Institute of Crop Breeding and Genomics

The mission of the Institute of Crop Breeding and Genomics is to perform basic and applied research on agricultural crop plants with an emphasis on plant breeding, plant genetics, phytopathology and disease resistance. Our work contributes to increased resilience of crop plant production and to lowering external input while maintaining productivity.

Based on classical plant breeding methods the modern tools of structural and functional genomics are applied to solve relevant problems in a plant breeding context. The development of biotechnological tools like molecular markers for complex plant traits (QTL) and research on gene expression are core activities of the institute. The genetic analysis of complex traits (QTL) by use of molecular markers will lead to the development of novel and efficient selection tools for plant breeders. Quantitative genetic methods, including utilization of genome-wide markers for predicting quantitative traits (genomic selection), is one of our research hotspots. Our institute aims to serve as a link between basic research and the application of life science results in practical plant breeding. The institute has besides a modern laboratory infrastructure a strong basis in field based experimentation, as well as a greenhouse and several growth chambers. Current research focuses on disease resistance of cereals and breeding research on soybean. We are also working on smaller crops like oat and buckwheat.