Genetics and Plant Biotechnology

The research program covers basic and applied research in the field of crop genetics and breeding with an emphasis on molecular analysis of plant genomes, induction of haploids and gene transfer.The main research fields are: studies of gynogenesis and androgenesis for haploid production; - induction of somaclonal variability and studies of the stability of expressed changes; - studies of somatic embriogenesis aimed at improving the regeneration abilities of plants; - studies of inter and intra-species genetic variability by molecular and other markers, for evaluation, mantainence and use of accessions in genebanks and studies of natural biodiversity; - DNA fingerprinting for characterisation and identification of crop varieties; - 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. Basic research will be applied in breeding, mainly in onion, cabbage and hop. The program is a continuation of past research work of a group with extensive results in the field of genetic diversity studies (buckwheat, hop), fingerprinting (wheat, buckwheat, hop) and studies of gametaclonal variation (onion, cabbage). The research group is leading in the research of onion gynogenesis and has well established research in haploid induction. Continuation of the present research will be focused on the intensification of molecular genome analysis of genome structure and the functions of DNA sequences and genetic transformation. Parallel to this research is the management and co-ordination of the Slovene plant genebank and activities relating to biosafety aspects of genetically modified crops. The research group has well-equipped premises for relevant research in the field of genetics, breeding and plant biotechnology and thus provides education and research facilities to numerous students and researchers from other institutions.