WP1 aims to decipher mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to limiting conditions thanks to four case studies. Tomato varieties were grown with temperature 0.5ºC below optimum, and with 17% less nutrients. Yield correlation with morphologic and physiologic observations as well with gene transcription is being evaluated. In wheat, the significance of the Septoria latent period in the disease incidence has been evaluated, providing valuable results. In apple, epigenetics provided markers able to to differentiate clones. In parallel, cost-efficient methods have been investigated.
In WP2, Three types of follow up actions have been carried on the various tasks of the WP2: 1) Dissemination of the tools developed to the INVITE partners and stakeholders, 2) improvement of the tools developed so far 3) Raising fund for follow up project to push toward higher TRL; the main achievement stands in the funded PHENET European project, started in Jan 2023 (
https://emphasis.plant-phenotyping.eu/news-detail/phenet(si apre in una nuova finestra)) which ambitions to provide high TRL deliverables on various agronomical use cases. Many actors of INVITE are hihly involved in Phenet as task and WP leaders.
In WP3, first genotyping data were generated in different crops (PRG, apple, potato, tomato) with a diversity of marker systems. The seed material of wheat, maize and soybean were obtained and DNA extracted for genotyping. DUS data were obtained, reformatted and prepared for analysis. Development of methods for using markers in DUS testing was initiated.
In WP4, Data extraction and formatting was finalized for wheat and maize (seven countries) and sunflower (four countries). Mixed-model analysis of GxE have been conducted for yield for maize and wheat within each country and were able to compare GxE patterns between countries. Furthermore, Historical data assembly and development and testing of workflow for simulation of European environmental and management scenarios have been performed for wheat and maize.
The phenotyping tools developed in WP2 have been applied in the WP5 variety testing plots to assess successfully for various traits and crops including yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance…. New molecular markers have been tested on lucerne; an Interlaboratory comparative test plan was proposed in a ring test basis for disease resistance in tomato. Field trials on apple and wheat to to determine genotype x management (conventional, low input, organic) interaction have been succesfully achieved. Digital PCR potentialities for a rapid description of genotype content were assessed in wheat and published.
In WP6, Field trials were successfully conducted with winter wheat, maize and Lucerne. Synergies were established with the European projects INNOVAR and MaxRootC. A Handbook of harmonized assessment scales in VCU testing and guidelines towards more integrated and efficient DUS and VCU testing was produced
WP7 has been successful to 1)collect and encode historical data from Examination Offices / Post-Registration Offices for the main crops (maze, wheat, sunflower) for WPs 3 and 4, 2) make available the Data Sharing System 3) coordinate a data user and provider group to define the requirements for a European database prototype that will be developed in T7.4.
In WP8, communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement efforts have been initiated. A strategic dissemination plan has been drafted and discussions have started with key stakeholders of which policymakers. In addition, general communication tools (website, leaflet, social media, graphic identity, etc.) have been developed and implemented.
In WP9, the management team The project management ensured smooth operation and application of the Grant Agreement. It also adapted the management to get a better coordination of the activities in each crop. Strategies have been defined to cope with delays due to Covid, data access and health problems of some PIs but keeping the same levels of outputs. Besides, the last scientific and technological new developments were regularly analyzed and taken into consideration in each WPs.
