Project Number: 6645-21220-012-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: May 01, 2008
End Date: Apr 30, 2009

Objective:
Development of drought tolerant breeding lines is the main objective of the drought research. A second goal of the drought project is to develop: 1) DNA maps showing the location of drought tolerance genes 2) a physiological explanation of what tolerance genes do, and 3) knowledge of when and where the drought genes work. A third goal is release of new genetic materials in at least three divergent maturity groups, so that products are usable in all three major U.S. growing areas: the upper Midwest, the central Midwest, and the South.

Approach:
FIRST: As new sources of drought tolerance are genetically and physiologically dissected, continue stacking drought tolerance genes from these unique sources into superior drought tolerant types. SECOND- Tag new drought genes with DNA markers and physiologically analyze how genes produce the drought tolerance trait. THIRD- Make field-based drought tolerance screening more accessible for industry. New canopy temperature screening methods will be assessed that can be used even before drought stress develops in the field. FOURTH- Use geographical analysis of weather data to identify those counties in the USA which are most likely to benefit from drought genes. FIFTH- Transfer gemplasm to industry as it passes through validation tests and proves its utility in breeding.