Profile

The research of the group is focused on genetic and molecular investigations of cereals and fodder grasses with the objective to obtain a basic understanding of the mechanisms behind availability and utilization of phosphate, nitrogen, minerals and cell walls in animal feed. Most of this research is also relevant for human nutrition. New types of materials are generated by genetic transformation or conventional breeding and evaluated in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Risk assessment at the molecular level is an integrated part of these activities. New initiatives have been taken with the objective of improving the transformation techniques for barley and wheat with special reference to the elimination of selection genes and the development of a technology for gene targeting by homologous recombination. We have acquired a substantial competence in classical and molecular genetics comprising DNA markers, the development of genetic maps and mapping of genes involved in quality parameters and disease resistance in ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and maize (Zea mays) and implemented modern genomic and post genomic tools and equipment.