A new five-year initiative, funded by Defra and valued at £3 million, is set to enhance the breeding of soft fruit crops in the UK through the Soft Fruit Genetic Improvement Network (GIN). This programme is designed to leverage novel biotechnological methodologies and amass extensive genetic data and resources, aiming to facilitate the breeding of crops that are not only more sustainable but also resilient.
NIAB will spearhead this venture, collaborating closely with the James Hutton Institute and ADAS. This effort mirrors the strategic research approach previously applied to major agricultural crops like pulses, oilseed rape, and wheat, focusing on the pre-breeding genetics of essential traits and the development of innovative breeding tools.
The research agenda specifically targets the enhancement of genetic understanding related to pest and disease tolerance, as well as the improvement of water and nutrient use efficiency in strawberries and raspberries. Additionally, the programme will explore genetic tools and resources for underexploited soft fruit crops, such as blackberry and honeyberry, to evaluate their potential scalability in the UK.
With approximately 83% of fruit consumed in the UK being imported, this research aims to collaborate with the industry to breed sustainable varieties more effectively, potentially increasing domestic production. Professor Xiangming Xu of NIAB highlighted the project's alignment with the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, emphasizing the development of resilient varieties with a lower environmental footprint. Dr Julie Graham of the James Hutton Institute underscored the importance of a collaborative effort between scientists and the industry to harness genetic and genomic tools for the creation of new varieties that are economically viable, yield high quality, and require minimal inputs while being resilient to various stresses. This network is poised to amalgamate expertise to enhance breeding practices and bolster UK production.
The research commenced in the summer and is projected to continue until 2029.
Source: Farming UK