The end result is a better quality of life, not only for us, but for the entire planet. In other research, scientist Thea Wilkins of the University of California at Davis will study the genome of the world's leading natural fiber, cotton. Wilkins and collaborators will investigate certain cotton genes that impart unique, economically important properties to the fiber. The tomato is another economically-important crop being studied by scientists funded through this NSF program. Researcher Steven Tanksley of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and collaborators will investigate how genes control the development and ripening of tomatoes, as well as the plants' responses to infection.
Genes often work together when plants develop tolerance for environmental stresses.
Grantee Nina Fedoroff of Pennsylvania State University will attempt to identify groups of genes whose patterns change when a plant is environmentally stressed. Fedoroff will use ozone and pathogen attack as experimental stressors in mustard plants. Fedoroff's research involves development of a novel new technology, called a DNA microarray detection system. This system, it is hoped, will eventually be used by researchers throughout the field of plant genome biology. The NSF Plant Genome Research Program is the initial phase of an interagency National Plant Genome Research Initiative recommended in May 1997 by the Office of Science and Technology Policy.