Low cost genomic selection
Project overview
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Short summary
This project focuses on the development of methods for genomic selection in relation to existing commercial plant breeding programs. Particular emphasis is placed on developing models that enable cost-effective implementation of the method within these programs.
Genomic selection is a relatively new plant breeding method that is increasingly being adopted. In short, the method involves identifying genetic markers and their associations with specific traits to support the selection of individuals for breeding lines.
The project focuses on the crops sugar beet, pea, and winter wheat, although the results are expected to be applicable to other crops in the future.
For sugar beet, the focus is on genetic markers related to flowering, sugar yield, and sugar concentration. For pea, the focus includes yield, earliness, color, and flavor characteristics. For winter wheat, the key traits are yield, winter hardiness, protein content, and starch content.
The aim of the project is to increase knowledge and expertise in genome-assisted plant breeding in Sweden. The new insights gained will help more effectively identify desirable traits in breeding material, thereby improving and streamlining variety development. This is expected to contribute to a stronger and more competitive Swedish plant breeding sector and to an increase in domestic food production.
The project began in 2020 and is funded by SLU Grogrund through 2025. Participating organizations include the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), MariboHilleshög, Findus, and Lantmännen. The companies contribute expertise and in-kind support in areas such as plant breeding, genotyping, field trials, and the diverse genetic material that is critical for building successful models adapted to Swedish conditions.
Examples of project activities include:
- Evaluating the optimal size of training populations for genomic selection in different crops, based on factors such as genetic diversity and trait complexity.
- Improving cost-efficiency by developing models that require fewer genetic markers while maintaining prediction accuracy.
- Comparative studies between genomic selection and conventional breeding methods to identify economic thresholds for profitability.
- Creating a network and educational resources to facilitate knowledge exchange in genomic selection among plant breeders, students, and technical staff.