Project

The objectives are:

To increase the availability of seeds and varieties for the organic and low-input sector
To identify traits and combinations of traits suited to organic and low-input production environment including high nutrient use efficiency and weed competitiveness/allelopathy
To increase breeding activities for organic and low-input crop production.

ECOBREED will increase the competitiveness of the organic and low-input breeding and farming sectors by:

Identifying genetic and phenotypic variation in morphological, abiotic/biotic tolerance/resistance and nutritional quality traits that can be used in organic breeding
Evaluation of the potential of genetic variation for enhanced nutrient acquisition
Evaluation of the potential for increased weed competitiveness and control
Optimisation of seed production/multiplication via improved agronomic and seed treatment protocols
Developing efficient, ready-to-use farmer participatory breeding systems
Pre-breeding of elite varieties for improved agronomic performance, biotic/abiotic stress resistance/tolerance and nutritional quality
Development of training programmes in (a) genomic tools/techniques, (b) PPB and (c) use and application of improved phenotyping capabilities.
Ensuring optimum and rapid utilisation and exploitation of project deliverables and innovations by relevant industry and other user/stakeholder groups.