Development of genetic tools for adaptation of the forage grass Panicum maximum to water stress in the face of global climate change

• Grant number: 24/07773-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Nathalia de Setta Costa
• Grantee: Ali Sina Jayhoon
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/02414-9 - Understanding the water deficit responses of forage species Panicum maximum in the face of global climate change, AP.PFPMCG.R

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, impacting various commercial chains, including forage production. In Brazil, the production of tropical forages, particularly Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), is important for sustaining its position as a leading meat producer and exporter. However, the unprecedented climate patterns, characterized by alternating droughts and floods, threaten the yield of forages. This study aims to address these challenges by investigating the response of P. maximum to water stress, characterizing its molecular, morphological and physiological traits under those conditions. Additionally, we aim to develop genetic transformation protocols to enable future genetic breeding projects through biotechnological strategies. High-throughput transcriptome analysis from root tissues will be employed to identify stress-responsive genes, aiding to select candidate genes for the development of cultivars more resilient to water stress. For the genetic transformation protocol development, we will test methods for somatic embryogenesis, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and regeneration of transformed lines. The expected outcomes include comprehensive insights into agronomically important traits, understanding the genetic basis of water stress responses of P. maximum, and identification of genes modulated under water deficit conditions. Furthermore, the study aims to elucidate the physiological impacts of water deficit on Tamani genotype and contribute to enhance the economic importance of Guinea grass by improving yield and facilitating breeders to develop drought-tolerant cultivars.