Keywords
Gene discovery, crop science, plant breeding,
functional foods
Expertise
Our cutting-edge research focuses on functional
gene analysis underlying key plant traits linked to yield
enhancement and stress tolerance in wheat and barley.
We use model plant species, for comparative molecular
and genomic analysis of photosynthetic mechanisms in
plants including Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)
and C4 species. This is coupled with work on plants for
use in functional foods, for example biosynthetic
pathways for food flavour, in analysis of secondary
compounds for novel pharmaceutical uses, as
‘
production factories’ for innovative platform chemicals,
and in evaluation of novel plant species for biofuels.
We develop improved screening methodologies for
screening efficacy of new traits and for comparative
analysis of crop (barley, wheat and rice) germplasm for
improved nutrient and water efficiency. This extends to
consideration of adaptive cropping strategies in response
to climate change in Europe and Asia.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Next generation genome sequencing facilities
•
State-of-the-art glass house and growth facilities
with containment facilities
•
Proteome analysis.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Centre for Genomic Research
•
BBSRC Functional Proteomics Facility.
Food Security & Safety
131
1.2
Crop production
Also see:
Health & Wellbeing –
11.1
Genomics and bioinformatics,
page 50
11.2
Proteomics, page 51
Energy & Sustainability –
1.2
Photosynthesis and biofuels,
page 70
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
