Award details

Use of molecular genetics in understanding population biology of key species in arable systems

Reference	BBS/E/C/00004196
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Angela Karp
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Rothamsted Research Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	2,139,038
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1999
End date	31/03/2008
Duration	108 months

Abstract

In this project molecular genetic and ecological approaches are being used to determine the processes that act upon the genetic diversity and ecological dynamics of plants as components of the agroecosystem. In agriculture, cultivated and natural species exist in a mosaic of fields and fragmented natural or semi-natural habitat. The growth, productivity and quality of products derived from crops are influenced both by the genetic make-up and management of the crop and by the way that the crop interacts with the environment and other species in the agro-ecosystem. Knowledge of the population structure and ecological dynamics of plants is key to sustainable agriculture and conservation of biodiversity. The programme is targeted at investigating the biodiversity of crops, weeds and other flora of arable land, together (in links with other Programmes) with their important pathogens and pests, at the inter- and intra-population, specific and community levels. Systematic surveys of crop genetic diversity are also being carried out in order to plan the management of genetic diversity as a resource for the production of varieties able to resist the challenges of new pests and pathogens. The primary objectives are to: (i) gain understanding of biodiversity and population biology of plants of relevance to agriculture in order to better predict how populations may perform, spread or decline under different pressures, such as changes in agricultural practise, land use, or global climate change; (ii) determine the most effective ways of utilising knowledge on diversity and ecological dynamics for improved utilisation and management of crop genetic resources and farmland flora.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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