Project Number: 3622-21000-027-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 12, 2006
End Date: Apr 11, 2011

Objective:
Determine if altering expression of genes that exhibit evidence of past selection during maize domestication and improvement, modifies the expression of currently relevant agronomic traits. Develop strategies and mechanisms for improving drought-stress tolerance of maize. Conduct an analysis of the role of transcription factors in controlling agronomic traits in maize.

Approach:
Identify and verify selected genes. Make teosinte NIL and use to characterize phenotypic effect of teosinte alleles of selected genes. Identify genes central to drought-tolerance in plants for maize improvement. Use transgenic maize line to test candidate genes for drought tolerance. Identify transcription factors exhibiting specific transcription responses to drought treatments. Analysis the role of MYB transcription factors in controlling agronomic trait expression. BSL-1; recertified December 29, 2005.