DURUM WHEAT GENOMICS AND BREEDING

The Expert Working Group on Durum Wheat Genomics and Breeding (Durum EWG) aims to bring together and synergize the activities of those stakeholders interested in promoting specific research actions focused on improving durum wheat productivity and quality and collaborations with the scientific community active in genomics of bread wheat.

Proposal:

The proposal to establish Durum EWG was submitted to the Wheat Initiative Research Committee (???) by Luigi Cattivelli (Agricultural Research Council (CERA), Italy) and Roberto Tuberosa (University of Bologna, Italy). The creation of the Durum EWG was in endorsed in July 2013

Leadership:

Chairs

Co-Chairs:

Call for Experts

The call for experts will remain open during the EWG lifetime. Any expert wishing to participate in the Durum Wheat Genomics and Breeding Expert Working Group should complete the application form.

Purpose of the EWG

The Durum EWG organises opportunities for networking and tools for collaboration in durum wheat genomics through meetings and trainings. The EWG is actively involved in promoting new collaborative initiatives towards:

• A coordinated analysis of phenotypic data collected on community reference germplasm panels;

• Assembly of a platinum quality version of the durum wheat reference genome Svevo;

• Assembly of the first tetraploid wheat pangenome.

Main challanges in the field

• Develop genomic resources (from pangenome to germplasm panels) for supporting durum wheat breeding.

• Define research strategies for durum wheat adaptation to climate changing conditions and sustainable agriculture.

• Promote the exploitation of tetraploid wheat diversity as source of genes/allele for durum and bread wheat breeding.

• Enhance awareness and familiarity with the most advanced genomics approaches applied to durum breeding.

• Support young researchers in their international connections.

Main Research Areas:

• Germplasm characterisation

• Genome sequencing

• Gene cloning and functional gene analysis to breeding

  The EWG seeks to generate synergy and added value to durum wheat research by pooling the currently available resources and expertise under a common collaborative umbrella. Genomics tools are being implemented to promote the exploitation of the germplasm and genomic assisted breeding.

  Collaboration with other EWGs are developed on a case-by-case basis.

Resources, Output and Activities: