

Brachypodium distachyon is a new model system for bridging research into temperate cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, and for promoting research in novel biomass grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or elephant grass (Miscanthus giganteus). Brachypodium will also advance our understanding of wild grasses. Since 2005, the International Brachypodium Initiative has promoted the development of resources in Brachypodium.
The BrachyTAG project is part of the International Brachypodium Initiative, and aims to identify and tag key genes involved in all aspects of plant development, reproduction, environmental adaptation, biomass and yield of cereals and grasses. This knowledge will allow scientists to unlock the potential of wheat and grasses for food and energy.
The main output of the BrachyTAG project is to produce, characterise, preserve and distribute a collection of Brachypodium plants (also called “T-DNA insertion lines”) containing a “gene tag” and to make the seed and DNA sequence available to the world. Some genes with a known or putative function have already been tagged and the corresponding T-DNA plant lines have been disseminated to the international scientific community since June 2008.
An additional output of the BrachyTAG project is to develop and disseminate technologies and known-how through scientific publications, international conferences or information available online.
Governments, charities, industry or individuals can contribute to build up this international community resource by sponsoring the BrachyTAG project.

Left to right: V. Thole, B. Worland, P. Vain, S.C. Alves
![]() M. Bigler |
![]() V. Sermier |
![]() C.A. Moore |
![]() K. Schiessl |
Date |
BrachyTAG team |
| 2007-present: | B. Worland |
| 2007-present: | V. Thole |
| 2009-2010: | K. Schiessl |
| 2009: | M. Bigler |
| 2009: | C.A Moore |
| 2009: | V. Sermier |
| 2007-2008: | S.C Alves |
| 2007-present: | P. Vain |
