For example, they're interested in fungal genes that enable these microbes to penetrate and infect sugar beet leaves and roots. Markers Point the Way in Michigan McGrath and co-researchers in the ARS Sugar Beet and Bean Research Unit at East Lansing are seeking sugar beet marker genes for traits like higher sugar content or bigger yields. The Michigan scientists have already used some markers in scrutinizing experimental breeding lines of sugar beet. The researchers are also using the markers as a guide in mapping the sugar beet genome. Markers help them pinpoint the location and function of some of sugar beet's 25,000 or so genes.
Growers plant high-quality seed, but only half germinate and survive to harvest.
Sugar beet growers tell me this is a major problem that they need our help with. It's one of the lowest of any major crop. Corn varieties, for example, have genes representing about 60 percent of the diversity found in corn's wild ancestors. Commercial sugar beets would be lucky to have even 10 or 20 percent.