Crown Rot - Part B: Improved crown rot genetic resistance and tolerance through targeted genetics in bread wheat

For full details of this ATM and any associated documents visit:

https://grdc.com.au/research/applying-and-reporting/current-procurement/open-tenders/addressing-the-constraints-to-genetic-improvement-of-crown-rot-resistance-and-tolerance-in-wheat

DESCRIPTION

There are two contributing projects for the 'Addressing the constraints to genetic improvement of crown rot resistance and tolerance in wheat' Request for Tender (Part A and Part B). Each project is to be applied for separately. Applicants can apply for one or both projects.

Part B: Improved crown rot genetic resistance and tolerance through targeted genetics in bread wheat.

This tender is for a three-year investment in the development of new sources of resistance and tolerance to crown rot in bread wheat through the targeting of the disease mechanism. While many sources of crown rot resistance and tolerance have now been identified and passed onto breeders there is still a need for new sources of resistance and tolerance with large effect size to be identified. Internationally there have been some recent examples of where crown rot resistance was significantly improved by targeting a key component of the disease mechanism. It is expected that the successful applicant will build on existing international knowledge of the disease mechanism, as relevant to Australian conditions, to identify appropriate targets for development of resistance and tolerance. It is also expected that the successful applicant will propose the application of innovative genetic technologies to develop targeted variation, that may include the use of non-GMO gene editing and tilling populations, that can be rapidly adopted and utilised in wheat breeding programs. The tender is open to public and private-public partnerships.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

By 2032, growers are less exposed to yield loss from crown rot through access to new high yielding bread wheat varieties with an increase in resistance from moderately susceptible to moderately resistant and reduced yield loss under crown rot pressure by more than 7%.

Intermediate outcome: By 2025, Australian wheat breeders have access to an increase in fundamental knowledge of the relationship between resistance, disease load within the plant and yield; improved phenotyping tools to track crown rot resistance and tolerance sources through their breeding programs; and access to novel targeted genetic solutions to crown rot control.

This outcome will be achieved by two contributing projects:

Part A –Improved phenotyping for crown rot resistance and tolerance in cereals.

Part B –Improved crown rot genetic resistance and tolerance through targeted genetics in bread wheat.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

1. By 2024, crown rot resistance and tolerance of wheat improved by identification and modification of at least one key component in the crown rot disease mechanism in wheat.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. A clear, innovative and thorough plan to achieve the project outputs, specifying: a) methods to be used b) proposed key milestones c) staffing (including relevant skills, experience and availability of key personnel and proposed subcontractors) d) budget (defining the funds sought in each year of the Part And the potential co-investment from all parties) e) project structure and management arrangements including any proposed collaborations with other projects.
2. A clear and thorough plan to deliver the expected outcomes, specifying: a) processes that will be employed to deliver the outcomes (pathway to market) b) identification of target users of the project outputs (who will the project directly deliver to e.g. grower, adviser, plant breeder, the GRDC) c) specific information, products and/or services to be delivered to target users d) approach which will be employed to manage project IP including potential for the development of commercial IP.
3. Demonstrated track record of the project team, including: a) relevant achievements of the project leader in providing leadership, co-ordination, management, monitoring and evaluation and the timely delivery of high-quality outputs b) relevant technical knowledge and experience of all key personnel (including proposed subcontractors) in research disciplines required to deliver the proposal c) relevant experience in the successful transfer of research outputs (IP) to third parties including private industry and commercialisation partners d) ability of the project team to build productive collaborative relationships with relevant research organisations and industry personnel e) experience in building upon existing research (national and international).
4. Freedom to operate in regard to the provision of the project outputs to GRDC and third parties. a) detail any Research Organisation intellectual property that is required to deliver the project outputs and any restrictions that may impact on the provision of project outputs to GRDC or a third party, if required. b) detail any third party intellectual property that is required to deliver the project outputs and any restrictions that may impact on the provision of project outputs to GRDC or a third party, if required. c) other intellectual property that may impact upon the delivery of project outputs to GRDC or a third party d) the approach to be taken to overcome any restrictions identified.