Tonya Jelf
Administrative Specialist
2505 E.J. Chapman Drive
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-7135
Email: epp1@utk.edu
Tonya Jelf
Administrative Specialist
2505 E.J. Chapman Drive
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-7135
Email: epp1@utk.edu
Bonnie Ownley
Director of Graduate Studies
2505 E.J. Chapman Drive
414 Plant Biotechnology Building
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-0219
Email: eppgrad1@utk.edu
(Email generally will yield a faster response.)
Abstract: Genome wide association studies, GWAS, are performed to determine potential associations between phenotypic (traits observed) data and genotypic (genome) data. Ipomoea batatas, sweetpotato, is a vital crop for combating both visible and invisible hunger, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the genetic diversity of the sweetpotato germplasm and the genetic architecture underlying agronomic traits is crucial to maintenance and utility of the genetic resources for the crop’s improvement. We will perform a GWAS study to determine potential genes and genomic features associated with traits of interest including disease and pest resistance traits, culinary traits, phytonutritional traits, and morphological traits. We intend to determine potential genes of interests and functional markers for breeding programs.