Tomato and Potato Specialty Crop Grants

The NIFA NRI Plant Genome Program awarded more than $9.4 million for research, education and extension in the genomics of sunflower, black cherry, peach, strawberry, apple, lettuce, potato and tomato in 2008. Recipients included researchers and educators at eight universities. The NRI grants will focus on improving fruit quality, yield, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. The goals are to increase fundamental knowledge of the structure, function, and organization of plant genomes to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability; effective integration of modern molecular breeding technologies and classical breeding practice for U.S. crop improvement; and improved U.S. varieties for agricultural growers and producers.

View the news release to see a list of the 2008 recipients.

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