Enhancing faba bean seed colour and seed size uniformity to increase the value of faba beans and reduce risk of classification downgrades

Overview The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is seeking to invest in a four-year project to improve seed coat colour stability and seed size uniformity in Australian faba beans. The investment aims to increase the value of faba beans and reduce the risk of grain classification downgrades by developing the knowledge, genetic resources and breeding tools required to accelerate genetic improvement of these traits. Purpose Faba bean is a major Australian pulse crop and export commodity, supplying premium food and feed markets where visual grain quality strongly influences classification, market acceptance and price. Variability in visual grain quality and seed coat darkening during storage and handling increase the risk of downgrades, reduce grower returns and weaken Australia's competitive advantage in premium export markets. The biological, biochemical and environmental factors influencing seed coat colour stability and seed size uniformity are not well understood, and Australian breeding programs currently have limited access to the genetic resources, molecular markers and high-throughput phenotyping tools needed to efficiently improve these traits. Recent advances in genomics, artificial intelligence, digital imaging and data analytics provide new opportunities to accelerate genetic gain and develop more effective breeding solutions. Objectives By 2033, Australian faba bean breeders have access to elite faba bean germplasm with 10% improved seed coat colour stability and more uniform seed size By 2040, Australian faba bean growers have access to varieties with seed traits aligned with key export and processing requirements Reduced quality-related downgrades and a strengthened reputation for Australia as a supplier of high-quality faba beans to established and emerging markets Scope The scope includes: Investigating the genetic, physiological, biochemical and environmental drivers underlying visual grain quality in faba bean, including the mechanisms responsible for seed coat oxidation and post-harvest darkening Considering both genetic and non-genetic contributors to trait expression, including the effects of storage conditions, handling practices and environmental influences on grain quality outcomes Development and validation of modern phenotyping and analytical tools to enable routine selection for visual grain quality traits, including application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital imaging and high-throughput phenotyping approaches Objective measurement of seed coat colour stability, seed size uniformity and other commercially important visual attributes Identification and incorporation of valuable genetic variation for improved seed coat colour stability and seed size uniformity Development of breeder-ready germplasm for use in Australian faba bean breeding programs, demonstrating measurable improvements in visual grain quality traits Development of associated genetic, phenotypic and validated molecular marker datasets to facilitate rapid integration of germplasm into breeding pipelines Contractor Requirements Strong and ongoing collaboration with Australian commercial and public faba bean breeding programs, engaged throughout the project to help guide trait prioritisation, phenotyping methods, validation activities and deployment pathways Contract Terms and Conditions Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time Enquiries All requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement must be made in writing (email) prior to 13 October 2026. Attention: Sarah Marchioro Organisation: Grains Research and Development Corporation Email: tenders@grdc.com.au