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The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics Pty Ltd

Case-studies on past EU-Australian research collaborations

The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics

University of Melbourne

University of Queensland

Waite Campus University of Adelaide

(ACPFG Headquarters)

University of South Australia

Research Crops – Wheat and Barley

Models – Rice and Arabidopsis New expansion - Chickpeas

Research Area – Abiotic stress tolerance Drought and heat Salinity Nutrients – N and P Platforms Technologies and Resources Associated Projects

• Biofortification• Boron

DROught-tolerant yielding PlantS

DROPS

EU funded project (2010-2015)

Coordinated by François Tardieu (INRA)

- 8.7 million euros- 10 public organisations- 11 countries

- 15 partners- 5 companies- 4 continents

Objectives

Increase the efficiency of breeding under water deficit 1. Novel indicators: “Identity cards” of genotypes: heritable traits

genetically related to yield

2. Natural variation: genomic regions controlling key traits; assess allelic diversity under a wide range of scenarios

3. Models for estimating the comparative advantages of alleles and traits under contrasting drought scenarios

Three crops• Maize• Durum wheat• Bread wheat

A global research coordination platform for wheat improvement

International partnership for wheat improvement

• A framework to identify synergies and facilitate collaborations for wheat improvement at the international level

• Created in 2011 following endorsement by the G20 Agriculture Ministries to improve food security

15 countries, 9 private companies, 2 international organisations

Current members

What do we get out of EU partnerships?

• Link to latest research advances and networks– Interactions with the very best

people• Access to technological

improvements and infrastructure• International benchmarking• Australian input into international

research agenda

Why are we regarded as good partners?• Simple structure and ease in

reaching agreement• Capabilities

– Research focus– Technical expertise– Crops of major importance to

Australia and Europe (wheat & barley)• High quality research• Strong links to technology delivery