Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research
Project Number: 6038-13210-004-003-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jan 24, 2024
End Date: Jan 10, 2028
Objective:
To characterize the germplasm collections of tropical and subtropical fruit trees, sugarcane, wild relatives of sugarcane, and ornamental plants. The purpose is to meet the needs of stakeholders and growers in Southeastern United States considering the upcoming global shifts caused by climate change. Biotic and abiotic stresses are the major issues in the agriculture production system. Characterizing the germplasm collections for different diseases/pests and nutritional quality is a significant focus. In coastal zones with low sea levels, saltwater intrusion is a significant concern that could impact plant-soil health and the lives of Ag-farmers and citizens. This multi-faceted challenge could jeopardize the economic prosperity of the plant industry and have significant environmental, ecological, and social consequences for the affected communities in South Florida and other places with similar eco-climatic conditions. The proposed agreement provides an opportunity for both institutes (USDA-ARS and FIU) to examine the germplasm collections under various levels of stress including saltwater amendments, determine the best plant health monitoring practices using Artificial intelligence (AI), optical sensor technology, and advanced phenotyping and genomics technologies to conserve economical, rare, endangered, and threatened ornamental germplasm, and update research findings in the NPGS-GRIN global system for undocumented SHRS germplasm.
Approach:
Utilize the expertise and complementary approaches of both institutions to address the needs of stakeholders more efficiently and effectively. The USDA-SHRS supports agriculture in the southern regions of the United States by conducting environmentally friendly research on three main areas: (1) breeding and genetics of tropical and subtropical plants, (2) interdiction and control/eradication of exotic insect plant pests, and (3) investigation of best management practices for effective maintenance, conservation, and distribution of various tropical and subtropical plants. To align well with the SHRS mission of science-based research, education, and outreach, researchers from FIU will collaborate on this mission, focusing on the interface of agriculture, natural ecosystems, and economic development.
The research will determine how biotic and abiotic stresses affect plant growth in Southeast Asia (SEA). In order to achieve this, we will use the NPGS germplasm collections from SHRS. The plant materials will be evaluated against stresses and potential tolerant lines/accessions will be identified using advanced tools and technologies. The FIU team has excellent expertise in applying AI and optical non-destructive sensor technologies to assess plants under stress and in field conditions. Additionally, an in-vitro micropropagation protocol with different combinations of plant growth regulators, explants, and media will be used to conserve economical, rare, endangered, and/or threatened ornamental germplasm.
