Subject area Plant Biotechnology and Functional Genomics
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Group members
- Ida Lager
- Åsa Grimberg
- Bjørn Dueholm
- Kamil Demski
- Mariette Andersson
- Selvaraju Kanagarajan
- Matias Gonzalez
- William De Martines
- Chinnu Ann Jaison
- Lovisa Sjodin
- Lubos Riha
- Sanne de Jong
- Emelie Ivarson
- Neha Salaria
- Shubham Salunkhe
- Umer Mahmood
- Axel Erlansson
- Anandhavalli Manikandan
- Eu Sheng Wang
- Josefin Alverup
- Maria Anderberg
- Mirela Beganovic
- Per Hofvander
Related research projects
Related research topics
Vegetable oil, starch, and protein are central to the global food supply and to the development of a bio-based economy. Our main research questions focus on genetic factors that are critical for the quality and quantity of these different storage products.
Oil, Starch and Protein Crops
We conduct basic research to map genetic networks and enzymatic pathways for the sink development of storage organs, as well as functional genomics of products such as oil, starch, and protein.
In our oil quality research, examples are biosynthesis of fatty acids for food and industrial relevance in plant oils and modifications that enable production of insect pheromones for environmentally friendly pest control. Lepidium is genetically modified with the objective of a new oilseed and cover crop to increase diversity in agriculture.
In starch research, we study the function and interaction of enzymes and are using genome editing to develop new and unique starch qualities in potato, benefiting both the starch and food industries.
To contribute to a plant-based protein transition, we conduct research aimed at improving faba bean and pea for food use, as well as increasing protein quality in side streams from the processing of rapeseed and potato. We develop methods to validate candidate genes in faba bean and pea related to seed quality traits, such as hardseededness and flavour. Candidate genes are identified by using DNA markers and by comparing sequences of several genomes.
Plant Development and Stress Resilience
We conduct research on genetic factors that enable crops to take advantage of the shorter growing season combined with longer daylight hours in northern Europe. In addition, we study improved tolerance to heat stress. Beyond abiotic environmental factors, we investigate susceptibility and resistance factors to diseases and pests in potato and oilseed crops, with the aim of developing robust plant varieties with increased cultivation reliability.
New Genomic Techniques
Genome editing, using CRISPR, has been successfully implemented in potato and several oilseed crops. We also have ongoing and previous research focused on developing genome editing in several other crops, such as cereals, tomato and sugar beet. To enable broader use of genome editing, we develop new refined genome-editing methods and regeneration protocols that can be applied to traits and crops intended for the European market.