Plant Genomic Diversity

Motivation

Resequencing populations (either as pools or as collections of individuals) provides information on genetic variation, including SNP and structural variant allele frequencies and population structure and history. Combined with phenotypic information, analysis of variation in either defined pedigrees or suitably chosen populations allows inference of allele-phenotype associations and identification of QTL for traits of DOE relevance. This project aims at (1) analyzing plant genomic diversity data, including modeling of population structure, selection, domestication, quantitative genetic analysis., and (2) deveveloping methodologies and modeling strategies for such analysis.

Results

Methods for analysis of adapted populations relative to source populations; efficient coalescent simulations including realistic models for non-uniform distribution of recombination; simulation of domestication scenarios for sorghum, maize. Novel method developed for using resequencing of recombinant inbred lines for genetic mapping applied to mimulus and foxtail millet. Analysis of copper tolerance in mimulus. Initiation of pool-contrast projects in maize (GLBRC), poplar (BESC), phaseolus (ARRA).