A Review of Plant Genetic Breeding Approaches for Field Grown Crops

This project aims to conduct a comprehensive review of existing data, activities, and initiatives related to breeding research programs, supported by conversations where needed with key national stakeholders, including research centres, universities, and seed companies. The focus of this review will be on major field grown and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), including Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) crops, outside the scope of the current Defra Genetic Improvement Network (GIN) Platform. This will provide evidence and knowledge regarding opportunities and current barriers associated with the development and implementation of crop breeding techniques to deliver public goods.

The findings will update our understanding of how crop breeding techniques can contribute to delivery of public goods. For the purposes of this work, public goods include (but are not limited to) increased crop productivity, resilience to abiotic and biotic threats, biodiversity, enhanced resource use efficiency, environmental protection, soil, air and water quality, food security, improved sustainability, and the production of crops with lower inputs and GHG emissions. The selected field grown crops for consideration in this review may include, but are not limited to, barley, oats, sugar beet, orchard fruits, and potatoes. Within CEA/CEH, crops may include (for example) tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other salad crops. This study should encompass both traditional and precision breeding approach.