An Australian research team has developed a new technology that speeds up the process of growing, testing and trialling new varieties of grains, thus reducing the time taken to get seeds from the lab to the field and to predict more accurately, plant breeding outcomes.
The implications of this research are vast, as it could aid the global food supply for future generations.
It is a timely development in light of current predictions of critical food shortages which even now are already evident in some countries.
Dr Howard Eagles of the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre (MPBCRC), and collaborators from industry and education, were acknowledged at the Cooperative Research Centre Association's (CRCA) national conference with an award for Excellence in Innovation.
The group aimed at maximising rates of improvement of wheat strains to enhance the marketability of Australian produce.
The time to test a variety of wheat, at present, can take up to 15 years from the initial crossing to the final release to farmers.
The project, called Cross Predictor, brings industry and education to the same table to create this technology, showing the value of CRCs.
They foster a mutually beneficial relationship combining basic scientific research and product development.
The Cross Predictor has led to a 2.5pc reduction in the cost of wheat breeding, earlier access to better strains of wheat and higher commercial quality with increased yield and improved disease resistance.
This technology uses maths concepts to identify genetic strengths and weaknesses enabling breeders to use higher selection intensities.
Its development has involved parties from four Australian states and Mexico.
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