2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Identify recombinant progeny for fine-mapping of genome regions for identifying flowering time genes. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Transfer kernel samples from 200 ears of ARS corn lines NIL-0028 x E73 F2 to cooperator for kernel chipping utilizing specialized equipment for automated seed chipping. Cooperator will provide resulting chipped kernels and seed chips back to ARS for extracting DNA, genotyping with SNP markers and identifying recombinant progeny. 3.Progress Report This project relates to inhouse objective 1: Identify genes and genome regions controlling key traits in diverse maize germplasm using multiple populations and novel genetic mapping methods. The objective of this experiment is to obtain small seed chips from many corn kernels arrayed in a plate suitable for rapid DNA extraction along with the remaining parental seeds arrayed in a separate plate in the same order. We will use the seed chips to extract DNA, genotype the DNA samples with DNA markers, identify seeds with genotypes of interest, and select the appropriate seeds for planting. To date, no seeds have been sent to Pioneer for chipping. Progress was monitored by updates exchanged by email and telephone calls between Pioneer Hi-Bred scientists and ARS scientists.