Location: Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU)
Project Number: 8060-21000-034-029-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jan 1, 2024
End Date: Dec 31, 2024
Objective:
The Cooperator will generate whole genome sequencing for the entire USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) Hemp Germplasm Collection using cutting edge sequencing technology. Long-read 2x genome sequencing will be generated for approximately 1200 individual plants (e.g., a male and female individual from approximately 600 accessions). All data will be made publicly available on the National Center for Biotechnology Information and GRIN-Global. This data will be applied to nearly every research objective and goal of the USDA hemp project. Specific outcomes of this work will be: understand the sex determination system across the broader pool of hemp germplasm diversity, evaluation of Y chromosome diversity, enhance germplasm collection, conservation, maintenance, and distribution, intensify ongoing phenotyping, breeding, and pre-breeding work, development of a Cannabis Core Collection, development of priority mapping populations (e.g., a Cannabis MAGIC population), and provide a new application for GRIN-Global.
Approach:
Hemp germplasm will be pulled from the USDA-ARS NPGS Hemp Germplasm Collection and germinated. PACE assays will be run to identify male and female individuals, tissue samples will be collected from juvenile plants and sent to Cooperator for whole-genome sequencing, plants will be transplanted into a field environment and evaluated for morphology, sex, photoperiod sensitivity, cannabinoids, fiber quality, fatty acids and proteins, and other priority agronomic characters. All data will be made publicly available on Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)-Global and the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
