Projects / Programmes
Genetics and modern technologies of agricultural plants
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| 4.06.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B225 |
Biomedical sciences |
Plant genetics |
plant genetics, dihaploids, genomics, proteomics, genetic variability, genetic transformations, genetic mapping, technology of crop production, precise farming, onion, hop, grasses, cabbage, alternative crops
Researchers (28)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The main subjects of the proposed research programme are the existing and potential characteristics of agricultural/horticultural plants that, in given circumstances, produce an optimal yield in terms of quality and quantity. The characteristics of plants can be described by genetic data, which can then serve in planning strategies of plant breeding or optimising crop production. The application of biotechnological methods in plant breeding will focus on gynogenic and androgenic haploid induction and genetic transformation methods and will include not only the development of protocols but also the identification of bottlenecks that limit the application of these methods in plant breeding practice. Genetic diversity will be assessed in selected plant species in order to obtain information on the amount of genetic variation present and on the genetic structure of available accessions, which may be useful for germplasm conservation, as a source for targeting new genes, in plant breeding or for genotyping and identification purposes. In hop genomics and molecular studies of hop pathogens, new genomic and proteomic tools will be developed for linkage mapping and identification of QTL and single markers applicable for marker assisted selection in hop breeding or isolation of relevant genes. Research on the management of field areas will be based on principles of precise farming focused on an assessment of the values of each relevant parameter that can be measured and managed by means of agrotechnical measures. The main aim of this research is thus to apply research findings to technically feasible technologies of crop production.
Significance for science
The research program covered basic and applied research in the field of crop genetics and breeding, with a stress on molecular analysis of plant genomes, the induction of haploids and gene transfer. The main research fields are studies of gynogenesis and androgenesis for haploid production; studies of somatic embryogenesis aimed at improving the regeneration capacities of plants; interspecific hybridization, studies of inter and intra-species genetic variability for utilisation of genebanks resources and studies of biodiversity; DNA genotyping for crop variety characterisation and identification; development of genomic tools for genome mapping and identification of economically important traits and genes; application of direct and indirect transformational methods; studies of the stability of (trans)gene expression. The results of the work will contribute to the field of plant genetics and biotechnology, particularly with new methodologies in plant haploid production, elucidation of the mechanisms of gynogenesis, new inter-species hybrids and new genomic and proteomic approaches in plant genetics. The research group leads in the study of onion gynogenesis and in hop genetics. The interest expressed by various research groups for collaboration highlights the significant impact of our scientific results. The research group is involved in reciprocal international scientific exchange through projects and by informal involvement and active participation in the international scientific community.
Significance for the country
The proposed research focuses on modern technologies that provide greater safety for humans and the environment, a higher level of economy and a richer cultural landscape. The introduction of modern cultivars of crops can make a major contribution to the sustainable use of agricultural land under different agricultural cultivations. In view of the prevailing opinion of the recent increased dependence of Slovene agriculture on foreign knowledge, the research program is oriented towards the production and accumulation of new knowledge. It is primarily focused on basic research and thus on obtaining novel scientific knowledge that improves our competitive position in terms of applications in breeding new crop varieties. The practical contribution of the research program will be in the development of high quality hybrids in cabbage and onion, which could be of interest for both domestic and international markets. The research programme will accumulate new knowledge, which will be transmitted through the educational process at professional, undergraduate and graduate levels. We consider this to be of great importance, since only highly educated students can contribute added value in the future through the application of knowledge in industry or other sectors.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
