Identification and exploitation of genome structural variants for trait improvement in Prairie crops

Term: 4 years, beginning in 2021

Status: Ongoing

Funding Amount: $115,000

Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Andrew Sharpe (Global Institute of Food Security (GIFS) /University of Saskatchewan, SK)

Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC), Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SCDC), and Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF)

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Project Description

This project will identify and catalog the structural variants (SVs) in wheat and canola genome from multiple diverse lines. These variants will be further exploited to identify regions/genes associated with breeder’s traits of interest (yield and/or stress tolerance) and to develop new varieties for better yield and stress tolerance and climate-resilient wheat and canola.

This project will build on the 4D wheat project and the previously developed NAM (Nested Associated Mapping) population funded by Sask Wheat along with other industry partners.

The key outcomes include 1) The development of pan-genome SV atlas and a high-throughput and cost-effective SV genotyping pipeline; 2) identification of novel candidate genes/regions for agronomically important traits; and 3) increased prediction accuracy for breeder’s traits to select the best parental combination for hybrid or varietal development.

It has been very challenging to improve traits in wheat due to the genome size, limited genetic diversity and polyploid nature. It is understood that the untapped variation in the form of SVs have been shown to have a major impact on disease resistance and seed quality improvements. Thus, this project is approved for funding to identify and exploit such variation in wheat and canola for the benefit of Saskatchewan farmers.