Investment

This project is a component of the broader International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) established to substantially increase wheat yields across the globe. The integration of this project with that of the broader IWYP program provides an opportunity to bring scale and focus to improving wheat yield potential. The project aims to exploit the energy systems of wheat plants in an attempt to improve their genetic yield potential through a novel approach combining molecular techniques with traditional breeding. It will combine genetics, gene expression and growth studies with high throughput analysis of photosynthesis and respiration in order to screen elite wheat germplasm from field trials in Australia and Mexico to identify new opportunities for wheat improvement through selective breeding for energy use efficiency. Field measurements will be made using drones, robotics and Global Positioning Systems.