University of Queensland and GRDC Lead New Project to Develop High-Temperature Tolerant Chickpeas
The University of Queensland, in collaboration with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), has launched an ambitious research project aimed at developing new chickpea varieties that can withstand high temperatures. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by Australian chickpea growers as rising temperatures threaten the viability of this crucial pulse crop. Here’s an in-depth look at the project’s objectives, strategies, and potential impacts on the chickpea industry.
Understanding the Challenges of High-Temperature Stress
Chickpeas are a key pulse crop in Australia, valued for their role in crop rotations, soil health, and market opportunities. However, high temperatures, especially during the reproductive stage of chickpea growth, have become a significant threat to chickpea production. Dr. Millicent Smith from The University of Queensland highlights that “chickpea is vulnerable to high temperature during the reproductive stage with late-sown chickpeas particularly exposed.”
To combat this issue, the research project aims to develop chickpea varieties with enhanced heat tolerance. This effort is part of a larger strategy to ensure that Australian growers maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
A Comprehensive Approach to Heat Tolerance
The $8.2 million project brings together experts from diverse fields including agronomy, plant breeding, crop physiology, crop modelling, genomics, and genetics. This multi-disciplinary team is focused on several key objectives:
- Developing High-Temperature Tolerant Varieties: Researchers are working on breeding new chickpea varieties that can endure heat stress and improve yield stability across varying climates. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of creating varieties that can perform well even if the temperature does not reach extreme levels every season.
- Creating Phenotyping Tools: A major goal of the project is to develop user-friendly phenotyping tools for breeders. These tools will help identify chickpea varieties with better heat tolerance traits. This includes deploying UAVs equipped with multispectral sensors and hyperspectral imaging to study the biochemical mechanisms behind heat stress tolerance.
- Utilizing Advanced Genomic Technologies: The project will leverage genomic prediction tools to accelerate the breeding process. By analyzing genetic data, researchers can predict which trait combinations will be most effective for developing heat-tolerant chickpea varieties.
- Conducting Multi-Location Field Trials: The research will involve field experiments across various Australian regions to understand how heat stress affects chickpeas differently in diverse environments. This approach will help identify the most resilient chickpea traits for different climatic conditions.
Benefits for Growers and the Industry
Dr. Kristy Hobson from Chickpea Breeding Australia and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries emphasizes that the project’s outcomes will benefit growers in multiple ways:
- Improved Yield and Profitability: By developing chickpea varieties that can withstand high temperatures, the project aims to enhance crop yields and reduce the risk of losses during heatwave years.
- Enhanced Crop Rotation Systems: Chickpeas are an important part of crop rotations that improve soil health and manage weeds. By ensuring the profitability of chickpea cultivation, the project supports sustainable farming practices.
- Market and Quality Enhancements: With the recent increase in desi chickpea tariffs in India, there is a strong market demand for chickpeas. The project aims to meet this demand by producing high-quality chickpeas that meet both domestic and international market standards.
Technological Innovations and Future Outlook
The project will integrate AI-guided breeding techniques to rapidly incorporate desirable genetic traits into new chickpea varieties. This innovative approach promises to speed up the development of heat-tolerant chickpea cultivars and ensure that Australian growers can benefit from advancements in breeding technology.
Error
