Exploiting an Amaranth MAGIC population for improvement of leafy vegetable traits

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In this project we will use a new Amaranth MAGIC population developed by the World Vegetable Center that captures diversity from 8 parents and across two species (A. hypochondriacus and A. cruentus). We have sequenced the genomes of the 8 parent lines (capturing sequence and structural variation) and know they differ in our target traits, including flowering time, branching from the stem base (enhances regrowth), and nutritional profile (particularly under conditions of water deficit). We will genotype the MAGIC population and collect trait data - both from growing the population in field trials in South Africa (with our partners at the Agricultural Research Council) as well as using highly controlled vertical farming systems to mimic the environmental conditions of different locations of smallholder farmers, with our partners LettUs Grow. The research will assess the impact of environment and genotype on our key traits, and identify genomic regions and differences that impact these traits.