PlantPro+: enhancing functional plant based proteins through genomics and breeding

The growing demand for plant-based proteins has increased the importance of locally grown protein crops in strengthening the resilience of Sweden’s food system as highlighted in National Food Strategy 2.0.

Protein quality in legumes such as pea and faba bean, and in cereals like oat, has not traditionally been a major breeding focus. However, with recent shifts in national policy and growing demand from the food industry for new functional protein sources, PlantPro+ aims to change this by advancing protein-focused breeding in close collaboration with ongoing SLU Grogrund projects and breeding programs run by the industry.

PlantPro+ aims to characterize protein composition and profiles across genetically diverse germplasm to identify variation in traits relevant for food processing. The project will develop high-throughput and efficient screening methods to evaluate key protein structure and functional properties, including digestibility, solubility, aroma, oil absorption, foaming, and gelling. Promising breeding materials will be evaluated for their performance in food applications, with detailed assessment of protein cross-linking behavior, off-flavors, and aroma profiles. Finally, the project will establish genotype–phenotype associations for these traits to develop molecular markers, enabling marker-assisted selection and accelerating breeding pipelines.

The outcomes of the project will directly support Lantmännen’s ongoing breeding programs for pea, faba bean, and oat. Proteinish AB will contribute by evaluating selected materials for their functional performance in food prototype development, ensuring industry relevance and applicability. The project will also strengthen competence in plant product quality and plant breeding research areas by engaging students at multiple levels alongside senior researchers, contributing to future capacity building in the field.