Genomic Selection and Genome-Wide Selection in the Improvement of Forage Grass Urochloa spp.

• Grant number: 25/09558-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
• Principal Investigator: Anete Pereira de Souza
• Grantee: Eric Ragalzi da Silva
• Host Institution: Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Company: Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Embrapa Sede
• Associated research grant: 22/04006-2 - Center for Plant Molecular Breeding (CeM²P), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Tropical forage grasses are fundamental to the sustainability of Brazilian livestock farming, serving as the primary food source for the cattle herd. The Urochloa genus, widely cultivated in Brazil, is essential for the productivity of the sector due to its adaptability, resilience, and nutritional value. However, challenges related to production, pest resistance, and genetic variability require innovative approaches for the improvement of these forages. This project aims to apply genomic selection to identify superior interspecific hybrids of Urochloa spp., with the objective of accelerating the genetic improvement of the crop. A total of 252 hybrids will be genotyped using the GBS technique, and the data will be analyzed using statistical models and machine learning algorithms. The analyses will focus on identifying SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) associated with biomass productivity, resistance to spittlebugs, regrowth capacity, and nutritional value. The best predictive models will be used to select promising genotypes, which will be recommended for crossing and advancement within the breeding program. The project is expected to identify relevant molecular markers for agronomic traits and validate the application of computational techniques in the context of genomic prediction for tropical forages. (AU)