The Buckler Lab for Maize Genetics and Diversity uses functional genomic approaches to dissect complex traits in maize, biofuel grasses, and grapes. We exploit the natural diversity of these plant genomes to identify the individual nucleotides responsible for complex (quantitative) variation. Currently, our research focuses on developing germplasm resources for complex trait dissection, using genomics to characterize this diversity, dissect a series of traits (drought tolerance, nitrogen use, basic development, carbon metabolism, vitamin A and E content), and provide software tools for analysis. The tools we are developing may also be used as a template system for other genetics research, including research for other crops, animals, and even human genetics.