As a means of countering the insufficient genetic variation of the durum wheat (DW) crop to cope with increasing environmental stresses, a strategic objective of IMPRESA is the focus on wild wheat relatives (WWRs), belonging to the Triticeae tribe, as valuable sources for identification and transfer of abiotic stress tolerance genes/alleles into cultivated DW. Most WWRs evolved in harsh, dry or nutrient-limited environments; thus, WWRs’ noteworthy tolerance to environmental stresses is the expected result of their natural adaptation. IMPRESA aims to capitalize on this potential and accomplish results of practical value within the project duration by using DW-WWR genetic materials in which variable amounts of the alien donor are combined with the DW genome (from segmental introgression/recombinant lines, to synthetic amphiploids), and can be transferred into locally suited DW cultivars by well established, breeder-friendly, non-GMO strategies of “chromosome engineering”.

Specific objectives that will be pursued include:

1.         Identify positively responding DW and DW-WWR genotypes to the controlled and natural (multi-environment) exposure to abiotic stresses; ?

2.         Correlate the genotype response to physiological and biochemical tests for stress-involved main processes and metabolites, as expressed by certain plant organs (juvenile and flag leaves, reproductive organs, roots) and stages (e.g. flowering), to yield-related parameters;

3.         Apply a systems biology approach, including untargeted metabolomics and other “omics” techniques, to identify key factors (molecular phenotypes) underlying the stress tolerant vs. susceptible response, making use of particular DW-WWR genotypes and focusing the comparative analyses on specific alien (WWR ) and DW genomic regions; ?

4.         Make use of available or newly developed molecular genetic and cytogenetic markers associated to the target alien regions for efficient MAS (Marker Assisted Selection) breeding;

5.         Enrich the molecular breeder toolbox with novel, accurate biomarkers, e.g. by associating information from differentially produced metabolites (metabolic markers) with gene expression (transcriptomic) and genomic data;?

6.         Undertake an introgression breeding program to incorporate defined regions of alien (WWR) chromosomes into selected, good yielding DW cultivars, supported by “chromosome engineering”/introgressiomic strategies;

7.         Optimize sustainable yield production, especially in small-medium farming systems of projects participant countries, by assaying a set of advanced breeding lines and locally adapted varieties under environmentally friendly soil and water managements (e.g. minimum tillage or bed planting coupled with furrow-irrigation);

8.         Contribute to enhancement of genetic variability, hence stress resilience, and economic value of DW germplasm of all participant countries;

9.         Train scientists in project technologies and raise awareness of project outputs. This activity,  expected to involve a combination of formal training exercises on laboratory skills and/or field techniques, also through placements with other project participants, is particularly aimed at delivering new skills and laboratory experiences to early stage career researchers.