219. p. 117-126.
  • Xu, W.W., Subudhi, P., Crasta, O.R., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Molecular mapping of QTLs conferring stay green in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Genome. 2000. v 43. p 461-469.
  • Crasta, O.R., Xu, W.W., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Mapping of post-flowering drought resistance traits in grain sorghum: Association of QTLs influencing senescence and maturity. Molecular General Genetics 1999. v 262. p. 579-588.


Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01

Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)? 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent research project 3625-21000-028-00D Enhancing agronomic and value-added traits of corn germplasm. Field experiments are being conducted in Lubbock, Texas to evaluate drought tolerance and CEW resistance of 76 GEM breeding crosses, to develop corn adapted to Texas environments by using GEM germplasm, and to study the relationship of kernel chemical compositions with CEW resistance and other traits in selected 40 GEM lines. Among 40 GEM lines, two (AR16035:19-84-1-B and Cuba164:S2008a-469-1-B) showed tolerance to heat stress (over 100 deg F). 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product? 8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below)

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Wan, C., Xu, W.W., Sosebee, R.E., Machado, S., Archer, T. Hydraulic lift in drought-tolerant and -susceptible maize hybrids. Plant and Soil. 2000. v 219. p. 117-126.
  • Xu, W.W., Subudhi, P., Crasta, O.R., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Molecular mapping of QTLs conferring stay green in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Genome. 2000. v 43. p 461-469.
  • Crasta, O.R., Xu, W.W., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Mapping of post-flowering drought resistance traits in grain sorghum: Association of QTLs influencing senescence and maturity. Molecular General Genetics 1999. v 262. p. 579-588.


Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00

Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Drought and corn earworm (CEW) are major problems for the corn production in Texas and the United States. This study is designed to identify genes from the GEM germplasm to improve the resistance to pre-tassel drought stress, post-tassel drought stress, and CEW, and to use the selected GEM germplasm to develop lines with multiple stress tolerance for corn production in Texas and the High Plains. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Water is a major limiting factor for corn production in the U.S. and around the world. Drought causes significant yield losses. In the High Plains, the non-rechargeable Ogallala Aquifer is the major water source for irrigation and its water level has been declining. The irrigation cost has been rising. Development of drought resistant corn is an important approach for managing drought stress and reducing the demand of water for irrigation. Corn earworm, Heliocoverpa zea (Boddie), is a major insect for corn and other crops in the United States. It causes significant yield loss (around 3%) in field corn by feeding in the ear. CEW feeding leads to significant quality losses in sweet and food corn. In addition, CEW damage to corn ears enhances aflatoxin contamination in grains because CEW larvae transport spores of the aflatoxin-producing fungus A. flavus into the ear, spread the spores inside the ear, and facilitate the fungus infection of the kernels by breaking the seed coat. The primary means to control CEW on corn is to use resistant hybrids because insecticides do not provide dependable control. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)? The research relates to the National Program 301 (Plant, Microbial, and Insect: Germplasm, Conservation, and Development) by broadening the genetic diversity of U.S. corn and reducing its vulnerability to drought and economic insects, provides new genetic technologies (improved varieties) to U.S. farmers. It is related to the enhancement of sustainable and profitable corn production. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY2000 year: Six new sources of drought resistance were identified from 73 GEM breeding crosses. Drought resistant corn was found to have a more extensive root system than drought-susceptible ones. Under drought conditions, the roots of drought resistant corn can lift a large amount of water from the deep and wet soils and deposit the water into the upper drier soils at night, which keeps the shallow roots hydrated and functional. When the plants receive water from rain or irrigation, the drought resistant corn can recover faster. Drought resistant corn had low aflatoxin contamination, suggesting that breeding for drought resistance can be a promising approach to manage aflatoxin contamination. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Three GEM breeding crosses had significantly less ear-feeding damages by corn earworm (CEW) than the commercial check hybrids. The GEM crosses are being tested for the insect resistance for the second year. If the resistance is confirmed, the identified germplasm may provide a tool to control CEW damage. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations: Nothing to report this fiscal year. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact. The project has identified new drought- and CEW-resistant sources from the GEM germplasm, discovered hydraulic lift as a drought resistance mechanism, and shown that breeding for drought resistance can be a promising approach to effective management of aflatoxin contamination. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? During the next year we will advance the selected accessions with superior characteristics (such as drought or CEW resistance) and evaluate additional GEM germplasm for the stress tolerance. 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product? A field day was held for the corn producers and underground water conservation agency. Drought- and insect-resistant germaplsm can be released within 3 years. 8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below) Darrah, L.L., Lundquist, R.L., Hibbard, B.E., Mbuvi, S., Poneleit, C.G., West, D.R., Betran, J., Xu, W., Pataky, J.K., Maddux, L.D., Gordon, B., Elmore, R.W., Stenburg, D., Wicks, Z.W. III, Beauzay, P., Thomison, P.R., Jordan, D.M., Schaafsma, A., Lee, E.A., Ziegler, K.E., Zhu, X., Fischer, D., Henry, R., Deutsch, J.A., Strissel, J.F. White food corn: 1999 performance tests. Special Report 518. 1999. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. 73 pp. Xu, W.W., Archer, T.L., Nguyen, H.T., Lascano, R. 1999 Research Report. Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Lubbock, Texas 79403. 1999. 67 pp.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Wan, C., Xu, W.W., Sosebee, R.E., Machado, S., Archer, T. Hydraulic lift in drought-tolerant and -susceptible maize hybrids. Plant and Soil. 2000. v 219. p. 117-126.
  • Xu, W.W., Subudhi, P., Crasta, O.R., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Molecular mapping of QTLs conferring stay green in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Genome. 2000. v 43. p 461-469.
  • Crasta, O.R., Xu, W.W., Rosenow, D.T., Mullet, J.E., Nguyen, H.T. Mapping of post-flowering drought resistance traits in grain sorghum: Association of QTLs influencing senescence and maturity. Molecular General Genetics 1999. v 262. p. 579-588.