Gleisdorf researchers breed seed to withstand heat and drought

Researchers at the Saatzucht Gleisdorf seed-breeding centre are developing varieties that can better withstand heat and limited water, ORF reported. More frequent heatwaves and a lack of rain are threatening agricultural yields.

The centre’s managing director, Jakob Moser, said varieties must be tested against regional conditions. “There are extremely many regional differences in which variety is needed,” he said. Breeding and testing in Austria is necessary to determine where each variety performs well, he added.

Breeding manager Eveline Adam said different years require different plant characteristics. Virus tolerance is particularly important in years such as this one, while resistance to rot becomes more important after a wet autumn.

Yield potential also remains crucial, including the number of grains produced by a fruit or the number of fruits produced by a plant, Adam said.

Climate-resilient seed cannot fully offset weather extremes, but it can help farmers protect their yields in difficult years and build greater resilience over the long term.