![](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Foto-Grupo-Biotecnologia-Vegetal-e1655721362465.jpg)
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.
Research personnel
![Sergio Gustavo Atienza Peñas](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_3210mod-1.jpg)
Sergio Gustavo Atienza Peñas
Senior Scientist
![Cristina Rodríguez Suárez](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Foto-IAS-Cristina-Rodriguez-Suarez.jpeg)
Cristina Rodríguez Suárez
Doctora contratada FC
![Francisco Barro Losada](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Francisco_Barro_Losada.jpg)
Francisco Barro Losada
Research Professor
![Pilar Prieto Aranda](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pilar-Prieto-Aranda-actualizada_485-1.jpg)
Pilar Prieto Aranda
Senior Scientist
![Azahara C. Martín Ramírez](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Azahara-2-e1547201205154.jpg)
Azahara C. Martín Ramírez
Doctora EMERGIA
![Antonio Martín Muñoz](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Antonio-Martin-Munoz_485-1.jpg)
Antonio Martín Muñoz
Group manager
Ad honorem associate Prof.
Personnel in training
![Ana María Gálvez Galán](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Ana María Gálvez Galán
Predoctoral FPI
![Marta Gavilan Camacho](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1600689007445.jpg)
Marta Gavilan Camacho
Predoctoral FPI
Personal técnico
![Mª Carmen Calderón Pérez](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Carmen_Calderon1-1.jpg)
Mª Carmen Calderón Pérez
Titulada Medio
![María Helena Guzmán López](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1634895477370.jpg)
María Helena Guzmán López
Titulada Superior
![Encarnación Ramos Naz](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Encarnación Ramos Naz
Auxiliar investigación OPIS
![María Fiñana Rivera](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Isabel-serrano.jpeg)
María Fiñana Rivera
Técnico Superior
![Miriam Marín Sanz](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Miriam Marín Sanz
Predoctoral FPI
![Mª Dolores Requena Ramírez](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1684435915444.jpg)
Mª Dolores Requena Ramírez
M3
![Ana Adela García Rull](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Ana Adela García Rull
Auxiliar investigación OPIS
![Ana Martínez Castilla](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Ana Martínez Castilla
Oficial
![Juana Muñoz García](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Juana Muñoz García
Colaborador I+D+i
![Carmen Ramírez Alcántara](https://www.ias.csic.es/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1._ias_vertical_color.1334570412.jpg)
Carmen Ramírez Alcántara
Colaborador I+D+i