Innovations In Cereals
Genetic Markers
Alongside yield, breeders are looking to improve agronomic traits in today’s varieties. While this is much more difficult, new technology such as the use of genetic markers – akin to genetic finger-printing – is helping.
As a result, the breeder is able to identify and actively select for the desired trait in the lab as opposed to the field, again speeding up the process, even if each marker may cost as much as £250,000 or more to identify.
“The problem with disease is that it quickly mutates to overcome the inherent genetic plant resistance mechanisms. Thus it is important to continually renew and refresh commercially available plant material through the introduction of new varieties to stay ahead of the pathogen,” says Chris Tapsell.
“At the same time, we are now attempting to use more resilient genes with broader but maybe not complete resistance, to provide robust varieties that are slower to break down.
Insect pests also are being targeted and the genetic resistance for Wheat Orange Blossom Midge Resistance is being increasingly incorporated into KWS varieties, including Robigus, Oakley and now Viscount. No other breeder has been as successful in introducing this resistance to commercially acceptable varieties.
“In the past, research organisations such as the PBI, John Innes and SCRI undertook almost all of the basic and applied research and development work that provided new methods and traits,” says Chris.
“While the UK led the world in this respect and still does in many areas, moving forward research and development is increasingly achieved through partnerships with researchers and KWS is taking a very active part in both coordinating these partnerships and through involvement in many active projects.”
At the same time as getting the technology platforms for its breeding programmes in place, KWS’ breeding business is focusing more closely on the end-user and embrace broader issues.
Cordiale and Wizard for example have important market uses and are kept in the market largely as a result of supply chain contracts. Cordiale, in a quiet way has become a major variety for ADM and could become the most widely grown Group 2 for milling this autumn.
Increasingly, as with the Cordiale deal, these will demand the use of certified seed for the production of grain. This guarantee of supply and origin is becoming much more important to the consumer.
