Trait Development via Mutagenesis in Tomato and Pepper

Advancements in genomics technologies, particularly genotyping and DNA sequencing, have led to a resurgence in using a reverse genetic approach to trait development.  More specifically, researchers are using mutagenesis combined with high throughput DNA sequencing to develop novel alleles in genes that control biotic / abiotic stress and quality improvement.  Over the past 4 years, we have developed methods and EMS mutagenized populations of petunia, tomato, pepper, cucumber and soybean that form a platform for trait development and functional genomics studies.  Our approach includes using high resolution DNA melting for genotyping and Illumina-based sequencing coupled with informatics to discover and apply new alleles in plant breeding.  The tomato (4,600 lines), pepper (3,400 lines) and soybean (4,300 lines) populations were determined to have mutation densities of 1 SNP/54 bp, 1 SNP/72 bp and 1 SNP / 40 bp respectively when the whole population is considered.  We are pursuing trait development in tomato and pepper to improve disease resistance and quality characteristics such as flavour.  The presentation will describe our rationale and process to generate both the genomics and biological resources needed for trait development and look to the future for emerging strategies.