The implications of natural genetic variation in flax for crop development

This project will measure and compare samples of cultivated and wild flax that vary in their history of genetic inbreeding to test the impact of inbreeding on components of fitness. This fundamental aspect of evolution is thought to drive the maintenance of outcrossing breeding systems and the huge biodiversity of life. This project will contribute to BBSRC's research priority of sustainably enhancing agricultural production via genetic improvements of crops. The CASE partner, RBGE, is an internationally important organisation responsible for the conservation and study of plant and fungal biodiversity. This project will feed into the core scientific activities of PBGE to generate baseline botanical data, to document and conserve plant biodiversity, and better understand evolutionary processes in plants.