“The current genomic prediction models that plant breeders use to develop crops that can withstand weather stresses struggle to make accurate predictions under scenarios of large genotype-by-environment interactions,” said Fernandes, a faculty member in the experiment station’s Center for Agricultural Data Analytics.
Fernandes said that the models he and his team are developing will directly integrate crop growth models, which include plant physiology and environmental interactions.
“The new genomic prediction framework my team and I are working on seeks to incorporate crop growth models alongside genomic information to generate enhanced yield predictions across current and potential future weather scenarios,” he said.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research awards are granted to early-career scientists supporting research in one of the foundation’s Priority Areas.
Elvis Elli, assistant professor of crop physiology, will provide the crop growth models that will be incorporated into the new genomic prediction framework. Elli and Fernandes work in the crop, soil and environmental sciences department for the Division of Agriculture’s experiment station and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
“Dr. Fernandes and his team are emerging leaders in his field,” said Paul DeLaune, head of the crop, soil and environmental sciences department. “Using these new selection tools can limit a lot of guess work and more accurately identify and select the most desirable traits for the most rapid pipeline from selection to field. We are excited to see the fruitful advancements discovered by collaborations between the Fernandes and Elli groups. “
Source : uada.edu