ADVANCING PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE KENTUCKY BIOECONOMY

Goal one will focus on resolving the genetic architecture of stalk lodging (snapping of stems (not root) before harvest). We will specifically focus on stalk lodging in maize and sorghum. While maize is one of the most important sources of food and feed in the world, sorghum is emerging as a key food/feed crop due its resilience to drought and heat stress. Genomes of these two C4 grasses share appreciable levels of synteny (collinearity), thus enabling exchange of genetic discoveries. Stalk lodging causes major yield losses in both maize and an emerging production issue in sorghum. Genetic improvement of stalk lodging resistance could enhance productivity. However, efforts to unravel the genetic architecture of stalk lodging have been unsuccessful. Goals are to evaluate genome-to-phenome relationships by assessing variability in failure patterns in both naturally lodged plants and diverse germplasm collections. Then to make predictions about relationships between various physiological, metabolic and genetic factors at play.A second effort will be to perform similar genome to phenome studies on American white oak and grains. These studies aim to assist farmers and producers seeking sustainability. Here, objectives will evaluate the genome of the oak to better understand the organism. Phenotypical variation in grains and oak will also be evaluated as they relate to quality attributes. Ongoing efforts to work with heirloom grains for spirits will require additional screening of fermentation outputs.Finally, a long term goal of the lab is discovering useful chemicals from nature. The third aim is to continue screening and developing bioactive small molecules to control weeds and pests. Objectives will include the fractionation and evaluation of specific bioactive compounds.