Projects / Programmes
Genetics and modern technologies of agricultural plants
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| 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 |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.04 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agricultural biotechnology |
plant genetics, dihaploids, genomics, proteomics, genetic variability, genetic transformations, genetic mapping, technology of crop production, precise farming, onion, hop, grasses, cabbage, alternative crops
Researchers (36)
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 included basic and applied research in plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on the application of biotechnological methods intended for overcoming breeding barriers and establishing entirely new breeding possibilities, as well as molecular analysis of plant genomes. The main reserch orentations were the study of gynogenesis and androgenesis for haploid production, study of somatic embryogenesis for improvemenet of plant regeneration, inter-species hybridization, evaluation of genetic diversity for the use of genetic resources, genetic mapping for studying economically important traits, DNA genotyping of plants for their identification and characterization, development of genomic and proteomic tools for studying plant pathogen interactions and similar. The results obtained have contributed to scientific knowledge, with some results oriented to practical application in breeding. Outstanding results were obtained in the development of new protocols for haploid induction, using new inter-species hybrids, genotyping of a large number of autochthonous varieties of grapevine and gene mapping of hop and identification of the resistant locus. The group is among leading groups in the fields of haploid induction in onion and hop genetics. The group is involved in the reciprocal international exchange of knowledge through project cooperation, and active participation in international scientific circles.
Significance for the country
Biotechnological research of crops is among the areas of science in which progress is most dramatic. According to many predictions, such knowledge will be an indicator of progress in the 21st century. The contribution of this programme group is of course at the limits of capacities and the social climate, which is sometimes more and sometimes less inclined to specific trends. In order to accelerate application of this top technology in Slovenia, we have initiated a programme of development of Slovene plant breeding. Prof. Dr. Borut Bohanec was appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food to head a commission for the preparation of measures in the area of breeding our own varieties in Slovenia, and the intention of the group has been to establish starting points that could lead to systematic exploitation of local knowledge and market applications. Preparatory work was then carried out by agreement and the project started within a limited financial framework. The programme group will nevertheless strive for effective transfer of knowledge into practice and we anticipate that results of the proposed research will be a major support to breeding programmes. Such relationship has been already established with our hop breeders. Modern technologies ensure greater food safety, protection of the environment and man, better economic efficiency and greater diversity of the cultural landscape. With a suitable approach, with the introduction of modern varieties of plants, all forms of agriculture can be sustainable. The research programme will have significant indirect importance in the transfer of up-to-date knowledge in educational processes at professional, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This is extremely important, since only thus can we produce competitive personnel able to transfer the knowledge gained to the economy and thus contribute to creating added value.
Audiovisual sources (1)
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
