GENOMICS-ASSISTED GERMPLASM CONSTRUCTION FOR TARAXACUM KOK-SAGHYZ

The goal of this project is to characterize and construct foundational germplasm to enable rapid advancement of rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) domestication for NR and inulin production. Selection-theory and high-throughput genome sequencing will be used to achieve three objectives: 1) explore allelic diversity of domestication-related genes, 2) identify genetic components related to field performance and yield, and 3) define core germplasm to implement genomic selection for the improvement of complex traits. Foundational germplasm will encourage basic research on rubber biosynthesis and public and/or private efforts toward rubber dandelion breeding and seed production. Additionally, this project will develop human resources, new models of neodomestication, and new hypotheses related to the biosynthesis of biomaterials.