18-BTT: A PATHWAY TO THE EXPLOITATION OF EPIGENETIC VARIATION IN UK, US AND INTERNATIONAL BREEDING PROGRAMMES

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Epigenetic modification represents a potential source of variation that can be used in breeding programmes, contributing to trait variation. In wheat, we have evidence for wide spread and stable epigenetic variation across global landraces. However, this represents a source of variation that has not to date impacted breeding programmes. In this project we aim to accelerate the translation of this basic knowledge, investigating variation in DNA methylation over a set of agronomically important genes across a panel of UK, US and CIMMYT derived wheat germplasm. This will uncover important information about epigenetic inheritance, stability and its role in adaptation. We will develop an enabling technology for breeders to track epi-alleles. We will use this technology to track epi-alleles that we identify in genes controlling agriculturally important traits and associate them with phenotypic changes.