A Cornell research project applying cutting-edge genetic and genomic approaches to rust resistance in shrub willows has received a $1 million grant from the Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The project, “Genomics-Assisted Breeding for Leaf Rust (Melampsora) Resistance in Shrub Willow (Salix) Bioenergy Crops,” is one of five funded by the program in 2015. The awards were announced on National Bioenergy Day October 21.
Shrub willow (Salix spp.) is emerging as a superior bioenergy crop. But advanced regional breeding programs began only in the last 20 years. Increased yield is the primary breeding goal, but a major trait needed to produce consistently higher yields is stable disease resistance, say plant breeder Larry Smart and plant pathologist Christine Smart, the Cornell investigators heading up the project.
More information:
- Cornell research battles shrub willow leaf rust Cornell Chronicle 2015-11-11]
- Project summary
- USDA news release
- Willowpedia – Cornell’s shrub willow bioenergy website.