Robust wheat: breeding for stable and robust wheat for the changing climate
Project overview
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Short summary
The project aims to develop robust wheat varieties that thrive under diverse environmental conditions. We are conducing field trials across Sweden evaluating for drought, flooding, and heat. We do experiments in climate control chambers and lab for molecular analyses and evaluation of grain quality.
Abiotic stress factors such as drought, heat, and waterlogging are becoming increasingly common in Sweden, both on regional scale (e. g. local dry periods and flooding) and nationwide (e.g. the drought of 2018).
Waterlogging poses a huge challenge for agriculture, with fields flooded during the autumn and winter months. These floods lead to reduced yields in the following seasons, as excessive water damages soil structure, causes nutrient leaching, increases the risk of plant diseases, and harms overwintering crops.
Rising temperatures due to climate change emphasize the urgent need to develop crop varieties that are resilient to these stresses. Ensuring food security and self-sufficiency in Sweden requires maintaining stable grain yields and high grain quality.
This project will lead to new tools and methods for plant breeders to use in developing robust wheat varieties adapted to the changing climate.