NSF PR 98-57 - September 28, 1998
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Upcoming 'Century of Biology' Given Head Start by
NSF Plant Genome Research Program Grants
The 21st century -- often called the century of biology
-- has begun early. The National Science Foundation
(NSF) is providing a boost to plant biology research
through 23 Plant Genome Research Program: Collaborative
Research and Infrastructure Projects awards totalling
$85 million over the next five years.
The new research will contribute to a better understanding
at the genome level of the inner workings of all plants,
including economically important crops like maize
(corn), soybean, tomato and cotton.
"These awards from the first year of the NSF plant
genome research program represent a wide spectrum
of activities ranging from pilot technique development
projects to comprehensive, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional
virtual centers," says Mary Clutter, assistant director
of NSF for biological sciences. "Future results from
these awards are expected to provide the fundamental
knowledge and new technologies essential for the advancement
of plant biology as well as crop improvement. Novel,
value-added, plant-based products will be the likely
result. Outcomes of these grants will be exploited
by the agricultural sector and other plant-based industries
in developing improved plants of economic value."
Research funded at the University of Missouri at Columbia
for example, will involve enhancing the content and
effectiveness of a maize genome database. Researchers
will look at gene selection in maize, and link new
information to this database. These resources will
provide for much greater efficiency in mapping and
identifying the 50,000 to 80,000 genes of maize, say
scientists. Once the resources, knowledge, and database
are complete, the possibilities are endless, according
to University of Missouri researcher Edward Coe. Benefits
of this research include better crop yields, reduced
fertilizer requirements, and better quality food,
adds Coe. "The end result is a better quality of life,
not only for us, but for the entire planet."
In other research, scientist Thea Wilkins of the University
of California at Davis will study the genome of the
world's leading natural fiber, cotton. Cotton is a
major contributor to the U.S. and global economy,
providing about 55% of the fiber used in textile manufacturing.
Wilkins and collaborators will investigate certain
cotton genes that impart unique, economically important
properties to the fiber. "Enhanced understanding of
this complex trait holds great promise for the genetic
improvement of cotton," Wilkins believes.
The tomato is another economically-important crop being
studied by scientists funded through this NSF program.
Researcher Steven Tanksley of Cornell University in
Ithaca, New York, and collaborators will investigate
how genes control the development and ripening of
tomatoes, as well as the plants' responses to infection.
Genes often work together when plants develop tolerance
for environmental stresses. Grantee Nina Fedoroff
of Pennsylvania State University will attempt to identify
groups of genes whose patterns change when a plant
is environmentally stressed. Fedoroff will use ozone
and pathogen attack as experimental stressors in mustard
plants. Fedoroff's research involves development of
a novel new technology, called a DNA microarray detection
system. This system, it is hoped, will eventually
be used by researchers throughout the field of plant
genome biology.
The NSF Plant Genome Research Program is the initial
phase of an interagency National Plant Genome Research
Initiative recommended in May 1997 by the Office of
Science and Technology Policy.
Editors: For a complete list of plant genome
research program awardees, see: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/pubs/awards/genome98.htm
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