Purpose
Subprogramme 2 (SP2) develops cross-cutting research platforms for efficient application of genomic tools and knowledge to decipher genetic control of complex traits, and identifies the genes to alleviate target problems in the most efficient manner by pooling resources and expertise.

Overview and rationale

Summary of results in 2009
In this context described above, in the year 2009 in particular and in GCP Phase I (2004–2008) in general, SP2 developed significant genomic resources for several under-resourced crop species and cloned genes conferring tolerance to several abiotic stresses. For instance, collaborative efforts resulted in large-scale genomic resources such as SSRs, SNPs, genetic maps, physical maps and genotyping platforms for legumes as well as under-resourced crops such as cassava, pearl millet and sweet potatoes. These resources enable identification of markers associated with particular traits, including QTLs for root traits in chickpeas; and in cowpeas, for resistance to flower or foliar thrips and root-knot nematodes. Transcriptome analysis of rice and wheat based on NILs have provided the candidate genes involved in drought tolerance. Furthermore, based on the output of Phase I on cloning of Al-tolerance gene in sorghum and P-uptake efficiency in rice, cloning of homologues for these genes has been initiated under the Comparative Genomics Challenge Initiative (CI) in Phase II (2009–2013). As in the past, SP2 will continue to collaborate with other SPs as well as other CIs in Phase II.

For summaries of SP2 results from previous years, as well as full reports on yearly progress, please see GCP’s Annual reports.