Bao-Hua Song, Ph.D., Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte
This seminar will focus on discussions and research activities on applying the critical role of applying Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) and integrating omics and systems biology in addressing global challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation. The seminar will cover topics such as global challenges, genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, systems biology, world food security, and crop improvement. Participants will engage in a dynamic learning experience through diverse teaching formats, including lectures, hands-on laboratory research, and data analysis activities. The seminar aims to equip participants with the concept, knowledge and skills needed to harness cutting-edge technologies and the genetic diversity of CWRs to tackle pressing global issues.
Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs) are the wild ancestors and close relatives of cultivated crops, often containing high levels of genetic diversity absent in their domesticated cousins. These genetic resources hold valuable traits that can enhance breeding efforts, enabling the development of crops with improved nutritional quality, increased resistance to pests and diseases, and greater tolerance to abiotic stresses—crucial for adapting to changing climatic conditions. Advancements in modern technologies, such as omics and systems biology now allow for a more comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems at the molecular level, facilitating the effective utilization of CWR diversity. This seminar will use wild legumes as a case study to demonstrate how their rich genetic diversity can be harnessed to address key agricultural challenges.
Story about NSF grant with CTI: https://science.charlotte.edu/2023/10/11/dancing-in-the-wild/
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