NSF Grants US$ 57 Million for Plant Genome Research

The U.S. National Science Foundation is awarding a total of US$57.3 million to 20 plant genome research projects. These projects, the NSF said, will better define plant responses to changing environments and contribute to understanding of genetic processes in economically important plants. The projects include:

• A study led by scientists at the University of Southern California on how the model plant Medicago truncatula survives high-salinity conditions. The project was awarded US$ 3.2 million.
• A US$ 6.8 million research project led by the University of California-Davis to develop genomics resources that will support the physical mapping of wheat chromosomes.
• An interdisciplinary effort led by Pennsylvania State University to define the role of the phytohormones auxin in maize shoot growth and development (US$ 4.7 million).
• A US$ 3.3 million study led by the Kansas State University to dissect the bacterial disease susceptibility pathways of rice.
• A multi-institutional effort led by the University of Georgia to define the functions of agronomically important genes in soybean (US$ 2.5 million).

"Plant biologists continue to make significant conceptual and theoretical advances in our understanding of basic biological processes using plants," said James Collins, NSF assistant director for biological sciences. “The latest projects funded through the Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) reflect this shift and will integrate innovative, cutting edge research with the training of the next generation of plant scientists at both research universities and small teaching colleges and universities."

Read the article at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112545&org=OLPA&from=news For the complete list of recipients, visit http://www.nsf.gov/bio/pubs/awards/pgr.htm