Location: Responsive Agricultural Food Systems Research Unit
Project Number: 3093-51000-001-004-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2025
End Date: May 31, 2028
Objective:
This primary objective of this collaborative project aims to investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying Hi-A (high anthocyanin and high antioxidants) traits in corn and the associated health benefits to humans. Specifically, the project seeks to identify the genes associated with Hi-A traits and analyze the expression of these genes across different genetic backgrounds, tissues, environmental conditions, and crop management practices.
Approach:
The project builds upon the progress made by the Cooperator in developing superior corn parent lines and hybrids characterized by high anthocyanins and antioxidants, improved resistance to drought and high temperatures, and reduced mycotoxin accumulation. The collaboration leverages the strengths of the cooperator in corn germplasm and field testing with USDA-ARS expertise in genomics, metabolism, and human nutrition to optimize genetic and crop management strategies for maximizing crop production while achieving the highest nutritional quality. Specific research activities include conducting genotype by sequencing, generating mapping populations, whole genome sequencing and genome assembly. Towards these efforts the team will carry out field evaluations of parent and hybrid lines, collect samples for genomic and metabolite quantification and bioinformatic analysis. Studies will also include development and phenotyping of F2 mapping populations and generation of recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations by using single-seed descent breeding methods (F2 to F6 generation). Phenotype analysis will include genetic, transcriptomic, metabolite and other measures. The studies will also generate grain for manufacture of corn-based foods for human consumption.