Investment

GRDC Code: CSP2307-003RTX

Determining the effect of wheat morphological and anatomical traits on frost susceptibility of wheat

In Australian cropping environments, frosts represent a major and increasingly regular constraint to wheat yields and enduring grower profitability. The most damaging frosts are those that occur in spring when cereals are close to, or at flowering. Modelling studies suggest reductions of as little as 1°C in crop frost sensitivity would deliver an estimated increased annual return to growers of approximately $360 million. Anecdotal field observations suggest potential for some morphological and anatomical traits to reduce sensitivity to frost damage at flowering. These traits may provide greater physical protection or could reduce the formation and accumulation of ice crystals on newly-emerged wheat heads. This project aims to carefully assess the extent of reproductive frost damage in unique wheat germplasm differing for specific morphological and anatomical wheat traits. Experiments are targeted for assessment under field and controlled environment conditions throughout western and southern Australia. Research is being led by CSIRO in close collaboration with DPIRD, SARDI and Charles Sturt University, and is linking to breeding companies Australian Grain Technologies, Longreach Plant Breeders and Trigall Australia to deliver improved genetics and understanding for use in development of more frost resilient wheat varieties.

Project start date:

30/07/2023

Project end date:

20/12/2026

Crop type:

Wheat, (Cereal)

Organisation

CSIRO

Region:

North, South, West

Project status

Active

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