Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology under the Ministry of Science and Education are conducting advanced studies on the genetic diversity of wheat and its tolerance to environmental stresses.

The Institute informed AZƏRTAC that the research focuses on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a panel of 188 wheat genotypes analyzed with 25K SNP Array technology. The genotypes were evaluated through digital phenotyping under field conditions, and bioinformatic analyses identified genomic regions associated with important agronomic traits. Two scientific papers based on these findings have been submitted for publication.

The laboratory is also carrying out whole-transcriptome analyses of five wheat genotypes with contrasting responses to drought, heat, and salinity stress to identify genes involved in stress tolerance.

The research is conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Bonn and Osnabrück (Germany) under signed cooperation agreements.