Barley Coordinated Agricultural Project

NIFA awarded $5 million in 2006 to a consortium of scientists at 19 institutions led by the University of Minnesota to identify genes that produce higher yielding, higher quality, disease-resistant barley. The goal is to develop and use the tools of genomics to develop new barley cultivars. Scientists will develop a detailed genetic "road map" of barley and proceed to identify genes linked to important traits with molecular markers in 10 breeding programs across the country. Molecular markers are landmarks in the chromosome maps that help plant scientists identify specific chromosome segments. In addition, education and outreach will be integral components of the project. Students will be included in all aspects of the projects to ensure the next generation of plant breeders is educated. Data and results will be available to scientists, growers, and industry through the Barley Coordinated Agricultural Project Web site. To read the full release, visit the NIFA Newsroom.

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