Genetics for Next Generation Orchards

Genetics for Next Generation Orchards is a five-year program that aims to develop smaller, higher-density, and higher-yielding orchards suited to automated harvesting by robots. The program builds on more than five years of tree genomics and crop physiology research to improve orchard production and develop new tree crop varieties through national levy and publicly funded breeding programs.

Specifically, this program will identify/characterise the genetic regulation of key productivity traits, integrate molecular markers and develop genomic selection models to efficiently select plants with desirable traits, and enhance orchard production systems through better intervention with plant growth regulators. The research outcomes from this program include development of tools for breeders, growers, and scientists to expedite the development of new cultivars and sustainable growing systems to enhance production and profitability in next generation orchard systems.

The Genetics for Next Generation Orchards Program is funded through the Hort Frontiers Advanced Production Systems Fund, with co-investment from University of Queensland, Western Sydney University, Murdoch University, University of Adelaide, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Western Australian Department of Primary Industry and Research Development, and Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

This is a continuation of National Tree Genomics Program

Project Chief Investigators

• Professor Peter Prentis
• Associate Professor David Hurwood
• Dr Stephanie Kerr
• Dr Brett Williams
• Dr Julia Bally
• Dr Kevin Dudley
• Dr Leena Thung
• Dr Morteza Hassanpour
• Dr Chris Lehnert

Project team members

• Dr Marion Bateson
• Dr Simon Denham

Project partners

• University of Queensland (UQ)
• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
• QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF)
• Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
• Plant & Food Research
• AV Data Analytics
• Western Sydney University (WSU)
• Murdoch University
• Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• The University of Adelaide
• The University of Western Australia (UWA)
• AbacusBio

Project funding

• HIA funded project AS23003