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The project combines genome-wide association studies, screening of the allelic diversity of targeted genes and phenotyping in the field of ecophysiological traits related to roots, biomass partitioning, plant architecture, to the proportion of transport/storage tissues and to plant functioning, including mobilization and absorption of TEs in the rhizosphere, phenology, remobilization of nutrients. A particular attention will be paid to the allocation of TEs to and within the spike in relation with yield. Genetic markers and ecophysiological traits correlated with grain TE content will be tested in the field for 2 years at 4 experimental sites to assess the stability of their correlations with grain TEs in various pedoclimatic contexts and various bioavailability of soil TEs.

The magnitude of the effects of the genetic and ecophysiological markers regarding grain TEs will be quantified, which will thus make it possible to rank them while also taking into account the stability of their effects according to the environment. Thanks to the expertise of the two private wheat breeders of the project and of Arvalis, we will finally determine which genetic and ecophysiological markers can be integrated into the varietal selection schemes. The characterization of wheat varieties currently grown for these markers will be disseminated to farmers to help them to quickly produce wheat that is less contaminated. A synthesis of the project will assess the potential gain in wheat safety and the associated trade-offs on yield or nutritional value. This information will be communicated to wheat production stakeholders, health and regulatory authorities to which the project partners are connected.