(1)To map QTLs for heterosis in agronomic traits, to determine genetic effects of mapped QTLs and their interaction;
(2) Comparative genetics of heterosis: to analyse colinearity of QTLs related to heterosis among different crop plants, and similarity of interactions and genetic effects of QTLs
2.Functional genomics of heterosis in crop plants
(1)To determine the gene expression profiles of hybrids and their parents, to identify and clone the differentially expressed cDNAs or genes between hybrids and parents, to determine the relationships between differential gene expression patterns and heterosis;
(2) To identify and clone the differentially expressed members of transcription factor gene families, to determine the relationships between transcription factor gene expression patterns and heterosis;
(3) To determine the relationship between gibberellin acid metabolism and heterosis;
(4)Carbon metabolism and heterosis in try matter production: To identify and clone genes related to the increased try matter production of hybrids
3.Methods of heterosis utilization in crop plants
(2) To map genic male sterility (GMS) genes, to clone GMS related genes, to obtain inducible transgenic male sterility lines, to create novel heterotic groups for hybrid development
