Genetic variation, genetic architecture and genomic prediction of P-use-efficiency traits in European and Chinese maize
Our Vision
The aim of this research project is to assess the genetic variation for P-use-efficiency (PUE) traits in elite germplasm as well as in genetic resources and to dissect the genetic architecture of these traits with modern genomic tools for future targeted PUE selection in breeding programs. To this end, unique diversity sets will be employed, incorporating elite lines as well as doubled haploid lines from landraces that will be evaluated under different P regimes in field trials. Samples will be taken to measure P concentration in different organs in order to assess both P uptake as well as remobilization and translocation within the plant.
Later, this work will be extended to fine-mapping and further characterization of specific quantitative trait loci (QTL), and to study the inheritance patterns, gene action of QTL and heterosis of the PUE traits in hybrids. Finally, all results will be employed in simulation studies to optimize the design of breeding programs for improving PUE traits in maize.
