WP1: Field phenotyping

WP1 aimed at developing high-resolution field and greenhouse phenotyping methods to analyse physiological and molecular responses to combined abiotic stress conditions. In cooperation with breeders Various field trials were carried out at different European locations covering a wide range of climatic conditions in Austria, The Netherlands, Serbia and Spain (read more about the 2023 trials, 2022 trials and 2021 trials). Locally, newest technologies such as the mobile Field Explorer monitored plant growth and development with sensors for 3D plant modelling (LIDAR), photosynthetic performance (hyperspectral camera), transpiration (IR sensor) were employed and additionally, samples for further in depth analysis of molecular acclimations responses were taken.

The main messages and results from WP1 are:

• Identification of a set of 44 commercial varieties and 10 diploid clones selected based on a wide spectrum of responses and sensitivity to abiotic stress conditions for optimal yield at different sites across Europe.
• The correlation of drone data and obtained yield reveals promising possibilities to develop methods for yield prediction.