2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this cooperative research project are to increase our understanding of genome organization of cereals and the QTLs associated with crop enhancement including response to the environment and nutritional improvement. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1) Development of genetic and physical markers for sorghum. Annotation of sorghum sequences will be used to identify SSR sequences to be used as genetic markers. In addition we will use the regions of synteny established between the rice genome sequence and sorghum genetic and physical map markers to identify rice gene models for genetic marker development. These resources will be used to enhance the emerging integrated sorghum genetic and physical map.. 2)Molecular and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of traits associated with improved crop performance and nutritional content in sorghum and other model species (i.e. Arabidopsis) will be carried out to isolate and characterize genes associated with these traits. We will leverage the near complete rice genome sequence and annotations and the known synteny among the grasses to identify candidate genes associated with QTLs and sequence these regions. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Texas A&M University. In the past year tissues were developed in replicate from drought stress conditions and developmental stage tissues and delivered to CSHL for small RNA libraries template. The tissues will also be used for other molecular techniques for downstream validation of microRNA predictions and targets associated with drought stress and developmental stages. Management and Communication: Discussion and review of the objectives are done at least twice a year in conference calls or in personal meetings as well as email exchanges and conference calls.