Harnessing Discoveries from Model Plant Systems for Crop Improvement

Understanding the fundamental mechanisms controlling plant development (Strand 1) will allow the development of knowledge-based strategies for crop improvement to address the challenge of Global Food Security. Research in Strand 2 focuses on investigating key developmental processes in plants using Arabidopsis and other model species, e.g. Petunia, and translation of that information for modulating key traits in major crop targets that include wheat, rice, Brassica and tomato. Projects often have industrial sponsorship along with funding from the RCUK.

Key aims and expertise

The Bennett lab uses systems analysis to understand the biological basis of root architecture involving a multidisciplinary and multi-scale approach working with colleagues in the Centre for Plant Integrative Biology. Zoe Wilson works on regulating crop fertility for increased yield and sustainable agriculture using Arabidopsis and translating the information to cereals. The overall aim of this work is to develop tools/understanding for targeted breeding and hybrid formation to enhance crop yields under varying environmental conditions. Tim Robbins is focused on self-incompatibility in plants using Petunia as a model system. Neil Graham is exploiting comparative genomics and transcriptomics between Arabidopsis and crop species, focusing on mineral nutrition in Brassica.

Current projects

Using Systems Biology approaches to understand the mechanisms controlling root growth and development and use this information to reengineer crop root architecture (Malcolm Bennett).

Regulation of crop fertility using model plant systems to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating pollen development and release and then translation of this information to cereal crops for yield enhancement (Zoe Wilson).

Significant results

• MJB lab have developed novel tools and modelling approaches to visualise and quantify the dynamics of a gravity-induced lateral auxin gradient (Brunoud et al (2012) Nature 482: 103;103-106; Band et al (2012) PNAS 109: 4668–4673) and has used this information to manipulate root angle in crops.
• Understanding tapetal cell death rice (Niu et al (2013) Nature Communications. 4: 1445).
• The ABORTED MICROSPORES Regulatory Network Is Required for Postmeiotic Male Reproductive Development in Arabidopsis thaliana. (Xu et al (2010) The Plant Cell. 22: 91-107)