Abstract

In 2007, the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), Cambridge embarked on a pioneering programme of wheat pre-breeding to deliver systematically developed and validated resources for UK wheat improvement. This translational programme bridges the gap between fundamental discoveries in model plant species and commercial breeding. Over a 12-year period, NIAB has produced a wealth of wheat genetic resources in commercially relevant genetic backgrounds for rapid uptake into breeding. In parallel, we have invested in training the next generation of crop scientists who can think clearly across scales from the gene to the whole field, and who can work collaboratively across disciplines. This presentation will describe the range of wheat pre-breeding activities at NIAB and our emphasis on the development of underpinning enabling technologies and skills to accelerate plant breeding. It will also describe our research to address key productivity challenges including adaptation to changing seasons and to reducing fertiliser inputs.