LWV23047 Mitigation of negative temperature effects on curd induction and quality in cauliflower (BO-68-001-067)

In this project, we aim to optimize field phenotyping for the timing of curd initiation and curd architecture under various temperature conditions and to develop technology to identify associated genomic regions and genes. To understand how curd initiation and curd development are affected by temperature variation we will monitor temperatures in the field with data loggers, perform staggered transplanting to evaluate a wider range of temperatures, and do field experiments with subsets of accessions at diverse locations and climate zones (partially as in-kind contribution of the private partners).  We will perform combined analyses of phenotypes, gene expression, and sequence and Structural Variations (SVs) by state-of-the-art pangenomics tools, using the latest chromosome-scale reference assemblies and new resequencing and expression data. The analysis technology and gained knowledge will be implemented to identify candidate genes and SVs affecting these genes (protein and expression) and to develop and test bioassays in temperature-controlled greenhouses for fast screening of cauliflower genotypes. Parallel to this, we will develop a biotech tool for efficient CRISPR-based candidate gene analysis in cauliflower and use this to validate a subset of the identified candidate genes.

In conclusion, generic technology will be developed and implemented to breed climate-proof cauliflowers, and we expect that this technology can be translated to and implemented for the efficient breeding of temperature tolerance in other brassica vegetables as well.