PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The current system of breeding, testing and selecting wheat varieties is carried out in controlled environments that consume large amounts of energy. A new and evolutionary participatory breeding method offers opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of wheat breeding, testing and selecting processes. This innovative approach emphasises the use of ‘natural selection’ principles in combination with site-specifc farm selection techniques. The application of such an evolutionary breeding method involves less energy inputs that can have positive economic and environmental impacts.
OBJECTIVES
The main aim of the LIFE SEMENte parTEcipata project centred on improving the resource-efficiency of commercial plant breeding activities. It would create and maintain a composite cross population of durum wheat germplasm (Triticum turgidum subsp durum L.) and other species of the genus Triticum using a novel and evolutionary genetic improvement technology that promotes agro-systems that are more resistant to climate change.
The objectives would be achieved by the following actions: the identification of a low input agronomic system, through crop rotation, to optimise evolutionary change within the gene pool, in order to stabilise production over time and ensure soil fertility that benefits the environment; the conservation of durum wheat germplasm (Triticum turgidum subsp durum L.) and other species of the genus Triticum such as polonicum, turanicum, dicoccum, from germplasm banks in the region of Sicily, and from collections of old varieties required by both national and international germplasm banks; the identification of lines and accessions through the evaluation of germplasm in different locations (Tuscany, Sicily, Marche) that are suitable for organic cultivation in the areas tested; the establishment of a gene pool to be allocated to evolutionary breeding through the union of possible F1 individuals (from generations of crosses) obtained by diallellic crosses between the lines identified in the germplasm considered; the attainment of improved gene pools, suitable for cultivation in the considered areas, and the production of new varieties that are selected by involving farmers (participatory breeding).
RESULTS
The LIFE SEMENte parTEcipata project improved the efficiency of commercial plant breeding by promoting a participatory-based approach to genetics that strengthens the resilience of agricultural systems. The team created a composite cross population of durum wheat germplasm and other species of the genus Triticum through organic farming methods. It also established a wide network of farms in the Italian regions of Tuscany, Marche and, to a lesser extent, Sicily to test its approach to breeding. However, the project was closed early due to lengthy delays in implementing most of the actions and the administrative incompatibility of some of the partners.
Nevertheless, the project achieved the following:
- Evaluation and distribution of germplasm to the farm network for testing;
- Creation of a multi-line population, which is being evaluated and registered by the Italian seed authority, CREA-SCS; and
- Implementation of an awareness-raising campaign and training activities, which benefitted many organic farmers and technicians in the three target regions.
