Protein content vs yield in legumes:releasing the constraint

PROJECT TITLE: Protein content vs yield in legumes:releasing the constraint
Summary: The demand for vegetable protein in the UK feed industry, coupled to supply constraints, creates a market opportunity for sustainable farming in the UK. To take advantage of this opportunity farmers need a high yielding, protein rich product. Legume seeds (pulses) have high protein content and so are the product of choice, and they also contribute to environmental sustainability. For legumes and other crops there is a negative correlation between seed yield and protein content so breeding for yield does not ensure increased protein production. We will establish the protein content required by feed compounders and identify the genetic determinants that sustain this production without detriment to seed yield. We aim to deliver novel plant genotypes to breeders to benefit feed industries, sustainable agriculture and the environment