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We develop computational systems and tools that enable researchers to leverage plant genetics and genomics information to better understand basic biology and effect crop improvement. Group members are specifically interested in functional prediction for genes, predictive phenomics, and how gene and chromosome architecture regulate cellular processes. Although work by group members is not specifically limited to maize, it is by far our favorite model system.

News

Plant Sensors Bringing Class Concepts to Life

Since its start in 2015, Iowa State University’s Predictive Plant Phenomics (P3) graduate program has focused on changing the narrative surrounding plant biology to increase crop productivity and meet industry demands for food and fuel. This semester, the program is kicking off a new initiative to bring what has been illustrated through textbooks and lectures to life, giving students the ability to track real-time data with the help of sensors designed to predict plant growth and productivity.   Read more
Idea Factory

Connecting silos: Iowa State University scientists call for unconventional collaboration in agriculture

Iowa State University researchers hope to connect the “silos” of various disciplines by encouraging wide collaboration to address agricultural challenges. The effort is part of the Genomes to Fields Initiative, which began in 2014 to make genomic data related to corn as widely available as possible.   Read more
https://doi:10.2135/cropsci2019.02.0071

Maize Genomes to Fields: 2014 and 2015 field season genotype, phenotype, environment, and inbred ear image datasets

The maize Genomes to Fields (G2F) Initiative is a multi-institutional organization of scientists working to generate and analyze such datasets from existing, publicly available inbred lines and hybrids. G2F’s genotype by environment project has released 2014 and 2015 datasets to the public.  Read more
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3508-1

Anti-GMO articles tied to Russian sites, ISU research shows

Russia is funding articles shared online that question the safety of GMOs in an effort hurt U.S. agriculture interests and bolster its position as the "ecologically clean alternative" to genetically engineered food, said Shawn Dorius, an ISU assistant sociology professor.  Dorius led the research with Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, an associate professor in ISU's departments of agronomy and genetics, development and cell biology.  Read more

Sowing the seeds of skepticism: Russian state news and anti-GMO sentiment - https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2018.1454192

Phenotyping hackathon streamlines plant science

On February 14-16 2017, a group of researchers and informaticians from various universities including Iowa State University participated and tackled problems at a 3 day plant and crop phenotyping hackathon hosted by CyVerse at the BIO5 Institute at University of Arizona (UA).   Read more

Genomes by environment dataset now publicly accessible

A unique dataset that directly links crop genotype and phenotype information with environmental data is now publicly accessible in the CyVerse Data Commons.   Read more

Carolyn Lawrence is featured in ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' magazine 'STORIES' Vol.10 No.2 2016

On February 14-16 2017, a group of researchers and informaticians from various universities including Iowa State University participated and tackled problems at a 3 day plant and crop phenotyping hackathon hosted by CyVerse at the BIO5 Institute at University of Arizona (UA).   View PDF
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BMS Developer Community: The IBP works closely with the Lawrence Lab (Iowa State University) and the iPlant Collaborative under the Genomes to Fields project to improve breeding data management

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Iowa State University research: G-quadruplexes in corn genome may control stress response

Genetic structures in corn shed light on how crops respond to floods and other environmental stresses.   Read more

IBP meets partners for Genomes2Fields Initiative

On 10-12 November 2014, a group of collaborators from Iowa State University, CIMMYT, iPlant Collaborative and Leafnode LLC gathered to create a shared understanding of the capabilities of the Breeding Management System within the Genomes2Fields initiative.   Read more

Growing with HPC

Much of the HPC culture has to do with growth, whether expanding our predictions about the future of machinery or figuring out new ways to interact with particles. For Associate Professor Carolyn Lawrence, HPC helps her work with natural growth - in ways that were never before possible.   Read more

Change Agent: Carolyn Lawrence

Carolyn Lawrence, an enthusiast of extreme data management and motorcycles, is working to create new data tools for plant breeders, an effort that could speed up the development of new stress-resistant crop varieties.   Read more

Funding

Current Funding

Past Support