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. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>The contract will be for 8 months and is expected to commence in March 2025. This is a below threshold opportunity and therefore will only be advertised on Contracts Finder. Additional information: The procurement documents will be published on Defra's e-Sourcing portal, Atamis. They will be available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome<br/><br/>You will need to register on Atamis to be able to access the documents once the tender opportunity is published. If you need technical help with the Atamis system when registering please contact the Atamis support team e-mail Support@Atamis.co.uk or phone Tel: 029 2279 0052.