In its third year of operation, the project progressed in the following activities. We achieved the first genomic analysis of cross progeny seeds for seed size, water absorption during soaking, cooking time, iron and zinc. We found significant heritability and correlations of genomic estimated breeding values for these traits. An optimised crossing design was implemented to begin cycle 2 recurrent selection. Also in year 3, partner countries sowed their first observation trials of selected lines. These results bode well for achieving the overall project aim.
The project goals were adjusted for essential new activities under 2 Variations, comprising: additional genomic testing, additional training on using the database, and a feasibility study of near-infrared analysis for measurement of seed protein, oil and starch.
One essential new activity, agreed at the project Annual Meeting in September 2021, was an evaluation of laboratory procedures to improve repeatability and reliability of cooking time assessment. We discovered that cooking time was extended by soaking temperatures above 28 °C, which often occurs in the laboratory. Soaking at cool temperatures (5 °C) improved the repeatability of cooking time. A new app (RapidCook App) was developed to reduce errors in data handling in the laboratory. This study will improve heritability and accuracy of genomic breeding values in the breeding population.
Partner country scientists were involved in several internet training sessions which sometimes were hampered by poor internet connectivity. Training on uploading and downloading data in the Breeding Management System database was achieved. The next annual project meeting in February 2023 will be face-to-face for the first time since December 2019, and involve hands-on training sessions.
