Support for Breeding Perennial Quinoa

Lead Organization:

The Land Institute

Partner Organizations:

PROINPA (Plant Breeding Staff); Kevin Murphy at Washington State University

Community of Practice:

Andes

Countries:

Bolivia and United States

Duration:

12/2024—12/2027

Overview:

This project will support a collaboration between PROINPA plant breeding staff and The Land Institute with the goal to co-create a research initiative to identify compatible annual and perennial species for hybridization as the first step in developing new perennial quinoa varieties. Researchers at The Land Institute bring decades of experience in making wide hybrid crosses, which will significantly enhance the chances of success for Dr. Alejandro Bonifacio and the PROINPA team.

To our knowledge, no other research groups have attempted to breed a perennial quinoa. The hybridization process will likely involve species with different ploidy levels (numbers of chromosome sets), presenting a significant challenge. In the early stages of the project, basic genetic characterization of the candidate species will be conducted. This information will guide the selection of breeding techniques to increase the likelihood of successful hybridization. The Land Institute breeders, with experience in perennial wheat and sorghum hybrid crosses, will be available to consult on all aspects of the breeding process.

Grant Aims:

The goal of the project is to co-create a research initiative that will hybridize annual quinoa with perennial species in order to develop new perennial quinoa varieties. This initiative aims to improve the sustainability of agriculture in the Bolivian altiplano by creating a perennial crop that can adapt to the region’s growing conditions. Additionally, the project seeks to build capacity for plant breeders and technicians and foster international collaboration in the field of perennial grain development.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs

  1. Initiation of the Perennial Quinoa Breeding Program:
    • Hybridization of annual quinoa with perennial wild relatives from the Bolivian altiplano.
    • Activities will include:
      • Identifying candidate species for hybridization.
      • Assessing genetic compatibility and synchronization of flowering time.
      • Conducting cross-pollination to evaluate seed production, viability, and germination.
      • Determining if advanced techniques, such as embryo rescue, are necessary for viable hybrid progeny.
  2. Capacity Building for Technicians and Early-Career Plant Breeders:
    • Development of skills in plant breeding through internships at The Land Institute or partner institutions.
  3. Academic Placement Support:
    • Assistance for Bolivian graduate students or postdocs in securing academic placements with funding in the U.S., including possible placement with Kevin Murphy at Washington State University.

Outcomes

  1. Advancement of Perennial Quinoa Breeding:
    • Laying the groundwork for the development of perennial quinoa varieties adapted to the Bolivian altiplano, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.
  2. Enhanced Research and Breeding Capacity:
    • Technicians and early-career breeders will acquire practical skills and knowledge to support future perennial grain development projects in Bolivia and expand their professional networks for collaboration.
  3. Expansion of Collaborative Networks:
    • Strengthening connections between Bolivian researchers and international experts, fostering ongoing collaboration and innovation in perennial quinoa research.