First Latin American Conference on Plant Phenotyping and Phenomics for Plants Breeding

General information

Successful breeding programs are reflected in the number of individuals with optimal traits that are released at the end of the selection process. Selection is based on the analysis of the interaction genotype x environment (GxE), in relation to a particular trait. Genotypic screening to characterize gene function and its interactions has become widely available. However, phenotypic screening to access interaction GxE is lagging behind. The characterization of the phenotype – the structure and function of plants exposed to a heterogeneous environment – is as important as genotyping to establish the relation between genes and traits which determines plant growth, productivity and the efficient use of resources.

Despite the importance of plant phenomics in breeding programs, the use of plant phenomics technologies is scarce in cereals and almost non-existent in fruits. In the Latin America context, the development of phenomics is in its infancy.

To address this important issue, the Plant Breeding and Phenomic Center (CMFV, University of Talca, Chile) and the National Plant Phenomics Centre (NPPC, Aberystwyth University, UK) are organizing the First Latin-American Conference on Plant Phenotyping and Phenomics for Plant Breeding to: (1) bring scientists from around the world to present their ongoing work on plant phenomics and phenotyping for plant breeding; (2) organize the Latin-American Plant Phenomics Network (LatPPN); (3) train scientists in the use of key plant phenotyping tools, the analysis of data and the mapping of traits to the genome.

The conference will take place at the University of Talca (Chile), from 30th November to 2nd December, 2015. The first two days will be devoted to talks, poster presentations and networking. The third day will be used to setup the LatPPN network and to carry out two training workshops.
Articles from this conference will be published on Frontiers in Plant Science (IF 3.9). Deadline for abstract submission is September 10th, 2015

CONVENERS

Dr. Gustavo A. Lobos (Plant Breeding and Phenomic Center, Universidad de Talca, Chile). Dr. Lobos is a Lecturer in the School of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Talca. He studies phenomic as means to improve plant breeding process (crops and fruit). Specifically, he is keen to develop predictive models for different physiological traits affected by the interaction GxE under stress conditions, and its practical implementation by breeders. In addition to his to main interests, Dr. Lobos does research in orchards crops ecophysiology, particularly interested in traits such as within-plant variability, fruit quality, bloom, and drought/thermic stress

Dr. Anyela V. Camargo (National Plant Phenomics Centre – NPPC, Aberystwyth University, UK). Dr. Camargo is a Lecturer in Plant Traits Informatics at Aberystwyth University (AU), where she researches on the development and use of computational methods to analyse the relationship phenotype – genotype – environment. Dr. Camargo’s main research interest is in the development of tools for plant disease prediction and in the identification or markers associated to disease resistance. She developed several protocols on he subject and is currently involved in the characterisation of three major diseases affecting grasses and wheat.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Prof. John Doonan (National Plant Phenomics Centre – NPPC, Aberystwyth University, UK)
Prof. Jose Luis Araus (Facultat de Biologia, Biologia Vegetal, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain)
Prof. Rodomiro Ortiz (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences – SLU, Alnarp, Sweden)
Prof. Alejandro del Pozo (Plant Breeding and Phenomic Center, Universidad de Talca, Chile)
Dr. Anyela Camargo (National Plant Phenomics Centre – NPPC, Aberystwyth University, UK)
Dr. Gustavo A. Lobos (Plant Breeding and Phenomic Center, Universidad de Talca, Chile)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

English
. No simultaneous translation available

More info and registration here