BBSRC Portfolio Analyser
Award details
15AGRITECHCAT4: Novel low viscosity wheats for distilling
Reference
BB/N019164/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Dr Rowan Mitchell
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution
Rothamsted Research
Department
Plant Sciences
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
61,214
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/03/2016
End date
31/03/2019
Duration
37 months
Abstract
We have identified novel wheat alleles that are predicted to confer low viscosity to grain extracts. This is a very desirable trait for the grain distilling industry which would result in decreased process down time. Introduction of these alleles into breeding streams to make a new variety is a long process but has been already initiated. In this project we will carry out the next steps in the development of a commercial variety to facilitate the right decisions at the earliest point. Crucially we will also gain early evidence on the success of this novel technology which will be used to convince the distilling industry so that they provide the "pull" for the development of a new commercial wheat variety beyond the project end. This is a resubmission but the project plan is completely reformulated; we also emphasise (1) the large financial commitment made by the wheat breeder Limagrain to this project and (2) the critical importance of Agritech funding for development of the new variety to succeed.
Summary
We have identified novel wheat alleles that are predicted to confer low viscosity to grain extracts. This is a very desirable trait for the grain distilling industry which would result in decreased process down time. Introduction of these alleles into breeding streams to make a new variety is a long process but has been already initiated. In this project we will carry out the next steps in the development of a commercial variety to facilitate the right decisions at the earliest point. Crucially we will also gain early evidence on the success of this novel technology which will be used to convince the distilling industry so that they provide the "pull" for the development of a new commercial wheat variety beyond the project end. This is a resubmission but the project plan is completely reformulated; we also emphasise (1) the large financial commitment made by the wheat breeder Limagrain to this project and (2) the critical importance of Agritech funding for development of the new variety to succeed.
Impact Summary
A successful outcome will allow development of a commercial low viscosity UK wheat variety. Impacts: 1. This will benefit UK agriculture by helping UK wheat to be more competitive with imported maize as an alternative feedstock for the Scotch whisky industry. 2. This will benefit the scotch whisky industry by making processing of wheat grain more efficient and thereby enhancing tax revenue to the UK government potentially by £ 10s of millions per year. 3. A high value wheat variety which is intended specifically for distilling would encourage low N fertiliser use (since high protein is undesirable) with possible environmental benefits.
Committee
Not funded via Committee
Research Topics
Crop Science, Plant Science
Research Priority
X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative
Agri-Tech Catalyst (ATC) [2013-2015]
Funding Scheme
X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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