During his studies, Miguel Angel Raffo researched state-of-the-art methodologies to exploit gene-by-gene (G × G) and genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E) in wheat breeding. Accounting by non-additive genetic effects (i.e. G × G) and G × E is relevant as it can improve cultivar development in terms of greater genetic gain, and contribute to a better adaptation of cultivars to production environments. The proposed methodologies were investigated using a commercial wheat breeding population.

The new research findings of this study can be valuable input for wheat breeding and contribute to the understanding and utilization of interactions in breeding programs.

The PhD study was completed at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Monday, 28 November 2022 at 10.00

Place: Auditorium, AIAS - Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, 1630, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000 Aarhus

Title of dissertation: Gene-by-gene and genotype-by-environment interactions in wheat

Contact information: Miguel Angel Raffo, e-mail: mraffo@qgg.au.dk, tel.: +45 52 63 28 92

Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Morten Lillermo, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway
Professor Fred van Eeuwijk, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands
Professor Doug Speed (chair), Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor: Professor Just Jensen, QGG, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisor: Dr. Pernille Merete Sarup, Nordic Seed A/S, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS. Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N. The PhD defence will also be online. To receive a link to the event, please send an e-mail to Louise Fischer Koue: lfkoue@qgg.au.dk.