In this episode, John McKay, Chief Scientific Officer at New West Genetics and professor at Colorado State University, discusses his research on local adaptation, genotype-by-environment interactions, and heterosis. His work spans crops like maize, rice, and hemp, applying evolutionary genetics to improve breeding strategies. John's projects aim to enhance crop efficiency and sustainability.

More information:

New West Genetics hybrid hemp
Genetic basis of plant root growth traits and their response to environment (current NSF grant)
National Science Foundation
Conditional neutrality in Arabidopsis local adaptation
GxE in maize root traits