Molecular Basis for Genetic Resistance of Fusarium virguliforme, the Causal Agent of Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean (Glycine max)

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is a soybean disease that costs American farmers hundreds of millions of dollars in yield losses annually. The disease is contracted from the necrotrophic fungus Fusarium virguliforme. The fungus does its damage through the work of a complex translocation system. Once in direct contact with the roots, the fungus causes the discoloration and rotting of roots, followed by the excretion of several phytotoxins which translocate throughout the plant. These toxins result in the symptoms associated with SDS, including leave scorch, interveinal chlorosis, and pod abortion (Figure 1). This study seeks to gain a better understanding of the genetic variation between SDS-susceptible and resistant cultivars. Seed inoculation, RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, and NanoDrop Spectrophotometry were performed. Results show differing levels of inoculation between infected and controlled cultivars, suggesting genetic distinction between the lines tested. This research lays the foundation for further sequencing and analysis of the RNA extracts, potentially contributing to the development of an SDS-resistant soybean cultivar.Ope