By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's research into corn genetics has received a significant endorsement and financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
A grant of $650,000 has been awarded to James Schnable, a prominent plant scientist at UNL, to advance his research on corn hybrid performance predictions using RNA-based technologies.
This research aims to refine how the agricultural industry predicts which corn hybrids will thrive in various environments.
Schnable's team had previously developed a method that could potentially outperform current DNA-based prediction models. With the new funding, they will test this RNA-based method on a broader scale, incorporating hybrid varieties from across the nation.
Collaborating with other states, including Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, the UNL team will gather extensive RNA data to enhance their predictive models.
These models will be rigorously tested against traditional DNA-based methods in the Genomes to Fields yield prediction contest, an international competition that draws some of the best minds in plant phenotype prediction.
The project not only supports fundamental research but also aims to shorten the time it takes to develop and commercialize new, high-yielding, and resilient corn hybrids. This is increasingly important as farmers face the challenges of a rapidly changing climate and evolving agricultural practices.
If successful, Schnable's work could lead to a paradigm shift in crop breeding, making it possible for tomorrow's farmers to use hybrids that are specifically designed for future climatic and environmental conditions, rather than relying on outdated models.
This effort underscores the potential of Nebraska-based research to make a global impact on food security and sustainability.
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Categories: Nebraska, Business, Crops, Corn