IWYP Call 2: Rooty-A root ideotype toolbox to support improved wheat yields

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.

Rooty is a multidisciplinary project with 6 workpackages:

WP1-Fast track stacking of cloned root angle gene and known QTLs into elite CIMMYT, EU and Australian wheat germplasm
WP2-Exploiting novel genetic variation for beneficial root phenotypes via TILLING
WP3-Genome editing to create novel variation for deep, narrow root systems
WP4-Genetic characterisation of novel root architecture genes
WP5-Testing yield x root trait interactions using lines with high yield potential
WP6-Field validation of root phenotypes and yield

The project will establish a pipeline of materials and knowledge that allow root architecture alleles/allelic combinations to be precisely assessed for root architecture and its impact on yield in elite genetic backgrounds adapted to three broad wheat growing regions: countries within CIMMYT's remit; Australia; NW Europe (focussed on winter wheat). The research pipeline (WPs 1 to 5), serving the validation phase (WP6), is organised into four overarching Tiers, providing a framework for continued research and translation post-project:

Tier 1-Cloned wheat root genes and well-characterised QTL.
Tier 2-Characterisation of novel alleles: artificial variants. Includes allele discovery/creation via TILLING and genome editing.
Tier 3-Characterisation of novel alleles: natural variants. Allele discovery via forward genetic screens of mapping populations created from genetically diverse wheat germplasm.
Tier 4-Forward scanning for sources of novel root architecture alleles/phenotypic diversity.

Work is predominantly focused on near-term validation (Tier 1), but reflects the increasing timescales of mid- (Tiers 2 and 3) and long-term (Tier 4) validation objectives. Accordingly, this project will provide the IWYP Hub, partner breeding companies, and the wider wheat breeding community with a phased release of validated near isogenic material & knowledge in regionally adapted genetic backgrounds for subsequent breeding activities.

The research will benefit wheat improvement programmes in developed and developing countries because there is global interest in understanding how to optimise root systems for a range of environments. Improved root systems should increase the capture and utilisation of nutrients and water, and decrease losses of nutrients to groundwater through leaching. These factors will contribute to the sustainability of growing wheat in both high input and low input farming systems. In this project we aim to collaborate where possible with other initiatives and projects aimed at improving root systems within the CG centres and by academic groups around the world. Specifically, information on controlled environment and field phenotyping of root ideotypes to support yield potential will foster collaboration across IWYP Programme projects focussed on above-ground traits. Communication and sharing of ideas, results, markers and germplasm with other research efforts will provide mutual benefits.
The potential impact on livelihoods is extensive, as the project's pipeline of tools (e.g. molecular markers and germplasm) to improve wheat varieties is delivered to plant breeders in the public and private sector. The commercial breeding companies involved in the project sell seed for food production in many LMICs, taking advantage of large distribution networks, and their markets are not limited to Europe and North America. In the public sector, by using elite (high yielding) lines currently used by CIMMYT breeders in Mexico and Turkey as recurrent parents for the proposed backcrossing programme, the resulting lines produced in the project should feed directly into their variety improvement programmes.