Kibrom Abreha

I am a researcher at the Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp, with expertise in plant breeding, plant pathology, and omics-based crop improvement. My research focuses on unraveling the molecular, genetic, and physiological mechanisms that govern plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, with the overarching aim of developing sustainable and climate-resilient crop varieties.

In my research I apply integrated genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics approaches to study host–pathogen interactions and stress tolerance in major and underutilized crops. I have worked extensively on disease resistance against fungal and oomycete pathogens, including sorghum anthracnose and potato late blight, stem rot in rapeseed and turnip rape as well as abiotic stress constraints such as drought and aluminum toxicity.

My current research spans oilseed crops, sorghum, finger millet,  red clover, and field cress (Lepidium campestre), contributing to improved food and feed security, bioenergy crop domestication and development, and resilient agricultural systems under global climate change.

Previous projects

• Interactions of Phytophthora infestans with potato and wild Solanum species using resistance screening, Transcriptomics, Quantitative Proteomics, and Activity-Based Protein Profiling. Investigated innate immunity activation in Agricultural fields using Apoplastic proteome, and transgenerational stability of β-Aminobutyric acid (BABA) and toxicity of Phosphite application on P. infestans.
• Metabolomics Profile of Moss species and cyanobacteria grown in the Boreal forest

Current Projects

• Oilseed crops (rapeseed and turnip rape) resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and adaptation to higher latitude environements.
• Developing genomic tools for accelerating the domestication, and improvind disease and abiotic stress tolerance of a novel bioenergy crop (Lepidium campestre).
• Integrating Speed Breeding protocols in red clover improvement
• Sorghum resistance/tolerance against anthracnose, drought, and striga.
• Developing genomic tools for improving finger millet tolerance to Aluminium toxicity.
• Bi- and mulit-parent population for Rapeseed and Turnip rape

Lectures in the following courses:

• Advanced Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (BI1407): https://www.slu.se/studentwebb/studier/kurser-och-program/kurssok/kurser/a/avancerad-vaxtforadling-och-genetiska-resurser3/
   
• Postharvest - Biology and Technology (BI1395) : https://www.slu.se/studentwebb/studier/kurser-och-program/kurssok/kurser/p/postharvest---biologi-och-teknologi4/

• PhD in Biology/Plant Biotechnology (2017), Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.
• Master of Science in Plant Science/Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (2011), Wageningen University and Research Center, The Netherlands.
• Bachelor of Science in Plant Production and Protection (2006), Jimma University-Ambo College, Ethiopia.

• Project Lead for Breeding and Trait Introgression, DLF Beet Seed, Jan 2023 - Mar 2024 
• Researcher, Department of Plant Breeding, SLU, Apr 2022 - Dec 2022
• Research Associate (Stipend), Department of Plant Protection Biology, SLU, Feb 2012 - Nov 2012
• Lecturer, Department of Dryland Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Jan 2011 - Jan 2012
• Assistant Lecturer, Department of Dryland Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Jul 2007 - Dec 2008
• Graduate Assistant-II, Department of Dryland Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Jul 2007 -Jun 2008
• Graduate Assistant-I, Department of Dryland Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Jul 2006 - Jun 2007