Project Number: 5347-21410-005-24
Project Type: General Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 01, 2012
End Date: Jul 31, 2016

Objective:
To 1) develop breeding populations for use in genetic improvement of Brassica napus, and for use in validation of molecular markers arising from collaborative genomic studies; 2) grow out in the field the genetic diversity panel a world collection of Brassica napus for use in genome wide association studies; and 3) grow out in the Idaho location the multi-species trials (stress trials) as part of the broader US stress trials study, and provide phenotypic data needed for ALMANAC modeling toward redesign of oilseed to biofuels conversion.

Approach:
New and improved germplasm and breeding populations from ongoing ARS and University of Idaho breeding programs will be established in small and large scale research plots. Small plots will be scored for a variety of phenotypic traits, including yield, height, leaf area, canopy temperature, etc. Seed samples will be collected from these plots and sent to Peoria, IL for detailed oil analysis. Large scale plots will be planted to determine relative commercial performance of multiple oilseed species and breeding lines.