Location: Crops Pathology and Genetics Research
Project Number: 2032-21000-027-006-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2029
Objective:
Overall objective is to characterize rice mutants derived from traditional mutagenesis methods for altered grain quality and agronomic performance characteristics and identify the underlying causal mutations and mechanisms responsible for these mutants. In addition to generating basic information on rice gene function, germplasm and strategies for developing new, improved rice varieties are expected.
Approach:
Rice mutants in various temperate and tropical japonica genetic backgrounds have been generated by the ARS PI and specific mutants with altered grain quality (e.g., endosperm, morphology traits) and agronomic traits have and are being identified using forward genetic screens. Genetic crosses with progenitor varieties for several mutants have been made to generate genetic populations for mutation discovery and germplasm development. To facilitate mutation discovery, genetic populations are being phenotyped and mutant and wildtype DNA bulks are being constructed and subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Characterization of mutants using trait-specific analyses (e.g., physicochemical assays for grain mutants, field-based phenotyping for agronomic trait mutants) are being conducted using standard methods for rice grain and plant evaluations and with drone-based spectral imaging to develop and implement methods for phenotyping by remote sensing.
Cooperator will conduct mutation discovery analyses of bulked DNA sequences generated by ARS PI and perform evaluations of mutants and germplasm development through material transfer agreements. Additional complementary genetic analysis and phenotypic characterization studies of specific mutants will be conducted to provide information on mutant performance in a different environment and production system. Cooperator will facilitate access to technologies and expertise in alternative uses for rice aimed at developing improved germplasm for new markets.
