Many different types of researches are being accomplished at this time. We have the research of cloning which was successful with sheep just a few years ago. Now research is continuing in that department to see if it is possible to clone a certain part of the anatomy. This will help in transplantation of organs. If this is all possible than we need to think of a bigger picture. What happens when we run out of food? Where are we going to turn? I believe that we need to take all the new research material and spread it into different areas. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) crop research is structured and directed to solve problems limiting grain crop production, to provide research results to meet emerging and anticipated needs, and to provide essential scientific service to client research personnel.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been given the funds in the amount of $85 million over the next five years for the Plant Genome Research Program. The research will contribute to a better understanding at the genome level of the inner workings of all plants, including those for agricultural needs. The outcomes of these grants will be used by the agricultural sector and other industries in the development of improved plants.
One of the first things that need made is a genetic map. This map helps us understand the structure, function and evolution of the genome. It is an important tool for agricultural crop improvement. Recent work has shown that the genetic maps of species closely related, such as grains, are quite similar with respect to the content and location of genes. Scientists are trying to determine how the genetic map of one species may be applied to others.
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A steady increase in corn yields is present today thanks to hybrid corn breeding. We need to now look at new technology. The objective of the National Corn Genome Initiative (NCGI) is to generate a corn genome map which can be utilized by the corn and other crop industries to enhance the amount and the quality of produce per acre. The goal of accomplishing this is to clone, sequence and map the approximately 50,000 genes which control growth, development, yield and quality in corn.
As we know, nothing in this world
is free. The estimated cost for this project is $143 million over
five years. This amount is split up into many areas. One way
of getting all of the research needed for this task is to award grants
to organization, institutes, and universities. This group would then
combine the information they found with the information from the USDA.