Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) research activities have focused on plant genetic diversity and comparative plant genomics, emphasizing crops important to global food security. We have recently begun an international group effort to form a more coordinated and focused sorghum genomics research community. We continue to collaborate with a large consortium of maize scientists. We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute. Some of our other activities are highlighted below: The online Resource Center for scientists is available at http://irc.igd.cornell.edu. This is a centralized center for resources such as plant genomics databases, tutorials and training resources, publicly available literature, and funding sources. It also includes a helpdesk where people can email, call, fax or mail in questions. Both last year and this year the IGD received grants from the Syngenta Foundation to post additional resources specific to researchers working on sorghum and millet, including data, literature, and other information. This year's additions of information on where to order laboratory products and a contact list of scientists working on sorghum were very positively received. Additions to the site this year included Frequently Asked Questions, a contact list for millet scientists, new protocols, a DNA troubleshooting guide, and rotating news items. The site had more than 4000 unique visitors this year. A set of training materials on Genomics and Comparative Genomics was completed and is available by CD or online at http://www.generationcp.org/genomics/. An additional set of materials on Marker-Assisted Breeding has been completed and is under review, supported by the international CGIAR Generation Challenge Program for Plant Genetic Diversity. These complement other training materials we have developed. Together with the University of Ghana, the IGD organized a two-week training course on the use of molecular markers, sponsored by the Kirkhouse Trust and held in July. Two members of IGD (the Director of Outreach and the Laboratory Manager) taught at the course, which was very successful. This course was attended by scientists and students from seven West African nations. Educational activities centered on maize have included the development of "story boards" outlining the importance of maize in history, culture and science, which are also available online as downloadable slides. In addition to the boards on the topics of history and culture, maize domestication, and Barbara McClintock, this year an additional board was developed on the topic of biofuels. These slides are all now available online in both English and Spanish. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
African Scientists Fellowship Program: This year our fellowship program, where African scientists are invited to come to IGD for a 2-6 month training period hosted a graduate student from the University of Ghana, working on maize, and a sorghum breeder from Sudan. Requests for our freely available training training materials remain high. The online Resource Center had more than 4000 unique visitors this year, while the Helpdesk received questions from countries around the world. Scientists visited the institute this year from countries including Ghana, Sudan, Mexico, Brazil, and others.
Publications
- Fulton TM (2008) Genomics and comparative genomics: A Learning module. CD-ROM. Generation Challenge Program and Institute for Genomic Diversity. In press.
- Yadav OP, SE Mitchell, TM Fulton and S Kresovich. 2008. Transferring molecular markers from sorghum, rice and other cereals to pearl millet and identifying polymorphic markers. e-Journal of Semi-Arid Tropical Research. 6: 1-4.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
The Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) research activities have focused on plant genetic diversity and comparative plant genomics, emphasizing crops important to global food security. We have recently begun an international group effort to form a more coordinated and focused sorghum genomics research community. We continue to collaborate with a large consortium of maize scientists. We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute. Some of our other activities are highlighted below: The online Resource Center for scientists is available at http://irc.igd.cornell.edu. This is a centralized center for resources such as plant genomics databases, tutorials and training resources, publicly available literature, and funding sources. It also includes a helpdesk where people can email, call, fax or mail in questions. Both last year and this year the IGD received grants from the Syngenta Foundation to post additional resources
specific to researchers working on sorghum and millet, including data, literature, and other information. This year's additions of information on where to order laboratory products and a contact list of scientists working on sorghum were very positively received. The site had more than 4000 unique visitors this year. Training Resources and Workshops: A set of training materials on Marker-Assisted Breeding is underway, supported by the international CGIAR Generation Challenge Program for Plant Genetic Diversity. This will complement the completed materials on genomics and comparative genomics (that are now being formatted for public release). Together with the University of Ghana, the IGD organized a two-week training course on the use of molecular markers, sponsored by the to sponsor Kirkhouse Trust and held in July. Two members of IGD (the Director of Outreach and the Laboratory Manager) taught at the course, which was very successful. This course was attended by scientists and
students from seven West African nations. The Kirkhouse Trust has agreed to fund another course like this in July 2008. Educational activities centered on maize have included the development of "story boards" outlining the importance of maize in history, culture and science, which are also available online as downloadable slides. In addition to the boards on the topics of history and culture, maize domestication, and Barbara McClintock, this year an additional board was developed on the topic of biofuels. These slides are all now available online in both English and Spanish. In addition, the Director of Outreach visited North Carolina Agriculture & Technical College (a "historically black" 1890s school) and taught several classes on related topics. In addition, the Director of Outreach, together with the Cornell Institute of Biology Teachers, hosted several biology classes from a local high school. Nearly 100 students visited CU to learn about DNA, laboratory techniques,
transformations, and databases.
Impacts
African Scientists Fellowship Program: This year our fellowship program, where African scientists are invited to come to IGD for a 2-6 month training period hosted a cassava breeder from Nigeria and is currently hosting a graduate student from the University of Ghana, working on maize. The next recipient, selected from over 30 applications, will arrive in April 2008 from Sudan to work on sweet sorghum. We also hosted a scientist from India who developed new molecular markers for pearl millet. Requests for the freely available CD-rom training module "Using molecular marker technology effectively in plant diversity studies" remain high. The online Resource Center had more than 4000 unique visitors this year, while the Helpdesk received questions from countries around the world, including Mexico, India, Kenya, Nigeria and others. Scientists visited the institute this year from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, India, Italy, Egypt, and Niger. We also hosted short visits
from the Global Food Banking Network, CIMMYT (Mexico), CIAT (Colombia) and CIRAD (France).
Publications
- Danquah E and Fulton TM. 2007. Tomato improvement in Ghana. SOL Newsletter 17: 3-4.
- Fulton TM. 2007. Infrastructure in Ghana supports collaboration. ASCB Newsletter 30 (11): 22-23.
- Hamblin MT, Fernandez MGS, Tuinstra MR, Rooney WL and Kresovich S. 2007. Sequence variation at candidate loci in the starch metabolism pathway in sorghum: Prospects for linkage disequilibrium mapping. Crop Sci 47: S125-S134 Suppl. S.
- Labate JA, Grandillo S, Fulton T, Munos S, Caicedo AL, Peralta I, et al. 2007. Tomato. In Genome Mapping and Molecular Breeding in Plants, Vol 5: Vegetables. Edited by C.R. Kole. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 1-125.
- Tanksley SD and Fulton TM. 2007. Dissecting Quantitative Trait Variation - Examples from the tomato. Euphytica 154: 365-370.
- Yadav OP, Mitchell SE , Zamora A , Fulton TM and Kresovich S. 2007. Development of new simple sequence repeat markers for pearl millet. e-Journal of Semi-Arid Tropical Research 3(1): 34-37 (available at http://www.icrisat.org/Journal/Sorgum_Millet_other_Cereals.htm).
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
The Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) research activities have focused on plant genetic diversity and comparative plant genomics, emphasizing crops important to global food security. We have recently begun an international group effort to form a more coordinated and focused sorghum genomics research community. We continue to collaborate with a large consortium of maize scientists. We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute. Some of our other activities are highlighted below: The online Resource Center for scientists is available at http://irc.igd.cornell.edu. This is a centralized center for resources such as plant genomics databases, tutorials and training resources, publicly available literature, and funding sources. It also includes a helpdesk where people can email, call, fax or mail in questions. This year the IGD received a grant from the Syngenta Foundation to post additional resources specific to
researchers working on sorghum and millet, including data, literature, and other information. Training Resources and Workshops: A set of training materials on genomics and comparative genomics has just been completed under the auspices of the international CGIAR Generation Challenge Program for Plant Genetic Diversity. This will be freely available via CD or internet download shortly. A workshop, 'Molecular markers and high-throughput strategies for plant breeding' was held for visiting scientists, staff and graduate students. Together with members of the University of Ghana (W. Africa), the Director of Outreach successfully garnered funding for a training workshop to be held in Ghana in July 2007. A tutorial for using a genomics database was also developed this year. It has been used for several high school classes, and is available through the Solanaceae Genome Network online. African Scientists Fellowship Program: This was the first full year of our new fellowship program, where
African scientists are invited to come to IGD for a 2-6 month training period. Recipients thus far include: a sweet potato breeder from Ghana, a sorghum breeder from Niger, and a scientist from Egypt working with faba bean. The next recipient, selected from over 30 applications, will arrive in February 2007 to work on cassava. Educational activities centered on maize have included the development of 'story boards' outlining the importance of maize in history, culture and science, which are also available online as downloadable slides. These slides have now been translated into Spanish and will be available online shortly. In addition, the Director of Outreach has taken the story boards to use in school visits, including one to the Cherokee Middle School in Madison, Wisconsin, and for a teacher training course for minority teaches, held at North Carolina Agriculture & Technical College.
Impacts
Requests for the freely available CD-rom training module 'Using molecular marker technology effectively in plant diversity studies' remain high. More than 500 copies have now been sent to over 30 countries worldwide. The new Resource Center is receiving nearly 100 hits per day, with information on protocols, funding and the CD material being the most accessed. Scientists visited the institute this year from countries including Peru, Ghana, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Venezuela, Italy, Egypt, and Niger.
Publications
- Zhao, W., Canaran, P., Jurkuta, R., Fulton, T., Glaubitz, J., Buckler, E., Doebley, J., Gaut, B., Goodman, M., Holland, J., Kresovich, S., McMullen, M., Stein, L. and Ware, D. 2006. Panzea: A Database And Resource For Molecular And Functional Diversity In The Maize Genome. Nucleic Acids Research 34 (Database Issue): D752-D757
- Brown, P.J., P. Klein, E. Bortiri, C. Acharya, W.L. Rooney, and S. Kresovich. 2006. Inheritance of inflorescence architecture in Sorghum. Theor. Appl. Genet. 113:931-942. Abstract
- Casa, A.M., S.E. Mitchell, J.D. Jensen, M.T. Hamblin, A.H. Paterson, C.F. Aquadro and S. Kresovich. 2006. Evidence for a selective sweep on chromosome 1 of cultivated sorghum. Plant Genome 1:S1-S15.
- Hamblin, M.T., A.M. Casa, H. Sun, S.C. Murray, A.H. Paterson, C.F. Aquadro and S. Kresovich. 2006. Challenges of detecting directional selection after a domestication bottleneck: lessons from Sorghum bicolor. Genetics 173:953-964.
- Kresovich, S., A.M. Casa, A.J. Garris, S.E. Mitchell and M.T. Hamblin. 2006. Improving the connection between effective crop conservation and breeding. In: Plant Breeding: Hallauer Symposium, pp. 90-96, Blackwell, Oxford.
- Yu, J., G. Pressoir, W.H. Briggs, I.V. Bi, M. Yamasaki, J.F. Doebley, M.D. McMullen, B.S. Gaut, D.M. Nielsen, J.B. Holland, S. Kresovich and E.S. Buckler. 2006. A unified mixed-model method for association mapping that accounts for multiple levels of relatedness. Nat. Genetics. 38:203-208.
- Feltus, F.A., G.E. Hart, K.F. Schertz, A.M. Casa, S. Kresovich, S. Abraham, P.E. Klein, P.J.Brown and A.H. Paterson. 2006. Alignment of genetic maps and QTLs between inter- and intraspecific Sorghum populations. Theor. Appl. Genet. 112:1295-1305.
- Rice, E.B., M.E. Smith, S.E. Mitchell and S. Kresovich. 2006. Conservation and change: a comparison of in situ and ex situ conservation of Jala maize germplasm. Crop Sci. 46:428-436.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
The Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) research activities have focused on plant genetic diversity and comparative plant genomics, emphasizing crops important to global food security. We have recently begun an international group effort to form a more coordinated and focused sorghum genomics research community. We continue to collaborate with a large consortium of maize scientists. An online Resource Center for scientists, at http://irc.igd.cornell.edu. This is a centralized center for resources such as plant genomics databases, publicly available literature, and funding sources. It also includes a helpdesk where people can email, call, fax or mail in questions. We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute. A set of training materials on genomics and comparative genomics is nearing completion.
Impacts
Requests for the freely available CD-rom training module 'Using molecular marker technology effectively in plant diversity studies' remain high. The new Resource Center is receiving nearly 100 hits per day, with information on protocols, funding and the CD material being the most accessed. The Director of Outreach and other IGD scientists participated in a number of workshops this year, including those in Pretoria, South Africa; Quito, Ecuador; and Accra, Ghana. Scientists visited the institute this year from countries including Venezuela, Indonesia, Ghana, South Africa, Colombia, Eygpt, Kenya, and Brazil
Publications
- Sorghum Genomics Planning Workshop Participants. 2005. Toward Sequencing the Sorghum Genome. A U.S. National Science Foundation-Sponsored Workshop Report. Plant Physiology 2005 138:1898-1902.
- Hamblin, M.T., M. Salas, A.M. Casa, S.E. Mitchell, A.H. Paterson, and S. Kresovich. 2005. Patterns of short- and medium-range linkage disequilibrium in Sorghum bicolor L. show little correlation with local rates of recombination. Genetics 2005 171: 1247-1256. In press.
- Casa, A.M., S.E. Mitchell, M.T. Hamblin, H. Sun, J.E. Bowers, A.H. Paterson, C.F. Aquadro, and S. Kresovich. 2005. Diversity and selection in sorghum: simultaneous analyses using simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Theor. Appl. Genet. 111:23-30.
- Wisser, R.J., Q. Sun, S. Hulbert, S. Kresovich, and R.J. Nelson. 2005. Identification and characterization of regions of the rice genome associated with broad-spectrum, quantitative disease resistance. Genetics 169:2277-2293.
- Garris, A.J., T.H. Tai, J. Coburn, S. Kresovich, and S.R. McCouch. 2005. Genetic structure and diversity in Oryza sativa L. Genetics 169:1631-1638.
- Vigouroux, Y., S.E. Mitchell, Y. Matsuoka, M.T. Hamblin, S. Kresovich, J.S.C. Smith, J. Jaqueth, O.S. Smith, and J.F. Doebley. 2005. A genetic diversity map of the maize genome using microsatellites. Genetics 169:1617-1630.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
The Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) research activities have focused on plant genetic diversity and comparative plant genomics, emphasizing crops important to global food security. We have recently begun an international group effort to form a more coordinated and focused sorghum genomics research community. We are nearing completion of the new Resource Center for scientists, at http://irc.igd.cornell.edu. This is a centralized center for resources such as plant genomics databases, publicly available literature, and funding sources. It also includes a helpdesk where people can email, call, fax or mail in questions.We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute.
Impacts
Publication of a freely available CD-rom training module "Using molecular market technology effectively in plant diversity studies." The module includes basic concepts of the various techniques available, cost comparisons with advantages and disadvantages, photographs of laboratory techniques and discussions of how to choose the appropriate technique. This CD has been requested by and made available to international scientists from over 30 countries.
Publications
- Blair, M.W., A.J. Garris, A.S. Iyer, B. Chapman, S. Kresovich, and S.R. McCouch. 2003. High resolution genetic mapping and candidate gene identification at the xa5 locus for bacterial blight in rice (oryza sativa L.). Theor. Appl. Genet. 107:62-73.
- Garris, A.J., S.R. McCouch, and S. Kresovich. 2003. Population structure and its effect on haplotype diversity and linkage disequilibrium surrounding the xa5 locus of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Genetics 165:759-769.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Activities of the Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) continue to focus on: (1) studies of evolutionary genomics and genome organization of food crops, (2) studies of plant breeding, population genetics, and better use of genetic diversity, and (3) genomic technologies acquisition and application for solving problems in agriculture, conservation, and life sciences. Research activities focus on rapidly evolving, functional genes associated with biotic or abiotic stresses, and panicle architecture in sorghum; new sources of diversity in sorghum genome and genepool; genetic mechanisms in maize that affect inflorescence architecture and characters associated with grain quality; and genes important in disease resistance in millet and maize. We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute. Key personnel have been employed to enhance education and outreach activities.
Impacts
Provision of bioinformatics platforms and capabilities to support global conservation and agriculture. Provision of disciplinary expertise in agricultural, population, and evolutionary genomics to provide in-depth analyses of generated data.
Publications
- Labate, J.A., K.R. Lamkey, S.E. Mitchell, S. Kresovich, H. Sullivan, and J.S.C. Smith. 2003. Molecular and historical aspects of Corn Belt Dent diversity. Crop Sci., 43:80-91.
- Bowers, J.E., C. Abbey, S. Anderson, C. Chang, X. Draye, A. H. Hoppe, R. Jessup, C. Lemke, J. Lennington, Z. Li, Y. R. Lin, S. E. Liu, L. Luo, B. S. Marler, R. Ming, S. E. Mitchell, D. Qiang, K. Reischmann, S. R. Schulze, D. N. Skinner, Y. W. Wang, S. Kresovich, K. F. Schertz, and A. H. Paterson. 2003. A high-density genetic recombination map of sequence-tagged sites for sorghum, as a framework for comparative structural and evolutionary genomics of tropical grains and grasses. Genetics 165:367-86.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Activities of the Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) continue to focus on: (1) studies of evolutionary genomics and genome organization of food crops particularly grains including maize, sorghum, and more recently, millet, (2) studies of plant breeding, population genetics, and better use of genetic diversity, and (3) genomic technologies acquisition and application for solving problems in agriculture, conservation, and life sciences. In sorghum, research is underway to discover rapidly evolving, functional genes associated with biotic or abiotic stresses, and panicle architecture (funded through the NSF). In complement, we are working to discover and characterize new sources of diversity in the sorghum genome and genepool. In two collaborative projects we are (1)attempting to understand genetic mechanisms in maize that affect maize inflorescence architecture and characters associated with grain quality, and (2)looking for genes important in disease resistance in
millet and maize. In each of the noted cases, we are trying to develop a continuum of understanding from maize, through sorghum, to millet. Studying both genetic similarities and differences among these three crops will provide both conservationists and breeders to better manage and exploit diversity. Institute personnel attended a workshop in Mali, West Africa, 'Facilitating the improvement of pearl millet in West Africa through conventional and molecular plant breeding, farmers' participation, and comparative genomics strategies'. This workshop was co-sponsored by the Institute, ICRISAT, Rockefeller Foundation, Syngenta Foundation, and other national and international organizations. The meeting was attended by more than 50 researchers and farmer representatives. The Director visited the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to present a general and technical seminar to attendees of the meeting on the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources. He
worked with FAO scientists to develop a molecular strategy to assess genetic vulnerability in crops that could be implemented and monitored through time. Institute personnel attended a consultation meeting in Spain hosted by IPGRI (International Plant Genetics Resources Institute), 'The evolving role of genebanks in light of developments in molecular genetics.' The Director chaired one of the sessions, and the Outreach Director assisted in organizing and writing a summary report of the event.
Impacts
Provision of bioinformatics platforms and capabilities to support global conservation and agriculture. Provision of disciplinary expertise in agricultural, population, and evolutionary genomics to provide in-depth analyses of generated data.
Publications
- Matsuoka, Y., S. E. Mitchell, S. Kresovich, M. Goodman and J. Doebley. 2002. Microsatellites in Zea - variability, patterns of mutations, and use for evolutionary studies. Theor. Appl. Genet. 104:436-450.
- Carmon, A., T.J. Vision, S.E. Mitchell, T.W. Thannhauser, U. Muller, and S. Kresovich. 2002. Solid-phase PCR in microwells: optimization for high-throughput, fluorescence-based detection. Biotechniques.32:410-421.
- Casa, A.M., S.E. Mitchell, O.S. Smith, J.C. Register, S.R. Wessler, and S. Kresovich. 2002. Evaluation of Hbr (MITE) markers for assessment of genetic relationships among maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines. Theor. Appl. Genet. 104:104-110.
- Kresovich, S., A.J. Luongo, and S.J. Schloss. 2002. `Mining the gold': allelic variants for improved crop conservation and use. In: Managing Plant Genetic Diversity, (J.M.M. Engels, V. Ramanatha Rao, A.H.D. Brown, and M.T. Jackson, eds.), pp. 379-386. CABI Publishing, Wallingford.
- Schloss, S.J., S.E. Mitchell, G.M. White, R. Kukatla, J. Bowers, A.H. Paterson, and S. Kresovich. 2002. Gene characterization and marker development in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Theor. Appl. Genet. 105:912-920.
- Vigouroux, Y., M McMullen, C.T. Hittinger, L. Schulz, S. Kresovich, Y. Matsuoko, and J. Doebley. 2002. Identifying genes for agronomic importance in maize by screening microsatellites for evidence of selection during domestication. PNAS USA 99:9650-9655.
- Gethi, J.G., J.A. Labate, S. Kresovich, M.E. Smith, and K.R. Lamkey. 2002. SSR variation in important U.S. maize inbred lines. Crop Sci. 42:951-957.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Activities of the Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) continue to focus on: (1) studies of evolutionary genomics and genome organization of food crops, (2) studies of plant breeding, population genetics, and better use of genetic diversity, and (3) genomic technologies acquisition and application for solving problems in agriculture, conservation, and life sciences. Recent investigations of sorghum population genomics (funded through a NSF Plant Genome grant) have focused on two areas including: (1) the study of the phytochrome B gene (a gene of major agronomic performance affecting photoperiod response, maturity, and tillering) diversity in a broad array of cultivated and wild races, and (2) the efficient discovery, characterization, mapping, and use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We continue to host a significant number of international scientists and students at the Institute. Key personnel have been employed to enhance education and outreach
activities.
Impacts
Provision of bioinformatics platforms and capabilities to support global conservation and agriculture. Provision of disciplinary expertise in agricultural, population, and evolutionary genomics to provide in-depth analyses of generated data. Successful competition for additional resources with partners at the CGIAR centers and national programs, as well as establishment of a program with tangible impacts on global network-building for conservation and agriculture.
Publications
- Zhao, S., S.E. Mitchell, J. Meng, S. Kresovich, M.P. Doyle, R.E. Dean, A.M. Casa, J.W. Weller. 2000. Genomic typing of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by semi-automated fluorescent AFLP analysis. Microbes and Infection 2: 107-113.
- Casa, A.M., C. Brouwer, A. Nagel, L. Wang, Q. Zhang, S. Kresovich, and S.R. Wessler. 2000. The MITE family Heartbreaker (Hbr): Molecular markers in maize. PNAS USA 97:10083-10089.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Activities of the Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD) continue to focus on: (1) studies of evolutionary genomics and genome organization of food crops, (2) studies of plant breeding, population genetics, and better use of genetic diversity, and (3) genomic technologies acquisition and application for solving problems in agriculture, conservation, and life sciences. Investigations of sorghum population genomics have focused on two areas including: (1) the study of the phytochrome B gene (a gene of major agronomic performance affecting photoperiod response, maturity, and tillering) diversity in a broad array of cultivated and wild races, and (2) the efficient discovery, characterization, mapping, and use of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The investigations of the evolutionary genomics of maize have progressed well and two publications are being prepared on: (1) SSR diversity and complexity, and (2) the possibilities for association mapping of genes in genetic
resources accessions of maize without the need for mapping populations. A significant number of scientists and students are currently working with the IGD. Since the fall 1998, we've received scientists from International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) including CIAT, CIP, CIMMYT, ICARDA, IITA, ILRI, ICRAF, ICRISAT, and IPGRI. National program scientists at the IGD have included individuals from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, and Spain. At present, the IGD hosts approximately 25 visiting scientists and students.
Impacts
We continue to develop a novel technique for determining DNA sequence variation that involves competitive hybridization of unknown DNA with known DNA representing parental types. Over the past year, we have demonstrated proof-of-concept and filed for a patent. Work over the next year will be directed at optimizing the individual stages of the process and reducing the assay to a simple format that is flexible for the potential users.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Activities continue to focus on: (1) studies of evolutionary genomics and genome organization of food crops, (2) studies of plant breeding, population genetics, and better use of genetic diversity, and (3) genomic technologies acquisition and application for solving problems in agriculture, conservation, and life sciences. A significant number of scientists and students are currently working with the Institute for Genomic Diversity (IGD). Since the fall 1998, we have received scientist from International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) including CIAT, CIP, CIMMYT, ICARDA, IITA, ILRI, ICRISAT, and IPGRI. National program scientists at the IGD currently represent Brazil, Colombia, and India. We expect to have scientist from China working on assessments of genetic diversity in Asian rices. At present, the IGD hosts approximately 20 visiting scientists and students. Graduate students representing diverse fields of study are actively learning the tools of genomics to
address their specific research problems.
Impacts
In addition to supporting national and international activities on genetic resources conservation and use, the IGD plays a key role in the area of technology transfer to the life sciences. Close contact with private sector activities allows the IGD to readily integrate technology and analyses for making optimal use of DNA sequence variation.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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