Multi-trait Genomic Prediction to Identify Superior Photoperiod Sensitive Biomass Sorghum for Use as a Biofuel Feedstock

2024 USDA-NIFA Competitive Research Support Award

Principal Investigators and affiliations:

• PI: Dr. William Rooney, Texas A and M University
• Graduate Student: Edgar Correa
• Funded: $53,397
  
• Start Date: 7/1/2024
  
• End Date: 6/30/2025

Project Goal

• To apply multi-trait genomic prediction on photoperiod sensitive (PS) biomass sorghum to accelerate identification of superior pollinator parents and apply genomic prediction models to other PS biomass sorghum programs.
• To provide guidance for other hybrid bioenergy feedstocks crops to apply multi-trait genomic prediction to accelerate the development of improved feedstock material.

Objectives

1. Develop and establish multi-trait genomic prediction models to validate the identification and select superior PS biomass sorghum pollinator parents.
2. Identify superior PS biomass sorghum pollinator parent feedstock.
3. Evaluation and advancement of PS biomass sorghum hybrids
4. Cross pollinator parents to develop new populations for selection.
5. Present and publish findings to the research community.

Expected Project Outcomes

1. Genomic prediction models for PS biomass sorghum development
2. Identification of new suitable PS biomass sorghum pollinator parents
3. Training of a future plant breeder in the art and science of plant breeding