HIGH THROUGHPUT PHENOTYPING OF WHEAT FOR THE STUDY OF YIELD POTENTIAL, WATER USE EFFICIENCY, AND INSECT RESISTANCE

The overall goal of this Idaho hatch project is to develop a sensor-based framework for high-throughput phenotyping of wheat aimed at identifying advanced wheat lines based on several major traits, including yield potential, water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and resistance to Stripe rust and Hessian Fly (two major biotic stresses in Idaho). The new sensor-based high-throughput phenotyping approach will advance the ability to quantify the expression of traits on large numbers of plants which bridge the gap between breeders and 'phenotypers' in an effective manner.The goal will be achieved through lab/field research combined with extension activities that will generate and disseminate research results to breeders and producers. Specific objectives and sub-objectives include:1. Developing a sensor-based, automated framework for high-throughput phenotyping of wheat aimed at identifying advanced wheat lines based on several major traits, including yield potential, water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and resistance to Hessian fly and Strip rust.2. Developing machine learning techniques to predict above mentioned traits from a hyperspectral/multi-spectral/thermal sensor mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).a. Rank wheat lines based on their efficiency, tolerance and resistant.b. Comparing sensor-based phenotyping results with those obtained previously using manually collected phenotypic data in the same set of wheat genotypes 3. Develop scholarly publications and educational materials4. Deliver knowledge and research findings to breeders, stakeholders and agricultural industry.