This three-year project grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program totals $647,000 to support research at the University of Maryland, College Park aimed at improving golden rice varieties. Specifically, the university will conduct genome engineering research using CRISPR tools to address limitations in the accumulation, stability, and metabolic conversion of beta-carotene in golden rice endosperm. The research has three objectives: first, improving beta-carotene accumulation capacity in golden rice variety GR2 endosperm by regulating chloroplast biogenesis and number; second, increasing beta-carotene availability in GR2 by limiting its metabolic conversion; and third, enhancing post-harvest stability of beta-carotene in GR2 seeds by alleviating degradation. The foundational knowledge gained is expected to aid development of next-generation golden rice varieties to help combat global vitamin A deficiency. The award period is from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2026.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $647.0k | 4/5/23 |
Grant Number | Description | Subgrantee | Prime Award | Dollars Obligated (Click to sort descending) | Updated At (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Z5400201S | Agricultural Research Service | Project Grant 20236701339628 | $100.0k | 5/17/24 |