Dr Gemma Molero
Gemma Molero, based in France, is a plant physiologist currently working at KWS leading wheat research activities and pre-breeding across countries. She is also in charge of coordinating digital phenotyping activities for cereals and special crops. Before moving to KWS she worked for almost 10 years at CIMMYT (Mexico) in the wheat physiology team conducting research on photosynthesis and photosynthesis related traits. She has expertise using phenotyping tools to screen genetic resources as well as identifying specific traits of interest in elite germplasm. With the outputs of her own and collaborative research she has contributed to strategic crosses that ended up with new wheat lines that have been distributed worldwide.
Title: ‘Can we really use photosynthesis related traits in a breeding context? My journey as a physiologist working with wheat breeders: a story of success and failure’
Webinar date: Tuesday 5th March 14.00 CET
Abstract: After 20 years working on photosynthesis and almost 15 years working with wheat breeders, I reflect on which traits have been adopted in a breeding context. During my career I had the opportunity to work on a large range of photosynthesis related traits. From specific (spike and leaf photosynthesis) to more integrative traits (radiation use efficiency, biomass) there is a long journey that has showed me how difficult is to deliver products to wheat breeders. Where are the bottlenecks? What do we need to convince breeders to use a trait or a tool? Can we learn from success and failure?