Contract with Purdue Research Foundation for research on inheritance and improvement in protein quality and content in maize

Purdue Research Foundation will implement the project in cooperation with other maize breeding programs, particularly that of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. Specific activities will include: (1) searching for and evaluating new mutants and germplasm sources with improved protein quality and quantity, and introducing these genes into lines and populations of use to LDC breeders; (2) developing double and multiple combinations of endosperm mutants and determining the effect of associated interactions on nutritional quality, physical properties of the kernel, and agronomic characteristics; (3) assessing the extent of interactions of both genetic backgrounds and environment with individual/combinations of endosperm mutants, and the degree to which such interactions influence protein quality and breeding methods; and (4) developing special varieties and source breeding materials with improved nutritional and agronomic characteristics for use in developing countries, especially Opaque-2 and Sugary-2 materials.