Wheat is the most important source of protein and provides 20% of the calories consumed daily by humans. Wheat consumption is increasing, being estimated that the global demand for wheat production will increase by 60% in 2050 to meet the requirements of a growing population. Increasing wheat production and quality in a changing scenario requires joint efforts to reach a holistic approach encompassing and connecting different disciplines to ensure food production, make more sustainable agriculture, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote alternative production systems with a lower carbon footprint.

‘WheatNet' is an initiative funded by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) to boost scientific and technical research in wheat. WheatNet is comprised of researchers from CSIC, universities, and other public research centers, and focuses on project coordination and joint activities to promote the collaboration, internationalization, and specialization of its members. Specific objectives are:

To create a knowledge base for wheat yield improvement for present and future environmental conditions.

To propose suitable approaches to improve the quality and added value of food products demanded by the final consumer.

Establish a network of field trials and technologies to understand environmental responses and enhance sustainable production in changing conditions.

To recruit young talent to boost early scientific vocations by offering a complete training program on wheat research to ensure a high qualification carrier in this field.

To promote interdisciplinary research initiatives that require collaboration between research groups from different fields to come together and address complex wheat research questions collectively.

To raise awareness of the importance of continuous investment in wheat research to enhance food security.

‘WheatNet’ is organized into 5 Work Packages (WP). The WP1 aims to promote and optimize omics technologies, breeding techniques, scientific infrastructures, and plant genetic resources that are used in the other WPs. The WP2 seeks to improve the water and nutrient use efficiency in different agroclimatic conditions to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable agriculture.

The WP3 will face challenges related to biotic and abiotic stresses, for the development of more resilient wheat varieties. The WP4 integrates strategies to improve the end-use quality of wheat, and how to use wheat to fight against allergies and intolerances. The WP5 addresses the wheat crop from a social perspective and the circular economy.

The project was funded by the WheatNet (“Conexión TRIGO”) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)