BioMatNet Item: FAIR5-CT97-3730 - Introducing and controlling asexual reproduction through seeds in apomictic systems and sexual crop plants

FAIR5-CT97-3730
Introducing and controlling asexual reproduction through seeds in apomictic systems and sexual crop plants

Contacts
Website: www.apomixis.de

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FAIR Area 4.1 - Reformed CAP

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR5-CT97-3730
	Total Cost
	EC Contribution
	Start Date	01/03/98
	Duration	38 Months

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to create an Apomixis Network for communication between scientists and research groups (both academic and industrial) in European countries and to coordinate ongoing work on apomixis research. The scientific part of this Concerted Action (CA) aims at the following: (i) to understand the genetic regulation of the various apomictic processes, (ii) to transfer apomixis from natural apomictic grasses and other genetic model systems to important crop plants that normally reproduce sexually, and finally (iii) to control asexual and sexual reproduction in both apomictic and sexual crop plants. It is planned to develop and use new and optimized breeding strategies, combined with novel genetic, molecular and cytological methods to understand the genetic regulation of the various apomictic processes in apomictic species. Subsequently, this knowledge will then be used to transfer apomixis from natural apomictic grasses and other genetic model systems to important crop plants that normally reproduce sexually. To exploit asexual reproduction, this knowledge will be further used to control and manipulate apomixis, because proper breeding can only be achieved through sexual crossings. The aim of this CA is to add value to this research.

The objective will be achieved through half-yearly meetings and workshops over a three-year period for the exchange of information, technical details, biological materials (e.g. plant genotypes, vectors, constructs) and methods where necessary. In addition, this CA will support the already existing 'Apomixis Newsletter' (editor: Yves Savidan) that will appear yearly. Appropriate short term visits of participating scientists (bilateral exchanges) in cooperating institutions will also be supported.

The CA is carried out with financial support from the Commission of the European Communities (FAIR) specific RTD programme, contract FAIR5-CT97-3730, title ''Introducing and controlling asexual reproduction through seeds in apomictic systems and sexual crop plants''. It does not necessarly reflect the Commission's views and in no way anticipates the Commission's future policy in this area.

Contacts

Coordinator

Participant