Early flowering and heat tolerant brassica napus development
Developing early flowering and heat tolerant Brassica napus lines through artificial and gametophytic selection. This research aims to enhance crop resilience to climate change, improving yield by identifying and utilizing specific genetic loci.
Overview
The project aims to develop early flowering and heat tolerant lines of Brassica napus, a crucial oil crop, by utilizing artificial and gametophytic selection processes. Given the impact of climate change on crop yields, these resilient lines are intended to escape or withstand warming conditions, thus maintaining productivity. By identifying alleles associated with desirable traits, this research intends to enhance traditional breeding and CRISPR-based genetic modifications, ensuring the adaptability of B. napus to changing environmental conditions.
Technical specifications
- Artificial Selection: A diverse panel of B. napus accessions will undergo selection for early flowering over 10 generations, focusing on the earliest 10% of flowering plants.
- Gametophytic Selection: Pollen subjected to 40°C will be selected for heat tolerance, with viable pollen used to pollinate subsequent generations.
- Genomic Analysis: Genome-wide sequencing and GWAS will identify genetic loci linked to early flowering and heat tolerance.
- Experimentation Facilities: Greenhouse setups will be used for plant growth, phenotyping, and pollen treatment.
Technology readiness level
This research is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, indicating that active research is ongoing with laboratory validation of key concepts. The project includes multiple generations of selection and genomic analysis to refine the identified traits and validate the results.
About Fordham University
Fordham University is a mid-sized private Jesuit research university in New York City, combining a rigorous liberal arts tradition with professionally oriented programs across multiple urban campuses. Proximity to corporate headquarters, investors, and public-sector partners enables frequent on-site collaboration and talent pipelines, supported by internship pathways and executive education. A centralized corporate engagement office streamlines sponsored research, data use agreements, and NDAs, while a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, MTAs, and licensing. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, together with state and foundation awards; a startup incubator and active alumni network aid commercialization.
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