Better crop and tree breeding
Research for better potato, wheat and shorter breeding cycles in long-lived trees. These are projects the network supports during 2025.
Breeding research at SLU
SLU's research in breeding spans many areas such as the development of varieties, genetic resources, domestication, technology and studies of specific mechanisms.
About the Network
The SLU Breeding Network aims to strengthen and visualise current research in the field at SLU and to increase the interaction between research and education.
Join us!
Anyone interested in breeding research is welcome to join our network and to receive our newsletter.
Courses in breeding
We organise 1-2 courses in breeding per year for PhD students and postdocs. The courses are held online or alternate between Umeå, Uppsala and Alnarp.
Interviews & highlights
Explore interviews with our esteemed committee members, grant recipients, and key network collaborators, and discover highlights from the events we have organised!
What's new
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Spruce’s genes determine the spread of the root rot
The spruce tree’s own genes determine how well it resists root rot – and the outcome of the battle against the fungus is decided already in the early stages of infection. -
Prime Minister visits SLU in Alnarp – focus on research for future food security
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited SLU Alnarp on October 8 to learn more about research that strengthens Sweden’s preparedness and contributes to a sustainable food system. During the visit, he saw how SLU is developing robust and resilient crops for future food production. -
Building food sovereignty: the future of plant breeding in a shifting development funding landscape
Mutual learning, plant breeding, local priorities, food sovereignty, nutrition, health, and the challenge of upscaling research results for progress in agricultural development was discussed at a symposium at SLU in Uppsala and online, that gathered participants worldwide. -
Harvesting Swedish sweet potatoes in search of the varieties of the future
In long rows lie root vegetables in a remarkably wide range of colours and shapes: purple, red, orange, yellow, and white. Plump, thin, long, smooth, and crooked. The trial cultivation of new sweet potato varieties adapted to the Swedish climate is now being harvested. -
Consumers are positive about new varieties of crops
Most Swedish consumers view new crops developed through crossbreeding positively, according to a new survey conducted by researchers at SLU. The findings run counter to the perception that consumers are sceptical about plant breeding.
Calls
See the SLU Breeding Network's open calls.