Location: Plant Introduction Research
Project Number: 5030-21000-074-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2022
End Date: Aug 31, 2024
Objective:
Phenotypically characterize a large, exotic derived mapping population of corn to identify important traits in adaptation to cover crop field scenarios.
Approach:
Utilizing two available double-double cross populations consisting of Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Project released lines, (1) create 800-1000 doubled haploid (DH) lines from each population, and (2) phenotypically characterize DH lines to identify important traits in adaptation to cover crop scenarios. Traits include plant diseases (seedling, foliar, and stalk) and yield reduction due to competition with cover crops. Identification of lines possessing necessary traits will be incorporated into the GEM breeding program.
ARS will lead data collection and analysis for I) rainfaill simulations, II) field infiltrometers and water holding capacity, III) wet aggregate stability, IV) resin lysimeters, and V) rye biomass and nitrogen (N) accumulation. ARS will assist in data collection and analysis for I) corn growth, development, and yield, II) weed suppression, III) soil inorganic N, and IV) corn seedling disease.
