Shariff Ar-Raffi

Physiology and genetics of salinity and waterlogging tolerance in Hordeum marinum and H. marinum x wheat cytogenetic stocks

Soil salinisation is an increasing problem for crop cultivation in many parts of the world. Waterlogging often worsens the affect of salinity. Development of tolerant crops is an important objective. Few studies have previously considered both stresses in combination and there are significant gaps in understanding physiological mechanisms and genetic regulation of traits for stress tolerance.

Shariff’s research will evaluate Hordeum marinum, a wild relative of wheat that grows on saline-waterlogged lands, as a source of stress tolerance for wheat. His study will use cytogenetic stocks of Hordeum marinum x wheat to identify chromosome(s) controlling traits associated with salinity and waterlogging tolerance. Interactive or additive affects of chromosomes on salt and waterlogging tolerances will be explored. Physiological traits associated with tolerances will be evaluated.

His project falls into the CRC’s Program 2 research area and is related to the CRC’s Salt Tolerant Cereal Project.

Objectives:

• Reveal the physiological mechanisms of salt and waterlogging tolerance in H. marinum
• Find out the responsible chromosome(s) for salt and waterlogging tolerance of H. marinum
• Determine the additive or interactive affects of the chromosomes to salt and waterlogging tolerances.

For more information email Shariff.