RESEARCH PROJECT
PlantPro+: enhancing functional plant based proteins through genomics and breeding
Updated: November 2025
Project overview
Project manager:
Faraz Muneer
More related research
Short summary
PlantPro+ aims is to enhance protein quality traits in strategically important crops such as pea, faba bean and oats by combining advanced screening methods with genomics-driven breeding.
The growing demand for plant-based proteins has elevated the importance of locally grown protein crops, in enhancing resilience of Sweden’s food system. To meet industry and consumer needs, it is essential to improve the protein quality, and functional properties of the crops through targeted breeding efforts.
The project PlantPro+ aims to:
- Characterize protein composition and profiles across genetically diverse germplasm to capture variation and diversity of traits relevant to food processing.
- Develop high-throughput, efficient screening methods for evaluating protein structure and functional traits, including digestibility, solubility, aroma, oil absorption, foaming, and gelling.
- Evaluate selected breeding materials with promising protein characteristics for their performance in food applications, including assessment of protein cross-linking behavior, off-flavors and aroma profiles.
- Establish genotype–phenotype associations by linking protein traits to develop genetic markers, enabling marker-assisted selection and accelerating breeding pipelines.