Fast-tracking ROOTStock breeding in olive (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019-896689)
Adaptation to environmental conditions is key to maximise crop productivity under limited water and other stresses related to climate impacts. Combining stress resistance with desired agronomic characteristics through regular plant breeding in fruit trees such as olive requires a huge amount of time and resources and might not be feasible by just using the current available genetic pool. However, the use of rootstocks could overcome some of these stresses that are challenging tree crops worldwide and allow to unlock the genetic potential of wild relatives of olive. The objective of FROOTS is to speed up the rootstock breeding process in olive trees by developing accurate, fast phenotyping and grafting methodologies for the early selection of new olive rootstocks, in first instance for drought resistance. This will be done by using techniques that are known to the applicant due to his background in plant breeding and disease resistance screening and analysis techniques, in collaboration with the hosting group, which has a strong track record in the study of olive germplasm resources, genetics and breeding, as well as proven ability to train students and scientists. The approach and techniques used in FROOTS will allow a faster development of rootstocks resilient to new challenging environments and pests, therefore reducing the environmental impact and future proofing our olive orchards. The training will allow the applicant to be trained as a fruit tree breeder, increasing the capability in this research area. The project presents a multidisciplinary approach as it brings together plant propagation, germplasm resources, genetics and statistics. It includes secondments at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), opening the possibility for further collaboration between the institutions.
Objetivos generales
The EU-funded FROOTS project will build on the use of rootstocks to develop accurate, fast phenotyping and grafting methodologies for the early selection of new olive rootstocks. The ultimate aim is to speed up the rootstock breeding process in olive trees.
Papel de la Universidad de Córdoba
This project will be carried out in the University of Cordoba, where most of the activities will be conducted under the supervision of Prof. Barranco. The applicant will benefit from considerable local and surrounding expertise regarding drought resistance and plant phenotyping methods, in vitro plant propagation and rootstock-scion mechanisms and compatibility, and olive germplasm resources and breeding. In addition, the University of Cordoba will participate in the training of the applicant and the exploitation and dissemination of the results.
Supervisor: Diego Barranco Navero e-mail:dbarranco@uco.es
Investigador Principal: Carlos Trapero Ramírez e-mail: carlostrapero@uco.es
Página web del proyecto: (en desarrollo)