Breeding for Economically and Environmentally Sustainable Wheat Varieties: An Integrated Approach from Genomics to...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Genetics
• Crop Breeding

Background:

• Societal demand for sustainable, high-quality, and safe bread wheat necessitates innovative breeding approaches.
• Existing breeding strategies require advanced genomic tools and methods to meet modern agricultural challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile knowledge and tools from the BREEDWHEAT project for advancing bread wheat breeding.
• To demonstrate how these resources can address the need for higher wheat production in sustainable and fluctuating agricultural contexts.

Main Methods:

• Development of high-throughput genomic tools: single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, high-density molecular marker maps, and full genome sequences.
• Application of advanced techniques: genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic selection, phenomic selection, and in silico modeling.
• Characterization of global wheat genetic diversity and identification of genomic regions associated with agronomical traits.

Main Results:

• Facilitation of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and implementation of genomic selection.
• Broadening the genetic basis of elite wheat varieties by introducing novel genetic diversity.
• Identification of genomic regions and candidate genes for agronomical traits, including stress tolerance.

Conclusions:

• The BREEDWHEAT project has generated critical knowledge and tools to support the development of high-yielding, resilient wheat varieties.
• Dissemination of these advancements to the global wheat community is vital for sustainable agriculture and future food security.