Imagine giving a coffee plant a 'super-powered' set of roots from a wild relative to help it survive drought and poor soil. Instead of waiting decades for traditional breeding, this project uses grafting to quickly swap root systems. They are also mapping the tiny microbes living around the roots to create a biological 'recipe' for healthier plants.
Traditional breeding for coffee and cocoa takes decades, making it too slow to combat rapid climate change. This leads to crop failure and instability in low-input farming systems.
A database of root system architecture and microbiome metabolic models, along with machine learning tools to predict microbiome composition from omics data.
If you are a nursery operator dealing with high plant mortality due to climate stress — this project developed open-source seeds and grafting protocols that improve root resilience. This allows for the production of hardier coffee and cocoa seedlings for low-input farms.
If you are a bio-input company dealing with unpredictable soil microbiome effects — this project developed machine learning models to predict microbiome composition using omics data. This helps in designing targeted microbial treatments for root health.
If you are a supply chain manager dealing with crop yield instability in Vietnam or Uganda — this project developed predictive models for root architecture and tested profitability of grafted plants. This provides a data-driven way to secure long-term crop volumes.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project aims to propose 'low-cost' breeding strategies.
The project is testing the profitability of grafted plants in Vietnam and developing open-source seeds to facilitate wider adoption.
The project is demonstrating the 'open-source seeds initiative', suggesting a non-proprietary approach to genetic resources.
The project notes that classic breeding takes decades; grafting is presented as a key to 'rapidly adapt' cultures to climate change.
They are specifically designed for 'low input farming systems' and have been tested in field plots in countries like Vietnam.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 18 partners across 14 countries. With a 33% industry ratio (6 companies, including 2 SMEs), there is a strong bridge between the 12 academic/research institutions and commercial application, particularly in tropical regions like Vietnam and Uganda.
Contact CIRAD EPIC in France for details on grafting protocols and open-source seed access.
Contact us to explore the microbiome metabolic models for your bio-input product line.
