A low-nitrogen, high-energy wheat for biofuels, varieties with improved resistance to septoria and fusarium ear blight, and research that has already delivered results on fighting orange wheat blossom midge, were amongst the topics reviewed at a recent HGCA plant breeders seminar.

The event was organised by HGCA to review and disseminate results from a number of the on-going wheat breeding research projects which they partially fund, many through the Defra-sponsored Sustainable Arable LINK programme

The 'GREEN grain' project is looking at wheat as an energy source for feed, potable alcohol or bioethanol where high-energy, low-protein grain is advantageous.

"The project will test the hypothesis that wheat genotypes with low nitrogen storage in stems and grains will show halved nitrogen fertiliser requirements, and will produce grain of higher value for the feed and bioethanol industries," said Professor Graham Jellis, HGCA's director of research.

Projects are investigating resistance in varieties to a number of different diseases including soil-borne cereal mosaic virus, fusarium ear blight and mycotoxins, and septoria.

"Although much of this work is geared towards securing the long-term future of farming, it can provide answers for today," said Professor Jellis. "Results from the project looking at wheat varieties resistant to orange wheat blossom midge have already been passed to growers through the HGCA Recommended List."

"An HGCA review looking at the areas of research favoured by growers showed strong endorsement for plant breeding, both for what it can offer in helping with the issues of today, and in addressing the challenges facing farming in the coming years," said Professor Jellis.