Subject area Plant Biotechnology and Functional Genomics
Contact
Group members
- Ida Lager
- Åsa Grimberg
- Bjørn Dueholm
- Kamil Demski
- Mariette Andersson
- Selvaraju Kanagarajan
- Matias Gonzalez
- William De Martines
- Lovisa Sjodin
- Lubos Riha
- Sanne de Jong
- Emelie Ivarson
- Neha Salaria
- Shubham Salunkhe
- Axel Erlansson
- Chinnu Ann Jaison
- Anandhavalli Manikandan
- Eu Sheng Wang
- Josefin Alverup
- Maria Anderberg
- Mirela Beganovic
- Per Hofvander
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 and Starch Crops
We conduct basic research with the aim of mapping transcriptional and metabolic networks, as well as enzymes that are important for the formation of the storage products oil, starch, and protein.
In starch research, we have used genome editing to develop a new and unique starch quality in potato, benefiting both the starch and food industries.
In oil quality research, examples are aimed at producing shorter fatty acids in plant oils, with properties more similar to tropical oils and a modification that enables technical applications using insect pheromones for environmentally friendly pest control.
The domestication of Lepidium campestre (field cress) as a new oilseed and cover crop is to increase diversity in agriculture. We use both genome editing and the integration of new genetic elements to achieve improvements in seed quality.
Protein Crops
To contribute to a plant-based protein transition, we conduct research aimed at improving faba beans and other legumes for food use, as well as increasing protein quality in side streams from the processing of rapeseed and potato. We develop methods for validating candidate genes in legumes related to seed quality traits, such as hardseededness and flavour. Candidate genes are identified by means of DNA markers and by comparing sequences of several genomes.
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 pests in potato and oilseed crops, with the aim of developing robust plant varieties with increased cultivation reliability.
New Genomic Techniques
Genome editing 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 and sugar beet. To enable broader use of genome editing, we are also developing new genome-editing methods that can be applied to crop traits intended for the European market.