Systems biology to integrate genomics into crop improvement programs

植物育种计划还没有从分子遗传技术的革命中获益。 这个系统生物学项目将开发植物的数学模型，以跨越从基因到整个有机体的生物组织水平。 它将侧重于理解和建模高粱和玉米中关键适应性性状的遗传学和生理学。 它将使用计算机模拟来采用所产生的基因-表型模型，以支持植物育种计划运作方式的重大转变。 这种新的综合技术将导致更快地培育适应性更强、产量更高的作物。

Plant breeding programs have not reaped the benefits of the revolution in molecular genetic technologies. This systems biology project will develop mathematical models of plants to span levels of biological organisation from gene to whole organism. It will focus on understanding and modelling the genetics and physiology of key adaptive traits in sorghum and maize. It will use computer simulation to employ resultant gene-to-phenotype models in ways that will underpin a major shift in how plant breeding programs operate. This new integrating technology will lead to more rapid advance in breeding better adapted and higher yielding crops.