Trigen: triticale resilience and innovation through genomic enhancement
Project overview
More related research
Short summary
This project aims to optimize the breeding of triticale, a versatile human-made hybrid between rye and wheat, that combines wheat´s yield and quality with rye´s resilience, offering drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and disease resistance.
The cultivation of resilient crops is essential to ensure Sweden’s food security in a changing climate.
The cultivation of triticale in Sweden has expanded gradually, but there are some challenges associated with the crop. Pre-harvest sprouting, when the kernels begin to germinate before harvest while still on the spike, is one issue. Infections by pathogens are another. For example, there was a major outbreak of yellow rust in southern Sweden in 2009 - 2010.
We address these issues using multi-omics-driven approaches. This means combining different types of biological data to understand how triticale grows, develops, and responds to various factors. We are developing genetic markers that are specific to important crop traits. In this way, we aim to develop high-yielding and climate-resilient triticale varieties through collaboration between researchers and plant breeders.
In a broader perspective, the project will contribute to improving the sustainability and profitability of Sweden’s food and livestock industries.
An enhanced triticale breeding program will contribute to climate-smart agriculture, improving both national food security and global crop resilience.