Scientists at the ACPFG aim to develop cereal varieties with
increased tolerance to environmental stresses such as temperature,
water logging, drought, salinity and mineral deficiencies
or toxicities. These stresses, known as 'abiotic' stresses,
are a major cause of yield and quality loss throughout
the world. Research focuses on wheat and barley as they
are the most important cereal crops grown throughout Australia.
By
implementing this new technology, we aim to provide innovative
and environmentally attractive solutions to the problems
faced by cereal growers by developing varieties that allow
more sustainable
farming while generating economic, social and environmental
benefits. This will also ensure Australia maintains its competitiveness
in cereal cropping industries globally.
ACPFG Objectives
The more specific objectives
of the ACPFG are to:
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Identify the genetic mechanisms that
control tolerance to specific stresses and compare these
with those controlling broad range tolerance to abiotic
stresses
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| • |
Use genome-wide analyses to define
key cellular processes that enable adapted plants to
withstand abiotic stress, and to apply that understanding
of diversity for the genetic improvement of crops such
as wheat and barley
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| • |
Unravel regulatory networks that control
plant growth under abiotic stress
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| • |
Identify ways
of manipulating these networks, through existing genetic
diversity or through functional genomics technologies,
to deliver tangible industry outcomes, namely cereal
varieties better tailored to hostile environments.
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ACPFG Commercialisation Objectives
ACPFG scientists will commercialise IP on a global basis
and we seek partners from around the globe to enter into
mutually beneficial research and commercial agreements.
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