Research project Harnessing genetic and environmental factors controlling meiotic crossing-over to unlock genetic diversity in crop breeding

General introduction

The breeding of innovative and adapted cultivars is a central aspect of the transition towards sustainable crop production. The success of breeding programs strongly depends on meiotic recombination and the exchange of genetic information between chromosomes (crossing-over). However, in most crops the frequency of crossovers is low and their distribution across the chromosome is uneven. Therefore, MeioCOntrol aims to develop genetic tools and strategies to measure and control meiotic crossover patterns and to increase their frequency.

Research approach

The research will be conducted in three crops, namely maize, soybean, and tomato, all of which have major economic importance. We will tap into natural genetic variation and search for genotypes that naturally carry mutations in regulatory genes leading to a desired modification of the crossover pattern. We will also generate mutants ourselves by applying CRISPR/Cas gene editing to target genes involved in crossover formation. In addition, we will analyze whether we can alter the crossover pattern and frequency by inducing abiotic stress (drought stress and temperature stress) in the three crops.

Relevance/Valorization

The MEIOCONTROL project will result in new state-of-the-art technologies to measure and control meiotic recombination in various crops. This will accelerate and increase the efficiency of breeding programs across a wide range of crops. More efficient plant breeding is crucial to respond more rapidly to societal challenges such as reducing the use of crop protection agents and increasing yields.

Financing

FONDS VOOR WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK-VLAANDEREN – FWO