The genomics-assisted breeding program, led by HudsonAlpha faculty investigator and resident peanut expert Josh Clevenger, PhD , is one of the first commodity crop breeding programs in the world relying solely on whole genome sequencing to identify genetic markers linked to traits of interest. Every plant in the breeding program will have its entire genome sequenced at low coverage and analyzed using the data analysis platform Khufu (see p. 47 for more information) . The goal is to identify small regions of DNA called quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control the traits of interest. Larger DNA segments close to the QTL can be used as genetic markers to determine if a plant inherited the desired trait. Uniquely, the breeding program is community-owned, including local farmers, breeders, and students in almost every step. Students will actively participate in genom- ics-assisted breeding, growing peanut plants from seed- lings, phenotyping plants, analyzing genomic information, selecting plants for future breeding and field trials, and crossing plant varieties. This novel program will allow
students to learn cutting-edge techniques while working on a project with immediate, real-world implications. Selected varieties of peanuts will be grown in field trials at the Auburn University Wiregrass Research and Extension Center. Ultimately, Wiregrass farmers will de- ploy the new, Wiregrass-specific varieties in their fields. In addition to providing the Wiregrass region with crops that will grow better and be more successful in the face of environmental challenges, HudsonAlpha Wiregrass is also providing the area’s students, teachers, and public with high-quality educational programming. The programs will showcase the application of genetics and biotechnol- ogy in agriculture, human health, and other life sciences and career fields. HudsonAlpha Wiregrass will strengthen and diversify the area’s economy by growing the life sciences sector, working closely with regional leaders to recruit ag-tech companies, and fostering a thriving ecosystem for entre- preneurs and small businesses. ■
The Hudsonalpha wiregrass is one of the first commod- ity crop breeding programs in the world relying solely on whole genome sequencing to identify genetic markers linked to traits of interest
RESEARCH REPORT
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