The aim of this project is to force a break-through by developing efficient and rational breeding strategies using genomics and post-genomics tools to exploit natural host plant resistance. Two strategies will be followed to design new resistant varieties: i) marker-assisted breeding and ii) genetic engineering. In the shade of the discussions on GMOs, marker-assisted breeding has gone through a silent revolution and has become a realistic option for developing new varieties with multiple resistances. The development of high trough-put technologies for selecting plants at the seedling stage will shorten the time between the first cross involving wild species and introduction on the market considerably, for some crops even with 50%. Genetic variation in wild accessions of crop species and in their wild relatives is still largely unexplored. It has been estimated that less than 0.1 % of the biodiversity in resistance is being used in commercial varieties. A major goal of this project is to exploit these genetic resources for designing resistant varieties, either made with or without genetic engineering. The relative importance of genetic engineering for the SMEs to develop new varieties for the regular market in this project is still difficult to predict and will depend on the attitude of the consumer. The fact that these GM approaches will only use natural plant genes, which have been used for more than 50 years in traditional plant breeding, may have a positive effect on the attitude of the European consumers. Regardless the public opinion towards GM crops, marker-assisted breeding will have a high priority in this project, because it is according various opinion leaders compatible with organic farming. In addition, in view of the continuous advances in developing new high through-put technologies, it is expected that in many situations marker-assisted breeding will become more efficient than genetic engineering, even without considering the time consuming and costly procedures to introduce GM varieties on the market. This Integrated Project will focus on wheat and potato - the two most important staple crops for all consumers in the EU - for which pesticides, mainly fungicides, are indispensable at the moment. Despite their importance as food crops for Europe, investments in genomics and post-genomics research on wheat and potato have been severely lagging behind when compared with rice or even tomato. In addition, wheat and potato have not been the favourite plant species of the scientific community to unravel disease resistance, and, as a consequence, basic knowledge and tools to design new resistances are often poorly developed. The coming years a critical mass on genomics research in wheat and potato will be essential to strengthen the competitiveness of European SMEs. Despite the expansion activities of multinational companies in Europe, SMEs play still an important role in plant breeding. However, the opening of the European market for GM food and the increasing possibilities to grow GM varieties in Europe leads to a new situation where innovating activities are of utmost importance to survive in a highly competitive market. Considering the commercial activities of the European plant breeding industry, the results of BIOEXPLOIT will also have a major impact on various other crop species.
Vastaava tutkija
Schulman Alan Hankkeen kesto 2005 - 2011
Asiasanat
pesticide-free food production, Pathogens, plant biodiversity, barley, wheat, Triticum, vehnä, ohra, stripe rust
Hankkeen vaihe: Päättynyt
HUOM! Tämä tutkimushankekuvaus on tuotettu Hankehaaviin Maa- ja elintarviketalouden tutkimuskeskuksen tutkimustietojärjestelmästä, jota ei enää ylläpidetä. Tarkista ajantaiset tutkimushanketiedot Luonnonvarakeskus Luken järjestelmästä.
|