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Accessing the genomic and functional diversity of maize to improve quantitative traits - subproject G (MAZE)

Project


Project code: 031B0195G
Contract period: 01.10.2016 - 30.09.2019
Budget: 246,941 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: maize landraces, flint maize, cold tolerance, diversity

MAZE aims to make maize landraces amenable to crop improvement for quantitative traits. A unique library of doubled-haploid lines was generated from flint maize landraces and will be characterized extensively. Based on newly devised probabilistic and bioinformatic methods, the genomic diversity of this resource will be represented by a comprehensive set of haplotypes. Focusing on cold tolerance during early plant development, we will link genomic with phenotypic diversity by high-precision phenotyping in controlled platforms and multi-environment field trials to identify and functionally characterize novel alleles for quantitative trait variation. We will optimize statistical models for prediction of phenotypes in genetically diverse material with a focus on the role of gene-gene interactions under varying environmental conditions. The long-term goal is to access native biodiversity via novel combinations of genetically and functionally characterized haplotypes, thus securing sustainable crop production.

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