www.panzea.org

Panzea -- Project Significance

Maize is the number one production crop in the world and is the most diverse crop species. In our National Science Foundation supported project 'Molecular and Functional Diversity of the Maize Genome' (NSF DBI 0321467), we are examining two main questions in this model species:

1. How has selection shaped molecular diversity?

2. How does this molecular diversity relate to functional trait variation?

To answer these we are performing SNP discovery in 4000 genes (see FAQ entry What is a SNP?). The sequence data from our SNP discovery panel are being used to determine the proportion of genes influenced by artificial selection during the domestication and crop improvement phases of maize evolution. The SNPs will be used to genetically characterize the comprehensive germplasm base of maize, and to perform QTL and association mapping both in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) and in its wild ancestor (teosinte, Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) for traits of evolutionary, developmental and agronomic importance. (see FAQ entries for What is QTL mapping? and What is association mapping?)

Our project is generating several key resources and reseach results of significance for the maize research community:

1. Validated SNPs from 4000 genes.

2. Fully genotyped QTL and association mapping populations in maize and teosinte.

3. New analytical methods for QTL/association mapping implemented in the user-friendly software TASSEL.

4. Identification of genes selected during the initial domestication and subsequent genetic improvement phases of maize evolution.

5. Identification of alleles of agronomic importance in a broad sample of cultivated maize, including the most important commercial U.S. lines.

6. This, our project website, www.panzea.org, where information on all of these key resources and research results can be obtained and where all of our project data is being released.

panzea@panzea.org

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