The realm of chickpea genetics is undergoing a transformative shift, as researchers at The University of Queensland, in collaboration with the Grains Research Development Corporation, embark on a mission to fortify the resilience of this vital pulse crop against the escalating threat of high temperatures.
Chickpea, a staple in the diets of millions worldwide and a crucial component of sustainable farming systems, has long been a cornerstone of Australian agriculture. However, as the climate continues to evolve, growers are facing an increasingly daunting challenge: the detrimental impact of soaring temperatures on their chickpea yields.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, UQ's Dr. Millicent Smith has taken the helm of a groundbreaking A$8.2 million project, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of experts to tackle the problem head-on. Chickpea is vulnerable to high temperature during the reproductive stage, with late-sown chickpea particularly exposed, Dr. Smith explains. We want to ensure that Australian growers maintain their competitive edge, which means new varieties with improved genetics to cope with heat stress are essential for the future.
The project's ambitious goals are firmly rooted in the needs of Australian growers. GRDC manager for genetic technologies pulses, Camilla Hill, emphasizes the significance of this investment, stating, We know that growers value chickpeas in their farming system rotations and because of their market value, so this collective investment is about supporting the development and production of chickpeas that will tolerate high temperatures.
At the heart of the project lies a comprehensive approach that spans agronomy, plant breeding, crop physiology, crop modeling, genomics, and genetics. Kristy Hobson, a Chickpea Breeding Australia breeder and researcher at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, underscores the importance of this multifaceted collaboration, saying, Working closely with Chickpea Breeding Australia is critical to the project's success, as it will ensure that the tools and technologies developed can be seamlessly adopted in the breeding program.
The researchers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for heat-tolerant chickpea varieties. They are delving into the genetic diversity of the crop, exploring germplasm from genebanks, landraces, and wild chickpea, as well as commercial cultivars and late-stage breeding lines. Cutting-edge technologies, such as UAV-mounted multispectral sensors and hyperspectral sensing, are being employed to uncover the underlying biochemical mechanisms that enable plants to maintain photosynthesis under high temperatures.
Recognizing the complexity of the trait, the team is also leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and genomic prediction tools to accelerate the development of elite chickpea germplasm with enhanced temperature tolerance. High-temperature tolerance is a complex trait, but we're trying to understand the transition from flowering through to the pod filling stage, Dr. Smith explains. Crop modeling will help to define the types of heat experienced in Australia now and predict into the future, so the research team can identify the different trait combinations that are needed across the country.
The project's far-reaching impact extends beyond the laboratory and field trials. Chickpea Breeding Australia's Kristy Hobson emphasizes the broader benefits of this initiative, stating, Whilst we understand that chickpea is a positive for a rotation, we want the crop to be profitable in its own right. Increased investment in the breeding program has allowed us to expand our target regions and the key breeding objectives.
As the project unfolds, the researchers remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering tangible solutions for Australian growers. By harnessing the power of genetics, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative expertise, they are poised to cultivate a future where chickpea production thrives, even in the face of rising temperatures.
