Deciphering the genetic control of early flowering and growth behaviour in faba bean

To achieve an environmentally sustainable and resilient food production in Sweden there is today a great need for an increased availability of protein from domestically produced crops. Understanding the biology of breeding targets of protein crops suitable for northern latitudes is of great importance to achieve this goal.

A focus on research and breeding initiatives for protein crops is also in line with governmental strategic initiatives for an increased food security with a climate smart orientation. Legumes have several environmental benefits in agricultural systems but for a long time most legumes have lagged behind the major crops regarding breeding efforts as well as in the application of new breeding techniques.

Faba bean (Vicia faba) is a minor crop in Sweden today but intensified breeding could lead to expanded acreages for food as well as feed. Development of varieties suitable for food purposes would significantly add economic value to the farmer and allow for development of innovative food products.

In the research we aim to elucidate genetic circuits and mechanisms governing early flower initiation and plant architecture and functionally dissect faba bean processes and factors of importance for these traits. This new knowledge will guide the development of genetic markers with high precision for earliness and optimal plant architecture, which can lead to high-yielding faba bean varieties suitable for a Swedish climate context.