The UK already has a position of leadership in cloning genes in the Monogram crops (e.g. Rht and Ph1 in wheat, ‘staygreen’ in Lolium and Ppd in barley). These successes follow many years of painstaking and dedicated research. Monogram will therefore make a major contribution to the physical characterisation of the genomes of its target species, enabling and accelerating the cloning of genes. In the absence of complete genome sequence complementary strategies will be followed to align genetic and physical maps. Adopting different methodologies in each species, gene-based markers are being used to allowing comparisons between physical and genetic distance, both directly and by reference to model plant genome sequences. Based on gene sequences, these markers are already being and will be increasingly used to link together maps of Lolium wheat and barley. This information will facilitate gene isolation and subsequently the development of novel allele-based and predictive breeding strategies.

Bioinformatics will be an integral part of the above areas and will be embedded in the research programmes; but in addition Monogram aspires to develop tools which will integrate available databases making accessing a gene from a sequence in a model or from a QTL a simple in silico process.

The single factor which limits cereal and grass research and breeding is the lack of recombination in major areas of the genome. Recent research at IGER and SCRI suggests that at the genetic centromeres recombination is very infrequent. However these regions also contain 30-50% of the genes that appear to be locked into few major haplotypes. Generating and selecting variation – the principle tool of the plant breeder - is largely ineffective in these regions and improvement would likely offer significant potential for genetic gain. In addition, the cloning of the Ph1 locus at JIC suggests possibilities to overcome these limitations. This is clearly an area where the UK should capitalise on its lead. It impacts all traits, and basic science. Several University groups are active in aspects of recombination and have come together to focus on this.

The objective is to provide world class technology to allow the efficient in silico identification and eventual validation of genes of interest. A set of gene validation technologies (Transformation, VIGS and Tilling) are already in place within the UK institutes and will allow the characterisation of key traits and the validation of candidate genes for streamlined marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering and further application-oriented research. Monogram is using some institute resource to sustain the activity and in addition will apply for funding to develop the resources as community tools.