BAYKLIMAFIT

BAYKLIMAFIT – STRATEGIES FOR THE ADAPTATION OF CROP PLANTS TO THE CLIMATE CHANGE

SP 6: Validation of practice-relevant markers for breeding of climate-adapted and healthy barley plants

This project will contribute to adapt spring barley, an important ingredient for the production of regional beer, through breeding to the changing climate conditions. By improving health and stability of yield and quality the supply of Bavarian malting barley should be ensured. The typical procedure is to select varieties of plants under the current environmental conditions. This way provides a slow adaptation to the climate change. However, to be prepared for the coming weather extremes the plant breeding research has to seek for the specific genetic background which is responsible for the tolerance against climate-induced stress. Once these markers are known a well-directed and therefore considerably faster breeding of adapted barley plants will be possible.