Investment

GRDC Code: UMU2404-003RTX

Increasing wheat nitrogen use efficiency through improved genetics

Nitrogenous fertilizers are vital to agriculture. However, wheat crop uses less than 40% of applied nitrogen and only 33% is recovered in the grain. Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) will maximise wheat yield and grain protein and thereby profitability to wheat growers. Our previous research identified large effect QTLs (genes) in wheat that have a positive impact on NUE and/or grain protein content (GPC) without detrimental effects on grain yield (GY). This project, led by Murdoch University, in collaboration with The University of Western Australia, DPIRD-WA, and Australian Grain Technology breeding company under the framework of Western Australian Agricultural Research Collaboration, plans to elucidate the molecular mechanism and function of alleles/haplotypes of the target QTLs and develop robust genetic selection tools for breeders. The project team will also introgress target QTLs into Australian wheat varieties and will select improved introgression lines following multi-location evaluations in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. In summary, the project will expand the understanding of genetic regulation of NUE related traits and will deliver robust genetic selection tools, phenotyping protocols and pre-breeding material for enhancing grain growers' profitability and to improve sustainability of wheat production in Australia.

Project start date:

01/04/2024

Project end date:

31/03/2029

Crop type:

Wheat, (Cereal)

Organisation

Murdoch University

Region:

North, South, West

Project status

Active

Feedback