Hessian fly resistance gene discovery and marker-assisted selection in soft red winter wheat
Genetic analysis and mapping of novel Hessian fly resistance genes in soft red winter wheat cultivars for the southeastern US. The project aims to identify and validate QTL and linked markers to accelerate breeding of resistant wheat varieties against evolving Hessian fly biotypes, reducing yield losses in a major regional crop.
Overview
Hessian fly is a major pest of soft red winter wheat in the southeastern United States, causing significant yield losses when susceptible cultivars are grown. Currently, only one resistance gene (H13) is widely effective against prevailing Hessian fly biotypes in the region, leaving wheat breeding programs vulnerable as new biotypes emerge. This research program focuses on discovering, mapping, and validating additional resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) in wheat germplasm, enabling breeders to deploy genetic diversity and develop cultivars with durable Hessian fly resistance.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Phenotyping wheat germplasm for Hessian fly resistance under controlled greenhouse conditions using biotypes from the southeastern US
- Generating recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations from crosses between susceptible and resistant parents
- Rating Hessian fly reactions by larvae count three weeks after infestation
- Genotyping leaf tissue using a 90K SNP array to generate high-density genetic data
- Performing QTL analysis and constructing genetic maps to identify candidate resistance genes and linked markers
- Validating markers for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding pipelines
Key features:
- Preliminary data suggests resistant parents may carry resistance genes beyond H13, indicating novel genetic diversity
- High-throughput SNP genotyping enables fine mapping of resistance loci
- Greenhouse-based randomized block design with two to three replicates ensures robust phenotypic data
- Focus on southeastern US Hessian fly biotypes addresses regionally relevant pest pressure
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary phenotyping has identified resistant wheat cultivars and suggested the presence of multiple resistance genes. The next phase involves extensive phenotypic data collection, RIL population development, genotyping, and QTL mapping. Marker validation for routine use in marker-assisted selection will follow genetic analysis. The work is currently positioned at Technology Readiness Level 3-4, transitioning from laboratory proof-of-concept toward validated genetic markers ready for breeding application.
About University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large student body across multiple campuses, known for applied scholarship and community partnership. Industry partners access core facilities and pilot‑scale capabilities—including the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center—for prototyping, scale‑up, and product validation. A downtown Innovation District and a statewide Cooperative Extension network link campus expertise to companies across Georgia, while proximity to Atlanta’s corporate and logistics hubs lowers barriers to engagement. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP services, licensing, startup support, and incubator space to accelerate commercialization.
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