Project Number: 5325-21000-013-08
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Feb 08, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
The objectives of this project are to develop a comprehensive molecular marker system for switchgrass, develop a saturated linkage map of switchgrass, and perform QTL analysis to tie selected markers to specific traits that are being evaluated in our mapping populations.

Approach:
Analysis of marker segregation data in a F1 and advanced generation mapping populations consisting of over 250 individuals will provide accurate estimates of genome length, marker coverage, linkage phase and the degree of recombination in each parent along with patterns of segregation distortion. The mapping population will be evaluated in two different environments in replicated trials for morphological and reproductive characteristics associated with biomass production. Additional QTL population(s) will be developed and genotyped with selected markers if little variation is present in the mapping population. Documents Assistance Type Cooperative Agreement with Division of Forage Breeding-Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.