AEGILOPS UMBELLULATA RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TO BOOST CLIMATE-RESILIENCE IN WHEAT FOR FUTURE FOOD SECURITY

Thegoals of the seed grant are to develop genomic resources and germplasm (core set of collection and synthetic hexaploids) for future exploration of multiple novel genes/traits in Ae. umbellulata. The current and follow-up projects will continuously supply valuable traits to wheat breeding programs for their deployment in wheat varieties. The proposed research will broaden the wheat genetic diversity by enriching the traits toolbox, thereby preparing the scientists to address future challenges posed by climate change and bring sustainability. The project goals will be achieved under the following objectives:1. Development of genetic, genomic, and germplasm resources in Aegilops umbellulata.2. Assessment of stress tolerance in Aegilops umbellulata and identification of associated genomic loci.