Accelerating Wheat Breeding with Next-Generation Sequencing and High-Throughput Phenotyping.

We are developing novel breeding methodologies to accelerate genetic gains in wheat breeding.  First, we are applying next generation sequencing to rapidly genotype large sets of breeding material and develop whole-genome prediction models for genomic selection.  Application of genomic selection in breeding programs has promise to increase the rate of genetic gain several fold by decreasing breeding cycle time and enabling selection for complex traits on a single plant basis.  With the application of new sequencing technologies to address genotyping constraints the real limitation in breeding progress becomes accurate phenotyping of large populations for selection.  To start addressing this constrating, we are developing new approaches for high-throughput phenotyping in breeding and genetics studies with the promise of assaying plots on the scale of seconds.