Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology

Dr. Noah DeWitt 

Louisiana State University

Accelerating Regional Breeding with Genomic and Environmental Data

Marker-based selection methods have transitioned from an area of new research to a mature technology implemented in many applied breeding programs. At the same time, new data sources are enabling predictive methods that supplement or replace marker information with historic weather data and high-throughput phenotypes. How do all of these methods fit into a modern breeding program, and how should programs reconfigure trialing strategies to best take advantage of these methods? Our primary research interest is understanding which of these tools to integrate into the LSU SunGrains wheat breeding program, and optimizing selected methods for a regional, multi-trait breeding focus.

Dr. Rex Bernardo

University of Minnesota

Ten Ways to Increase Genetic Gains in Plants

Abstract: The rates of genetic gain in different crops need to increase to meet the needs of a growing human population amidst dwindling resources. This talk will focus on ten different ways to increase the rates of genetic gain in plants. Two ways are directly from the breeder's equation, five are a bit less well-known, and three might be unexpected.

Dr. Sushan Ru

Auburn University

Establishing the first blueberry breeding program for Alabama

Abstract: Blueberry is the No. 2 fruit crop in Alabama. However, production is lagging behind neighboring states like Georgia, largely due to a lack of breeding support. I started my position as an Assistant Professor of Small Fruit Breeding at Auburn University in 2021 to build the first blueberry breeding program for Alabama. The goal of the program is to serve small- to mid-sized growers in Alabama and nearby regions by improving stress tolerance and fruit quality of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. To start a breeding program from scratch, I faced challenges such as having no germplasm materials or industry support and working with a tight budget and limited infrastructure. Through collaboration with the blueberry community, colleagues, university, and funding agencies, we are excited to witness the growth of the breeding program from a concept to an active initiative. In this presentation, I will share my experience of establishing a new blueberry breeding program and how I use interdisciplinary research such as high-throughput phenotyping to speed up cultivar development.

Dr. Liviu Radu Totir

Corteva Agriscience

Breeding Optimization: Improving Plant Breeding through Data-Driven Design and Decision Making at Corteva Agriscience

Abstract: Corteva Agriscience strives for breeding excellence, through continuous optimization, to ensure that our global customer community benefits from industry leading seed products. The Biostatistics and Scientific Computing team resides within the Breeding Technologies Department of the Seed Product Development (SPD) organization. This team is comprised of applied statisticians and computer scientists focused on discovering and developing methodology and software to integrate cross-functional applied science into high throughput industrial genetic evaluation and product characterization software systems to support Corteva’s SPD breeding teams. In close partnership with other technical teams across the organization, we are responsible for the optimal conversion of global high volume SPD research data streams: field, genomic and environmental, into actionable insights that help Corteva design, create and deliver, to our global customers, industry leading seed products. My talk will strive to provide a high level overview on how we leverage data driven design and decision making to facilitate breeding process optimization across all Corteva crops and geographies.