Developing the Perfect Molecular Markers and New Germplasm for Rapid Incorporation of Resistance to Soil Borne Pathogens of Soybean

The Kachroo lab will assist with functional analyses of target genes identified in the QDRL (quantitative disease resistance loci) studies towards watermolds. The Kachroo will also assist with gene silencing studies for functional analyses of QTLs for Phytophtora sojae and Pythium. This includes identifying sequences that could be manipulated with least repercussions to yield, generating VIGS constructs for silencing candidate genes, and phenotypic characterization of the knockdown plants. The Kachroo lab will also help develop ideal strategies to introgress multiple genes/loci in the developed germplasm by analyzing the effects of multiple gene knockouts/ silencing on plant growth, physiology and yield. Finally, the Kachroo lab will idnetify metabolites essential for soybean resistance to P. sojae and Pythium.