Source: National Hog Farmer
Iowa State University researchers seized an opportunity presented by a devastating derecho storm in August 2020 to conduct a natural experiment on corn crops. The storm provided insights into the genetic factors affecting corn root stability. Analyzing post-derecho observations, researchers identified 118 genes that may influence corn root resistance to lodging. This study exemplifies how advanced statistical analysis can uncover relationships between genetic codes and crucial traits in crops.
The interdisciplinary team at Iowa State has secured a $1.1 million USDA grant to explore existing data for unseen links between plant and animal genomes and their physiological characteristics. The goal is to enhance agricultural production by developing more resilient crops and livestock through deeper data analysis. The grant builds on the Agricultural Genomes to Phenomes Initiative, aiming to create a community of researchers and share techniques for effective genomes-to-phenomes research in agriculture.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/livestock-management/isu-searches-for-genetic-links-to-improve-crop-livestock-breeding