abstract
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Several precision field-based wheat phenotyping platforms (PWPP, see http://wheat.org) are being developed with coinvesting and co-participating national agricultural research institutes, complementing the efforts of the International Wheat Improvement Network (CIMMYT-IWIN) and based on its global network of wheat partners. This network’s objective is to generate higher precision phenotypic data on prioritized traits, under defined good practices, at selected locations representing key environments, for example, at hotspots for specific diseases and future climate analogue sites. Other key outputs include the novel and scaled-out use of precise phenotyping approaches, protocols, and screening tools, leading to faster progress in yield improvement and other desirable traits. This network also supports the training and sharing of generated knowledge, as well as the fostering of global germplasm exchange among participating NARS and scientists. Namely, phenotyping activities are being conducted for evaluating wheat blast in Bolivia and Bangladesh, Septoria tritici blotch (STB) in durum wheat in Tunisia, multiple diseases (leaf rust, Fusarium head blight, and STB) in bread wheat in Uruguay, and wheat rusts in Turkey. Disease incidence and severity in diverse sets of wheat lines were estimated in each of these platforms, allowing for identifying resistant and susceptible wheat accessions. In 2019, it is expected that a new platform will be established in China, contributing high-quality data on Fusarium head blight to this network. In addition to biotic stresses, drought and heat stress tolerance are being evaluated in the platform located in Morocco. It is expected that the generated information will contribute to the fast development of broad genetic-based resistant, highyielding wheat varieties, complementing evaluations currently performed for diseases (Kenya, Ethiopia, Turkey, Mexico) and heat/drought/yield potential (Mexico). The final goal is to use advances in science and technology through more precise phenotyping, implementing innovative steps that would result in more efficient selections and shorter breeding cycles.