Project Number: 3625-21000-046-03
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 20, 2003
End Date: Aug 19, 2008

Objective:
Determine the impact of production practices and selection on seed quality.

Approach:
We will use germplasm selections grown in two locations differing in production system: conventional vs. sustainable farming. The lines derived from GEM breeding crosses developed in the grain quality traits breeding project of Dr. Linda Pollak. Because the lines have been selected for grain composition through development their composition values have a wider range. Several seed quality tests will be performed in the laboratory. These tests are: standard germination test, saturated cold test, accelerated aging (AA) test, soak test, electrical conductivity (EC), and fast green. These tests will be used in the calculation of an inbred quality index . Statistical comparisons among genotype and environment will be used to differentiate lines according to seed quality attributes and their ability to withstand sustainable production practices.