Enhancing the genetic diversity and variability of crops and livestock for the agroecological transition
We are seeking to join an ambitious international consortium for Topic 1 of the Agroecology Call 3. Our center offers a comprehensive pipeline to bridge the gap between genetic resources and agroecological field performance. We are particularly interested in projects focusing on Sub-topic 1.1 (Genotypes for specific environmental conditions) and Sub-topic 1.2 (Plant breeding for agroecological transitions).
Our Contribution to the Consortium:
Utilizing advanced bioinformatics to analyze the genetic variability of local landraces and wild relatives. We provide expertise in identifying key markers for climate resilience (drought, heat, salt tolerance) and nutrient-use efficiency.
Development and application of molecular markers and biotechnological tools (including tissue culture and gene expression analysis) to accelerate the selection of genotypes suited for low-input, agroecological systems.
Bridging the lab with the field through rigorous phenotyping. We can evaluate diverse genetic materials under varied environmental conditions in Turkey’s unique ecological zones, providing high-quality data on GxExM (Genotype x Environment x Management) interactions.
Working with our extension departments to involve farmers in participatory variety selection (PVS), ensuring that the genetic diversity we enhance meets the practical needs of the agroecological transition.
We are open to lead or contribute to Work Packages involving genetic characterization, field evaluation, or data-driven breeding strategies.
The Field Crops Central Research Institute (Tarla bitkileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü), established in 1926, is a premier national research institution operating under the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Located in Ankara, the institute is at the heart of Turkey's agricultural innovation, focusing on the breeding, genetics, and sustainable production of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and forage crops.
The Biotechnology Research Center Our center serves as a high-tech hub for cutting-edge agricultural science. We specialize in transforming genetic resources into resilient crop varieties through:
Bioinformatics & Genomics: Advanced data analysis pipelines for GWAS, KASP marker development, and transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) to identify climate-resilient alleles.
Molecular Breeding: Utilization of biotechnological tools for the rapid characterization of germplasm and marker-assisted selection (MAS).
In-vitro Techniques: Tissue culture and physiological screening for abiotic stress tolerance.
Genetic Diversity & Conservation A unique asset of our institute is hosting the Turkey Seed Gene Bank, one of the largest in the region. This provides us with direct access to a vast collection of local landraces and wild relatives, which are essential for the agroecological transition and enhancing crop genetic variability (Topic 1).
We operate extensive experimental fields in the Central Anatolian plateau, offering a unique environment for testing crops under semi-arid conditions. Our team utilizes high-throughput phenotyping to validate laboratory findings against real-world environmental stressors, ensuring that genetic diversity translates into stable field performance.
International Collaboration CRIFC has a robust track record of participating in international consortia (including Horizon Europe, FAO, and Prima). We are fully equipped to manage the administrative requirements of the TÜBİTAK 1071 funding scheme and provide high-quality scientific contributions to Work Packages focused on genetic characterization, field evaluation, and data management.