Field trials and phenotyping platforms

Genetic analysis (QTL mapping) and ecophysiological analysis were performed based on large databases collected from field and platform trials. Field experiments aimed to determine the yield response of SolACE panels to variations in resource availability. Phenotyping platforms and experiments under controlled conditions aimed to collect data on root architecture and microbiome response to combined resource imitations.

A wide range of wheat genotypes were tested in four field trials under control and combined stress conditions. 250 bread wheat genotypes were tested in field trials in Levroux, France and Gréoux-les-Bains, France. A further 250 durum wheat genotypes were tested in field trials in Foggia, Italy and Mauguio, France. Furthermore, the large diversity panels were phenotyped at the root level in phenotyping platform trials in Louvain, Belgium and Dijon, France.

In a second step, 80 selected genotypes (40 bread wheat and 40 durum wheat) were selected to be analysed in greater detail in semi-controlled field trials in Gréoux-les-Bains and Clermont, France and Copenhagen, Denmark as well as in a phenotyping platform in Montpellier, France.

In addition to the bread and durum wheat trials, 24 potato varieties were also being tested in a potato greenhouse platform in Dundee, Scottland.

Genetic information from these large-scale and targeted trials were combined in a modelling framework which couples Functional Structural Plant Models (FSPM) and crop models in order to improve our understanding of crop performance under limitations.