Plant Biotechnology

The main objective of the group is to increase scientific knowledge on traits of agricultural interest, to broaden the genetic base of these traits and to develop high value-added varieties. The main crops we work with are cereals, but also brassicas, legumes and olives. To this end, the group applies classical breeding techniques and incorporates new technologies. The techniques we use include interspecific hybridization, cytogenetics, gene mapping, transcriptomics, proteomics, functional genomics, transgenesis, RNA interference and genome editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9.

Characteristics under study include increased carotenoid pigment content in wheat and tritordeum grains; agronomic characteristics related to yield; flour, bread-making and nutritional quality of wheat and tritordeum; development of new cereal varieties suitable for celiac or other groups with gluten intolerance.