Announcements

EMÜ is the only Estonian partner in a European Commission project „3to4“, whose objective is to develop types of crop which are more resistent to hot and dry environments.

Professor Ülo Niinemets, the coordinator of the project from EMÜ, explained that wheat for example is very widespread all over the world, but wide areas where wheat is grown are extremely hot and dry, and thus the yield is low, a good example are the vast areas in Australia. „The yield of wheat is low in Estonia as well – approximately 2,5 tons per hectare, whereas the same number is 8,5 in Ireland. But most importantly this project is an important step towards feeding the world“ Ülo Niinemets commented.

The idea of the project is to genetically modify already existing, C3-type crops and therefore turn them into new C4-type crops which would be able to photosynthesize in a more uncomfartable environment, which in its turn would increase the yield. EMÜ’s task is to test different genetic types of rapeseed.

The European Commission 7th Framework Program project „3to4“ started in January 2012 and ends in 2016. 19 universities, institutes and international enterprises participate from 11 countries. The cost of the project is 8,94 million euros.