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Breeding forage and grain legumes to increase EU's and China's protein self sufficiency (EUCLEG)
Project
Project code: JKI-RS-08-3405
Contract period: 01.10.2017
- 30.09.2020
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: plant breeding, molecular marker, diversity, alfalfa, red clover, faba bean
The strategic goal of EUCLEG is to reduce Europe and China’s dependency on protein imports by developing efficient breeding strategies for the legume crops of major economic importance in human food and animal feed. The objective is to improve diversification of crops, crop productivity, yield stability and protein quality of both forage (alfalfa and red clover) and grain (pea, faba bean and soybean) legumes. To reach this overall goal, the project will pursue and achieve the following objectives: a) Develop molecular data (reference genome sequence, sequence polymorphism) and tools (high throughput genotyping through genotyping by sequencing (GBS) platforms for forage legumes and faba bean), to increase resource levels sufficiently for molecular breeding. These new markers in addition to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays already available for pea and soybean will be used to inform us of genetic diversity and to improve the efficiency of breeding programmes. b) Develop searchable databases containing passport data, as well as agronomic and genetic features in order to facilitate exchanges of genetic resources between Europe and China. c) Broaden the genetic base of legume crops and analyse the genetic diversity of promising European and Chinese legume accessions using (1) phenotypic traits that contribute to increase yield, quality, stress tolerance evaluated in multi-site trials and (2) molecular markers. d) Analyse the genetic architecture of key breeding traits using association studies based on candidate genes and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Molecular markers related to phenotypic traits will be identified. e) Increase genetic progress in existing breeding programmes. Genomic selection (GS) strategies will be developed and assessed for their potential to improve genetic progress. Practical tools for genotyping, data management and calculation will be provided to breeders.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Specialised crops
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute of Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance (JKI-RS)