2026 Focused Seed Grant
Awardee
Keunha Kim
Ph.D. student, Genomics, Phenomics, and Bioinformatics
North Dakota State University
Faculty Advisor
Upinder Gill
Assistant Professor
North Dakota State University
Abstract
Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt), remains an economically important disease limiting wheat production worldwide. Leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes especially derived from wild relative species, have been utilized to confer resistance in wheat. Lr53, Lr56, Lr59, and Lr62 are promising resources for developing rust resistance due to their broad all-stage resistance to tested leaf rust races so far. Despite their strong durability, these genes remain poorly characterized and underutilized for wheat breeding. Therefore, our project aims to (1) identify the Lr53, Lr56, and Lr59 candidate genes, (2) functionally characterize the candidate genes, and (3) develop breeder-ready diagnostic markers. Outcomes will generate new knowledge of rust resistance genes and develop molecular tools that will facilitate deployment of durable rust resistance in wheat breeding programs.
About Keunha Kim
Keunha Kim is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Biotechnology (PPMB) under Genomics, Phenomics and Bioinformatics program at North Dakota State University. Her research focuses on identification of rust resistance genes in plants and corresponding effectors in rust pathogens. She applies genetic, genomic, and functional approaches to identify and characterize resistance genes, investigate their mechanisms of action, and develop molecular tools for crop improvement. Currently, she is leading the cloning and functional analysis of leaf rust resistance genes and translating these discoveries into wheat. Through studies of both host resistance and pathogen biology, she aims to contribute to the development of durable disease management strategies and resilient agricultural systems.
“A major challenge facing global agriculture is maintaining effective disease resistance as pathogens continue to evolve. I hope to contribute to the identification and deployment of resistance genes that provide durable protection, helping breeding programs keep pace with changing disease threats while supporting stable crop production.”
Keunha Kim
Connect with Keunha
