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Drought tolerant wheat
Researchers with MPBCRC undertook Australia's first trial of GM wheat plants
expressing different candidate genes for drought tolerance, following regulatory
approval from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
High energy pastures
MPBCRC conducted Australia's first, and the world's largest, field trials for GM
perennial ryegrass and tall fescue following approval from the OGTR. The trials
achieved higher fructan (a water soluble carbohydrate that produces
metabolisable energy) levels than commercially available cultivars, with faster
growth rates and improved water use efficiency. Higher metabolisable energy in
turn drives improved liestock productivity in terms of increased levels and
quality of milk, meat and wool production.
High digestibility forages
Australia's first field trials for GM tall fescue plants with modified
lignification took place following regulatory approval by the Office of the Gene
Technology Regulator (OGTR). It is anticipated that the production of low lignin
forages could create pastues which are more digestible for animals, leading to
improvements for the meat and wool industries.
Molecular markers
MPBCRC researchers have discovered over 20 molecular markers for use in plant
breeding, including markers for frost tolerance, resistance to crown rot,
resistance to root lision nematodes and rust resistance in cereals.
Technologies for plant breeders
Researchers with MPBCRC developed an integrated suite of bioinformatic tools and
resources to support users of molecular marker technology in research and
commercial breeding. These resources will be of significant value to the
scientific research community for bridging the knowledge and resource gap needed
to meet future industry challenges.
Technologies developed include:
- High-throughput genotyping and testing methods
including Temperature Switch PCR (TSP) which is an accurate, rapid and
economical genotyping technology, particularly for genetically complex species
such as wheat.
- Cross preduction technology software which enables
rapid in silico assessment of the success of crossing different
varieties of wheat.
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