Welcome to the Maize Kernel Composistion Project!
This site provides data and analysis tools related to the NSF-funded project “Dosage-dependent genes affecting seed composition and weight"
Introduction
Grain composition and yield are two important targets for improving food security and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. Cereal grains show genetic variation in the amount and quality of protein, oil, and starch within the kernel. We are screening for genes that impact kernel weight and kernel composition in corn (maize).
Approach
We are using a semi-automated grain analyzer to collect seed weights and near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectra from individual corn kernels. NIR is a non-destructive spectroscopy method that measures light absorption from 800-2500 nm. The major constituents of a maize kernel such as protein, starch, oil, cellulose, and water absorb near infrared light, and NIR spectra can be correlated to the relative composition of the kernel.
We are using a genetic screen to identify mutations that alter individual seed weight or NIR spectra. We are screening the UniformMu mutagenesis population for these mutants. UniformMu that utilizes native maize transposons for the mutagenesis. These endogenous transposons can be used to identify the gene responsible for a mutant phenotype. This site gives access to our database of seed weight and NIR data. We also are developing web-based tools for analysis of complex data sets such as NIR spectra.
