Pre-breeding: Adaptation to climate changes
There is a need to develop forage cultivars with tolerance to climate change and requiring low inputs. Improved utilization of germplasm to increase the genetic diversity of pastures for unique traits, as has happened with maize provides, a key route to achieve this.
Pre-breeding includes the introduction, adaptation, evaluation, and improvement of germplasm resources for use in breeding programs for the development of new cultivars. It includes mid- to long-term systematic goals often ignored by the seed industry, providing an opportunity for the public sector.
I will share pre-breeding efforts from my work at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) maize-breeding programme, the most northern public programme in North America moving maize to cooler and drier areas. This work led the creation and improvement of genetically broad-based synthetic varieties with the development of genetically diverse inbred lines and hybrids. Key factors for developing the these cultivars were the adaptation of exotic germplasm, and the maximization of its genetic improvement before inbred line and hybrid development.
Currently, our AgResearch team is developing a National Forage Germplasm Enhancement Programme for adaptation to climate changes and low environmental footprint
| Date | Monday, 10 December 2018 |
|---|---|
| Time | 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
| Audience | All University |
| Event Category | Health Sciences |
| Event Type |
Departmental Seminar |
| Campus | Dunedin |
| Department | Biochemistry |
| Location | Biochemistry Seminar Room 231 |
| Cost | Free |
