• Preparation of a DNA sample in the laboratory
    Genetic research

Genetic research

Overview

In short

Here, the holistic structure and biological functions of the plant genome are explored.

Advantages

Complex characteristics that are not based on individual genes but on networks of genes can be analyzed and accurately adapted.

Disadvantages

none

Development

Application in practical plant breeding since the 1990s.

Application at KWS

To analyze the genetic material of sugarbeet, corn, rapeseed, sunflowers, wheat, barley or rye. Many research projects are carried out in collaboration with our partners.

A genome is the totality of all genetic material in a plant. Genetic research reveals the make-up and biological function of the plant genome (i.e. all genes) and regulatory areas within. We already know the genomes of many crops.

To make breeding-related deductions based on genome information, farmers mainly look at the genetic differences between the individual plants of a crop. The function of individual genes or DNA segments can be deduced by making connections between variations in the appearance of various plants (for example, disease-resistance) and their genetic differences. Genetic research also helps us analyze plant characteristics that are not based on individual genes, but on networks of genes. Complex traits such as yield and drought-tolerance can then be more accurately adapted.

To shed more light on the functions of genes, scientists and farmers now include other research areas in their analyses and examine, for instance, the totality of all proteins (proteome) or metabolites (metabolome) of a plant.

The results obtained can be used for both traditional breeding, as well as the new, innovative methods of plant breeding, such as genome editing.

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