Award details

Defra Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN)

Reference	BBS/E/J/000CA392
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Claire Domoney
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	388,469
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/02/2009
End date	30/06/2014
Duration	65 months

Abstract

The Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN), funded by Defra, is a platform that serves the process of legume crop improvement in the UK. It establishes the route by which scientific resources, results and knowledge are delivered to breeders, producers and end users, providing a link between these groups and the research base to achieve added value for pulse crops. It provides resources, expertise and understanding that are drawn upon by both public and commercial sectors in breeding, analysis, and in the definition and improvement of product quality relating to both commercial and public goods. It promotes and executes the translation of genomic research tools to crop improvement, consistent with both the needs of UK industry, and Defra objectives relating to sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, it provides links with, and involvement in, European pulse crop research programmes. Crop diversification and lowering inputs are major drivers for sustainable agricultural policy. Pulse crops can contribute positively to these two policy goals because, as a consequence of biological nitrogen fixation, they require minimal inputs and are less environmentally polluting that other crops such as cereals or brassicas. They act as a very effective break crop in our cereal dominated rotation. However, there is a need to make legume crops more attractive to farmers, and to increase the market value of their product. These two are the major strands of PCGIN research activity. Limitations to growing pulse crops in rotations are being addressed through research aimed at improving crop performance and reliability. The genetic basis for agronomic traits such as standing ability, yield and disease will be established. Pulse crops are also an efficient source of plant-derived protein for food and animal feed. Increasing the market value of seed products will depend on genetic studies that define and underpin the traits that limit seed quality.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Crop Science, Plant Science
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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