AGR-176 Genetics and Physiology of Plant Development

Among other thrusts, the Genetics and Physiology of Plant Development Group studies the genetic and molecular processes of floral induction and fruit development. A second thrust focuses on the physiology and gene-hormone relations of the flowering and fruiting processes. We also work on using biotechnology to improve fruit quality, including taste, shelf life and pigment, sugar and essential compound content.

A final, important thrust of our work is marker-assisted genetic crop improvement. The services offered by the group go from analysing phytohormones in plants and fruit to in vitro cultivation of plant cells and tissue.

We also develop molecular markers for the selection of agricultural traits, DNA techniques for genetic diagnosis, identifying the purity of hybrid seeds and resistance to pests and disease. Lastly, we also identify seeds and determine their varietal purity.