Exploring Complex GEM Combinations to Improve Dryland Sorghum.

In dryland environments, the water supply (S) and water demand (D) need to be optimally balanced throughout the season in order to maximise yield. Genotype, Environment and Management all interact to influence patterns of S and D in the highly-variable climates of north-eastern Australia. In this work, we use a well-validated crop simulation model to examine how combinations of GEM affect the yield ‘landscape’ as defined by the potential genetic range of expression for traits related to maturity, tillering, root angle and maximum transpiration rate. The variation in this landscape influences how well breeding is able to search for optimal solutions.