Food production would be more sustainable if crops were more phosphorous-efficient. This would reduce fertilizer use and consequently nutrient leaching from farms and eutrophication of water bodies. Phosphate partitioning in the crop is a complex and little-understood trait. Prior research at Bangor has identified a unique set of barley lines that need less phosphate fertiliser than normal crops. They have lower levels of phytic acid (PA) stored in the grains but no significant yield penalty. By comparing their metabolite profiles with those of normal barley we can gain understanding of how lower PA influences both grain production and human nutritional value (reduced PA in the diet can aid gut absorption of iron). The metabolomics data produced from the project will feed into prototype machine learning and multi-omics network models being developed at Teeside University. This will lead to deeper knowledge of the mechanisms and biological processes involved. The goal is to broaden the scientific evidence base and work with relevant stakeholders to invest in low PA crop development. This could ultimately lead to more sustainable crops and wider availability of healthy wholegrains, benefiting not only economies and societies in the western world but also in developing countries.

Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £34,926