The US is a recognized world leader in the production and trade of agricultural commodities and US corn exports represent 80% of the total world trade in corn. While the yield of corn in the US has steadily increased over the last 40 years, it is beginning to level off. With the expected increase in world population combined with concerns over the environmental effects of chemical intensive agricultural practices, it is clear that a new way to increase corn yield is needed. According to some experts, 50% of the increase in corn yield can be attributed to genetic improvements made to corn with the other 50% coming from use of agrochemicals. With the advent of genomics, the scientific community has an unprecedented opportunity to make significant genetic improvements in corn.
The primary goal of this project is to take the first step toward understanding the structure and function of the Maize Genome by developing and disseminating a comprehensive integrated physical and genetic map of the Maize genome. This will involve the preparation of Maize Genome fragments inserted into a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome library, and the development and use of an array of markers (Expressed Sequence Tags, Single Sequence Repeats and Radiation Hybrids) to help determine the map. In all cases the results (the map) and the reagents (the markers) will be made available to the scientific community at large.
A consolidated physical and genomic map of maize, and the molecular mapping markers to be developed will enable the use by basic scientists for gene discovery, studies of gene functions, and comparative genomics among others. The information and resources that will result from this activity will be invaluable to basic research, the corn industry, and, ultimately, US consumers.
Deliverables:
1. BAC libraries, filters, and clones, with accompanying characterization data and addresses, in a public resource. 2. SSR primer sequences and DNA sequences (2,000 robust markers), map scores, and genetic maps; SNPs and INDELs; all in public resources. 3. On-line repositories and curation tools; presentation and delivery designs; data mining and data analysis software; interconnective, interoperable database structures.
Sources for the Deliverables:
1. BAC filters and libraries: Clemson University Genomics Institute (CUGI), www.genome.clemson.edu/ , and Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI), www.chori.org/bacpac/ 2. BAC Addresses / Maps / Map Data / Mapping Materials / Protocols: Maize Genome Database (MaizeDB), www.agron.missouri.edu/; Maize Mapping Project (MMP), www.maizemap.org; Physical Mapping (WebFPC), www.genome.arizona.edu/fpc/maize/ 3. Integrated Genetic and Physical Maps, MMP: www.maizemap.org 4. Bioinformatics Tools / Software / Downloads, MMP: www.maizemap.org
