Published in Probe Volume 1(2): Spring 1992
Dr. Susan McCarthy, Coordinator
Plant Genome Data and Information Center
National Agricultural Library, USDA
Beltsville, MD
USDA's 1992 Plant Genome Grants Program is well underway. Proposals submitted are now in the review process. The following is a summary of the 1991 program results.
The Plant Systems Division of the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP) in USDA's Cooperative State Research Service administers the plant genome grants. In 1991, the bulk of plant genome funds went to support awards made in two programs in the Plant Systems Division: The Plant Genome Program and the Plant Genetic Mechanisms and Molecular Biology Program. Plant genome funds also supported some awards in the Division's remaining five programs. While the projects that were funded cover a diversity of topics, all are directed toward advancing the understanding of plant genetic structure and mechanisms.
In all, 1991 plant genome funds--totalling $10.5 million--currently support 77 research projects. The funds also have supported one conference. Over 250 applicants competed for the grants. A list of awardees and their research topics is included in this issue.
Nearly 90 percent of the awards were for projects on the agronomic crop species. Of the plant genome awards, 64 percent were unidisciplinary projects while 36 percent were multidisciplinary. Overall for NRICGP, multidisciplinary awards averaged 28 percent of the total. Mission-linked grants accounted for 26 percent of the total 1991 program.
In terms of gene systems or traits, 76 NRI grants were given in the following areas: Insect resistance, nematode resistance, disease resistance, yield (QTL's), ripening, floral traits, triacylglycerols, and technology development.