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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number BBS/E/W/10963A01B
Title Optimising and sustaining biomass yield
Status Completed
Energy Categories Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr IS (Iain ) Donnison
No email address given
IBERS
Aberystwyth University
Award Type Institute Project
Funding Source BBSRC
Start Date 01 April 2012
End Date 31 March 2017
Duration 60 months
Total Grant Value £843,904
Industrial Sectors Transport Systems and Vehicles
Region Wales
Programme
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr IS (Iain ) Donnison , IBERS, Aberystwyth University (99.998%)
  Other Investigator Dr K (Kerrie ) Farrar , IBERS, Aberystwyth University (0.001%)
Dr G (Gancho ) Slavov , IBERS, Aberystwyth University (0.001%)
Web Site
Objectives Objectives not supplied
Abstract The aim of the project is to link genotype to phenotype for yield associated traits via two key biological processes: 1) Temporal and spatial optimisation of light capture via improved plant and leaf architecture, delayed senescence, and optimal plant density; 2) Responses to drought and determination of key traits to mitigate impacts of water limitation through characterisation of root growth and stomatal control. Our challenge is to understand the critical mechanisms underlying variation in traits, how traits interact over the perennial cycle, and to determine their effects on biomass yield and composition. Mapping populations segregating for morphological and developmental traits together with intercross populations, will be used to relate phenotype and genotype with yield. We will determine the impact of temperature and light in controlling morphology and development to allow modelling of genotype by environment interactions, and contribute to predictions of successful ideotypes under different environments. We will use a new plant phenomics facility at Aberystwyth to expand our studies including on yield stability and responses to abiotic stress. These studies will be related, using modelling, to results obtained from the same genotypes in the field. Comparative genomics will be used to reveal the extent of syntenic relationships with other grasses, elucidate genomic architecture and contribute to understanding trait regulation.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 14/04/14