Nitrogen uptake efficiency
Nitrogen uptake efficiency will be determined for multiple germplasm diversity panels and mapping populations. Data will be aligned with the genotyping information to allow QTL and association mapping. Trials will include differential nitrogen inputs, varied timing of conventional application and specifically targeted application using the sub-surface irrigation systems (fertigation) at BISA. Trials will be conducted under standard agronomic systems with appropriate rotations and cultivation procedures. Evaluation of performance will occur throughout the season monitoring growth and health characteristics using non-invasive monitoring procedures such as hyper-spectral reflectance radiometry. Remote sensing application using technologies such as ground based transportation systems and UAVs will be employed. Final grain and straw yields and nitrogen measurements will be determined and where relevant, interim assessments of nitrogen uptake will be made. The same trials will be utilised for the N-utilisation efficiency and N-partitioning to the grain projects.
Germplasm will also be evaluated for rooting characteristics using “shovelomic” (and soil core technologies in the field and 2-D high-throughput technologies for seedlings in the laboratory as detailed above.