Grass Genomics & Genetics

Lolium/Festuca introgression and genomics is a core area of research within IBERS and has relevance to basic and applied science within the national and international monocot community. The research is enabling us to: elucidate the organisation of genes along Lolium and Festuca species chromosomes; determine the relationship between gene distribution and recombination; allow comparisons to be made between genome organisation in a small genome species, i.e. rice, and Brachypodium, and large genome monocots such as wheat and oats; determine the genetic control of key traits; provide a resource for gene isolation via chromosome landing; and facilitate, through the development of orthologous markers, the assembly of information from other monocot crop species that will greatly increase our knowledge of the genetic control of target traits thus facilitating the development of superior plant varieties. The high frequencies of genome recombination, extensive genetic variation, access to diverse climatic and edaphic adapted species ecotypes and natural hybrids within the Lolium/Festuca complex, together with the capability to produce fertile hybrids, enables opportunities for developing novel grass genotypes and environmentally adapted phenotypes. Evolved genome changes within the diverse Lolium/Festuca complex that led to adaptation and subsequent speciation provides an insight into monocot crop design to combat climatic and edaphic stresses. Plant breeding strategies that take account of the whole grass ecosystem are employed to develop novel and efficient forage grass phenotypes. This is achieved by integrating genotyping, phenotyping and introgression mapping for improved root designs, water and nutrient-use-efficiency, C-sequestration, soil structure and hydrology.