CropClock

CropClock - Increasing Crops Biomass by Uncovering the Circadian Clock Network Using Dynamical Models

The circadian clock is an internal timing system that allows plants to predict daily and seasonal changes in light and temperature and thus to adapt photosynthesis, growth, and development to external conditions. The core oscillator is well understood in the model plant Arabidopsis, however, relatively little is known about the dynamic effects of the clock on agronomic behaviour of crop plants. We therefore propose to model the circadian clock of the important crop barley and its effects on the transcriptome, metabolome and phenotypic performance.

We will develop and improve biological modelling and Nu gap analysis as a practical tool for biology using simulated datasets with increasing complexity. We will then apply the Nu gap model to describe linear and nonlinear causal dynamic relationships using experimental time series datasets from the model plant Arabidopsis. Finally, we will use Nu gap analyses to define the barley core oscillator and its effects on transcriptome, sugar metabolism and agronomic performance using barley clock mutants. Resultant models will allow predicting plant performance in response to genetic perturbations of the clock.

Understanding the circadian clock of the model crop barley and its effects on important agronomic traits may have great impact on precision breeding of barley and related cereals.