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Breaking the nexus: more biomass in cereal grain (2014-2017)

Abstract

Grain yield is controlled by complex, regulated genetic networks or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) derived from natural variations in many crop plants. Yield is a product of the three major parameters: panicle number, grain number and grain size, trade-offs are commonly observed between grain number and size. There is evidence to suggest it is possible to improve grain size without altering overall biomass. With the genomic and genetic resource tools at hand, we will elucidate the genetic architecture of grain size, and manipulate the key loci to generate more biomass in the grain, minimizing or eliminating the adverse impact on seed number. This will maximise harvestible yield without imposing increased demand for water and nutrients.

Experts

Professor Ian Godwin

Centre Director of Centre for Crop
Centre for Crop Science
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Professor and Academic Centre Direc
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Ian Godwin
Ian Godwin

Professor Jimmy Botella

Professor
School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
Faculty of Science
Jimmy Botella
Jimmy Botella

Professor David Jordan

Professorial Research Fellow
Centre for Crop Science
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
David Jordan
David Jordan

Dr Erik Van Oosterom

Academic Director, Plant Growth CRI
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure)
Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Crop Science
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Erik Van Oosterom