MALANIRS (2024-2027)

Project – MAize LAndraces traits phenomic prediction using Near InfraRed Spectra – MALANIRS (September 2024–September 2027)

Call: ECPGR Activity Grant Scheme Proposal Form – First Call – Phase XI (2024–2028)

Funding Organisation: European Cooperative Programe for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR)

Activity partners: Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje, Zemun-Belgrade, Serbia and other 14 institutions from 11 European countries (France, Croatia, Romania, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Montenegro, Albania, Turkey and Austria)

Activity Coordinator: Dr Stéphane Nicolas

Participants from the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje: Dr Violeta Anđelković, Dr Natalija Kravić

Web site: https://www.ecpgr.org/working-groups/maize/malanirs

The MALANIRS project aims to enhance the characterization and utilization of maize landraces, which are vital reservoirs of genetic diversity essential for addressing challenges—climate change and low-input agriculture. To tackle these issues, the MALANIRS project—part of the ECPGR EVA Maize initiative—plans to genotype 500 previously uncharacterized landraces using pooled targeted sequencing. Additionally, it will assess the agronomic traits of 300 selected landraces under various stress conditions. The project will leverage high-throughput phenotyping through Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, allowing for non-destructive evaluations of traits associated with kernel composition.

Key objectives include 1) genotyping 500 landraces that have not been characterized in the EVA or MineLandDiv projects using targeted sequencing to analyze genetic diversity; 2) utilizing genomic prediction models to predict agronomic traits based on the collected genotyping data; 3) developing phenomic prediction models using NIR data from kernel samples to predict agronomic traits and grain composition; and 4) establishing a proof-of-concept by employing individual NIR spectra to predict traits from genebank seed stocks.

The project emphasizes collaboration among 15 partners with expertise in maize landrace conservation and characterization from diverse European genebanks. By integrating methodologies from existing projects, MALANIRS will contribute to ex-situ conservation efforts and enhance maize genetic resource management.

Ultimately, this initiative aspires to support sustainable agricultural practices through enhanced characterization and utilization of maize landraces while fostering new partnerships across Europe in genetic resource conservation and utilization. This comprehensive approach will enrich the EU's gene bank inventories, promote genetic diversity, and address current and future food and agricultural needs.