Wheat Genome
Creating heat and drought tolerant wheat
Wheat DNA Sequences
Just like the words in a sentence, DNA sequences can be read and carry a great deal of meaning- interpreted as a genotype and phenotype
Fingerprint
Reading wheat DNA sequences highlights unique markers that identify each new plant - similar to a fingerprint in humans. This might help breeders decide if this plant is worth using in their own crossings.
It's in the Computer
Bioinformatics tools help sort through the endless sequences, finding the patterns that guide the breeders.
Searching Takes Time
Going through billions of nucleotides, looking for single differences takes time. Why? Find out here.
Data Dawns
We created a platform to visualise wheat genomes and to allow breeders and researchers to search and identify variants (SNPs).
Knowledge Creates Change
This is an important step towards new, lucrative crops for farmers. This tool allows breeders to select for genetic diversity. Conversely, regions of the wheat genome lacking genetic diversity may become targets in future breeding programs.
Back to Our Future
Breeders can now be creating crops that will withstand climate changes now and into the future by identifying genes and specifically searching for promising new crop characteristics. Could this mean we can stay ahead of climate change and pre-emptively breed wheat to withstand future stress? Why not? Exciting, really!