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INVESTIGATOR: Prakash, C.; He, G.; Mortley, D.; Bonsi, C.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
TUSKEGEE, ALABAMA 36088

LINKING DNA MARKERS TO KEY BIOENERGY TRAITS IN MISCANTHUS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Molecular markers linked with bioenergy traits in Miscanthus will be identified to help breed fast growing, highly productive and eco-friendly clones of this green energy grass which can serve as a feedstock to produce cellulosic ethanol. The project will enhance science-based knowledge in a multi-disciplinary area of vital importance to national interest, i.e., developing a bioenergy crop to provide cost-efficient and environmentally-sustainable source of biofuel, without impacting our food supply. Implicit in this goal is an effort to build a Center of Excellence in Bioenergy Genomics at Tuskegee University to train future scientists in this cross-cutting discipline that strives to meet green energy needs of the country. High-density, informative polymorphic DNA markers located across the Miscanthus genome will be identified using innovative whole-genome sequencing technique. Genetic loci linked to key bioenergy traits such as yield, yield quality, flowering time, growth and other agronomic traits will be identified on a broad diversity of Miscanthus germplasm using Genome-wide association study. We have already assembled a collection of Miscanthus genotypes at TU and conducted preliminary studies on identification of SSR-DNA markers. Renowned experts from across the country will serve as collaborators. Results from the project will enhance in the rapid development of high yielding cultivars of Miscanthus grass. The project will clearly strengthen our institutional capability in a key mission area of Tuskegee University viz., genomics of bioenergy while enhancing the workforce diversity.

OBJECTIVES: This project seeks to gain molecular insights into the genome of the bioenergy grass Miscanthus by identifying gene-based markers for bioenergy traits, including morphological, agronomical, reproductive, architectural and biochemical traits using Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS); and build capacity for bioenergy genomics program at Tuskegee University for training students in this frontier area of science and national priority. The specific research objectives are: 1. to collect, assemble and evaluate a diverse Miscanthus germplasm for agronomic, physiological and biochemical traits of importance to bioenergy; 2. identify and develop gene-based markers for bioenergy traits and discover Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers using RAD sequencing in Miscanthus; and 3. perform Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to associate genomic markers with key bioenergy traits in Miscanthus.