Using Genetic Approaches to Exploit Phenotypic Variation in Photosynthetic Efficiency to Increase Wheat Yield

This project is part of the International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) programme that aims to increase the genetic yield potential of bread wheat by 50% over the next 20 years. In this study we will associate phenotyping information of photosynthetic characteristics from highly diverse wheat panels with large numbers of SNPs through a GWA study. To do this, phenotypic measurements of photosynthetic efficiency (SPAD, ASD) and yield related measurements have been taken from over 520 wheat lines grown in field trials in CIMMYT (Mexico) followed by genotyping of these lines using the 35K Wheat Breeders Array. The high quality genotype/phenotype information produced will then be associated through a GWA study. The use of these genetic approaches and phenotyping of large, carefully constructed wheat diversity/high biomass panels will enable us to identify markers and genes associated with photosynthetic efficiency and high biomass related traits. Such knowledge will enable combinations of these traits to be rapidly incorporated into elite wheat lines to increase yields based on improved photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, identifying the genes and mutations responsible for the traits will provide an understanding of the biology underpinning the trait and the ability to use precision genome engineering tools in the future.