Workpackages

WP1
Crop characteristics and bioindicators associated with plant sustainability and DUS criteria

The general objective of WP1 is to identify crop characteristics and bioindicators associated with plant resources use efficiency (RUE), adaptation to sustainable cropping systems under greenhouse and resilience to variable and more challenging environment conditions (including drought stress). WP1 will also explore methods to efficiently discern between (epi)mutants.

Leader Maria José Aranzana (IRTA)

WP2
Setting up mobile high-throughput phenotyping tools to measure existing and new bioindicators

As main objective, WP2 will develop mobile HT phenotyping tools to measure bioindicators related to better adaptation to more sustainable crop management practices, and to variable climatic conditions. WP2 will also develop such tools for DUS and VCU traits for which automation of the measurement procedure can lead to significant improvement of speed, precision, and efficiency.

Leader David ROUSSEAU (UA) and co-leader Rick van de Zedde (WR)

WP3
Genotyping tools to better characterise varieties and their performance

WP3 aims are to apply new genotyping tools to better characterize bioindicators related to better crop adaptation to more sustainable management practices, and to variable climatic conditions, and to improve the speed, precision and efficiency of variety testing. WP3 aims to facilitate implementation of UPOV model 1 and 2 at EO’s.

Leader Karl Schmid (U Hohenheim) and co-leader Herman Van Eck (WU)

WP4
Setting up mobile high-the Predictive modelling of variety performance, adaptation and stability and application in a DSS for Variety Choiceoughput phenotyping tools to measure existing and new bioindicators

WP4 objectives are to develop models and statistical tools allowing prediction of variety performance under a range of agro-ecological environments and crop management practices, while taking into account the economic return of farmers
WP4 also aims at using these models to develop a Decision Support System for Variety Choice (DSS-VC) based on expectations of breeders and farmers.

Leader Fred van Eeuwijk (WU) and co-leader Philippe Debaeke (INRA)

WP5
Integration of new methods and tools in advanced variety testing protocols and demonstration in field trials
WP5 aim is to improve existing variety testing protocols for variety identification (DUS) and performance testing (including VCU) to improve speed, precision and efficiency, and, where appropriate, to integrate sustainability criteria after discussion with stakeholders.

Leader Aurelia GOULEAU (GEVES) and co-leader Cécile COLLONNIER (CPVO)

WP6
Improved variety testing networks

WP6 aims are to propose organizational innovations to improve variety-testing networks, taking into account their socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and to propose guidelines to policy makers to improve DUS and VCU testing at the EU-level.

Leader Juan Herrera (Agroscope) and co-leader Guillaume Jacquemin (CRA-W)

WP7
Database management and data interoperability

WP7 objective is to facilitate data interoperability and exchanges within the consortium and to set up a prototype of a common database to store phenotypic and genotypic variety data and provide a user-friendly interface for EOs and PROs

Leader Géraldine Hirschy (ACTA) and co-leader Thomas ven Gurp (Naktuinbouw)

WP8
Dissemination and optimisation of exploitation of results

This WP will ensure dissemination of new methods and novel applications for variety testing to relevant stakeholders
Through training and field
By sharing information
By providing information and
By providing Technology

  Leader Daniel Traon (ARCADIA) and Co-leader Catherine Lang’at (Euroseeds)

WP9
Consortium coordination and project management

The overall management plan is aimed at achieving four main objectives
1) At the strategic level
2) At the operational level
3) At the organisation level and
4) It will ensure that IP Rights of the results produced by the project

Leader François Laurens (INRA)