OctoSEQ- Sequencing the octoploid strawberry

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Impact Summary

This grant will have a global impact, both on the research field internationally and on the international industry, especially the UK industry. Through full engagement with industry stakeholders, via workshops and the involvement of 5 industrial partners in the project (contributing £125k cash), maximum translation of this research will be ensured, driving forward the UK plant breeding industry in a globally competitive market. The availability of an octoploid genome sequence (integrated into existing resources see LOS Davey and Main) far outstrips the utility of the diploid strawberry genome, as it allow subgenome-level resolution of gene families, which is essential for both basic research and for molecular breeding.

Who will benefit and how?

Direct beneficiaries:

1. Commercial private sector
The UK and international plant breeding sector will benefit enormously from this endeavour, as the generation of a gold-standard reference genome will allow these industries to first develop better markers for QTL (most traits in strawberry are quantitative and multiple QTL underpin these) and move from marker level associations to candidate gene associations. This is important for next-generation genome editing approaches and functional validation of candidate genes. Furthermore, it facilitates cheap genotyping through reference-guided GbS and a variety of other 'next-gen' technologies to be applied to strawberry that are currently impossible. This moves the industry very quickly to a point where pedigree-based selection and genome-wide selection are affordable and tractable options for crop improvement. Placing this in the hands of the UK partners will give the UK business a significant competitive edge. Note that some UK breeding firms are ineligible to contribute to this proposal due to BBSRC rules, but fully lend their support. (Impact 12-36 months)

2. Fruit growing sector in the UK
UK industry will benefit as they will be able to access a resource that is beyond their means to create. Longer term it is anticipated that the UK levy body the HDC will make significant use of this resource and knowledge generated from this pre-competitive work can for some levy payers lead to competitive work funded by other research bodies (e.g. innovate UK) to benefit the UK economy. Advancing genomic resources in horticultural crops is a key aim of the HDC and evidenced by their support in this proposal (Benefit within 5-10 years).

3. Public and retail sector-
Several UK retailers aim to double sales of UK-produced fruit by 2020 (i.e. to £440m farm gate); this project will assist that aim and improve UK productivity and competitiveness. Downstream science conducted utilising this resource will lead to more reliable production methods and potentially reduce wastage in the supply chain (through reduced inputs and better variety development) (Benefit within 5-10 years).

Indirect beneficiaries
The wider strawberry growing industry
As a result of the genome sequence, the rate of change of varietal development will increase, leading to greater benefits to downstream growers, packers and producers. (Benefits 3-5 years)

Government, public and policy benefits
The public will benefit, not only from the improved position of UK agri-business (and access of breeders to novel technologies), but also through the long term improvement in supply chain resilience through improved cultivar development. In the longer term the public will benefit through increased food security and sustainability, as a result of scientific improvements on horticultural crops. This feeds in to many UK Government and EU policy agendas including: health (improving produce quality, pesticides (reducing residues through improved resistance), water (ability to grow nearer water courses), climate (growing crops perennially will improve carbon sequestration) and environment (reduced carbon and pesticides) (Benefit from 3-15 years).