Lead institution:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences – Norway
The macroalgae industry has potential to contribute to societal challenges such as carbon neutrality, access to nutritious, sustainable food, and a sustainable and circular European bioeconomy.
The project aims for sustainable economic development of the macroalgae industry by:
- improving the efficiency of propagation and selection of suitable genotypes,
- better exploiting genetic variation, while at the same time maintaining local genetic diversity and minimizing the potential for genetic pollution of natural populations,
- and actively involving stakeholders in creating a plan for future macroalgae breeding in Europe.
It will conduct a Proof of Concept experiment for utilizing local genetic variation and heterosis for improved productivity of sugar kelp; create a biodiversity collection, identify methods to increase gametophyte growth rates, and develop gametophyte phenotyping protocols; develop tools based on ploidy for breeding purposes; and explore the utility of giant sea lettuce.
Start Date: 31/05/2024
End Date: 30/04/2027
Lead Contact: Åshild Ergon (ashild.ergon@nmbu.no)