Peng W. Chee
University of Georgia, USA
Title: Identification of differentially expressed genes: A step closer towards cloning the root-knot nematode resistance genes in Upland cotton
Biography
Biography: Peng W. Chee
Abstract
The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita; RKN) is one of the most important endoparasitic pests of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). RKN management through host plant resistance is the most economical, practical, and environmentally sound method to provide protection against this pest. High level of nematode resistance found in a germplasm line ‘Auburn 623RNR’ was transferred to line M-120 through backcrossing Auburn 623RNR to an agronomically adapted cultivar C-201. The resistant line M-120 displays a high degree of resistance to both galling and egg production. Prior genetic analysis of line M-120 has identified two epistatically interacting RKN resistance QTLs, qMi-C11 and qMi-C14, affecting gall formation and RKN reproduction, respectively. Root tissues of RKN resistant and susceptible plants infected with nematodes were obtained at two intervals after inoculation for transcriptome sequencing using RNA-seq approach. Preliminary analysis show that over 1400 genes display differential expression (DE) between resistant and susceptible lines. Further functional characterization of DE genes at previously marked QTL intervals will offer clues toward the identification of the causal genes conferring RKN resistance in Upland cotton.