It's a well-known fact that enhancing protein in peas typically involves compromising yield. However, after 9 years of focused pea breeding, we've cracked the code on protein-yield balance!
The more protein you aim for, the lower your yield tends to be. This dilemma is a common challenge when breeding for ultra-protein lines—farmers are understandably hesitant to adopt varieties with reduced yields.In our research, we've identified genomic regions highly associated with protein content and their impact on yield.
By harnessing the power of computational breeding, we're able to select these genomic regions through classical breeding methods, maximizing protein content while minimizing yield drag. This means that we've successfully broken the linkage between protein and yield, and we're committed to further improvement!