my research « Biofortified

Published!

by Anastasia Bodnar on 30 August 2009

My first publication can now be viewed at the Theoretical and Applied Genetics (aka TAG) website. I’m the second of three authors of Wide variability in kernel composition, seed characteristics, and zein profiles among diverse maize inbreds, landraces, and teosinte. Sherry Flint-Garcia, the 1st author on this paper, is a young scientist already well known in maize genetics and a pleasure to work with.

My role was to collect and analyze data on the seed storage proteins (aka zeins) in maize inbreds, landraces, and teosintes. The similarity within the groups and differences across the groups is just amazing. Studies such as this one show just how important it is to maintain populations of crop relatives, if not for any other reason than as a source of genes for breeding.

Poster competition woes

by Anastasia Bodnar on 14 October 2008

One topic of this blog is the graduate student experience, with the aim of passing on a little advice to prospective graduate students. The lesson for today is: stand up for yourself.
Today was the Seventh Annual Norman Borlaug Lectureship Poster Competition For Graduate and Undergraduate Students. I was very excited about the competition this year, because my research is very important to world food issues. The poster is: Characterizing seed storage proteins in teosinte and tripsicum, with the objective statement “To find unique seed storage proteins in relatives of maize that might be used to improve maize nutritional qualities.” I like to imagine that Norm Borlaug would approve. I purposefully chose a table at the opening of the room, just as I did last year, so I would be easily noticeable. I even brought samples of the seed so people could see for themselves how different teosinte and tripsicum are from maize, because everyone likes hand-on science. I thought I did all the right things to make a good showing, even if my poster wasn’t the best. Unfortunately, the judging was less than smooth.

Flooded out

by Anastasia Bodnar on 15 June 2008

It’s official. I won’t be able to plant any maize this year. My field seemed to be be ok at first, but now the flooding has spread. We can’t even get to the field because the road is flooded as well. I can’t tell you how happy I am that we waited to plant – if we had rushed, all of the seeds would have drowned. This image of what used to be a cornfield and is now a lake was taken by me on Thursday at about 9:30am. For more, see my Facebook album (no login required).
The field might dry out next week, but it’s really too late to plant because we’re almost past the summer solstice. The maize seedlings need to experience lengthening of days before shortening of days or they don’t grow properly. So, plan B is the greenhouse, where I can control day length with lamps.