GENOMICS

Genomics … the study of life

International Rice Genome Sequencing Project

Corn, cotton, tomato, soybean, and a patent

DNA fingerprinting, drought tolerance, and pest resistance

Partners and future directions

Team members

Program detail

Corn, cotton, tomato, soybean, and a patent
In addition to the rice study, Clemson genomics research includes constructing genetic maps for corn, sorghum, rice, and other crop plants; analyzing the structure and function of the cotton genome; and studying the function of specific genes in tomato.

A Clemson scientist was the first to isolate the tomato gene that is directly involved in the development of abscission zones, the specialized areas that allow ripe fruit to fall off a plant. This research will help growers harvest tomatoes with less damage to the fruit.

Another Clemson scientist was recognized by the National Center for Biotechnology Information for identifying soybean genes associated with reproduction. A third Clemson scientist was awarded a patent for developing a DNA test that accurately diagnoses a common disease in crop plants, called gummy stem blight.

DNA fingerprinting, drought tolerance, and pest resistance
Clemson genomic research accomplishments continue across many species of plants and pests. Scientists on the university campus and at research centers across the state have developed DNA fingerprinting techniques to accurately identify nematode species infesting a wide variety of crops. This simple and affordable diagnostic test will help growers develop more effective management programs to control the pests without the unnecessary use of pesticides.

Other scientists are investigating the genetic basis for drought tolerance in plants, nematode resistance in peach trees, cold tolerance in Bermuda grass and lantana plants, and pest resistance in fescue grass. They are constructing a chromosome map of both hybrid and wild roses to understand resistance to blackspot, a disease that plagues both amateur and professional rose growers.

They are studying the risks of cross-pollination between cultivated strawberries and their wild relatives. And they are analyzing the genetic characteristics of herbicide-resistant weeds found on golf course fairways, of the fungus that causes brown patch in lawn grasses, and of viruses that damage landscape plants.