BIO-293. Horticultural Genetics

Professor of Genetics at the University of Almeria and more than 30 years' teaching and research experience in genetics and plant biotechnology. Degree in Biological Sciences and Doctor of Science, University of Granada. Pre- and post-doctorate training (1989-1994) at University of Granada and University of Reading (UK), respectively, studying the molecular composition and evolution of plant B chromosomes and sexual chromosomes.

Joined the University of Almeria in 1994. Initially worked in genetic and molecular control of tomato flowering and flower development and in identifying molecular markers associated to genes of agricultural interest in horticultural plants.

In 2003, he set up his own research group: Horticultural Genetics, BIO293. Since then, he has headed several research thrusts in genetics, genomics and the genetic improvement of Cucurbitaceae. The group works with other groups in Spain and abroad, and with national and international seed distributors, on the identification and functional and molecular analysis of the genes involved in controlling traits of agricultural interest in horticultural species.

They use NGS sequencing and functional phenomic and genomic tools to analyze the molecular routes that regulate flower and fruit development, post-harvest quality and chill tolerance in immature non-climacteric fruits, and genetic resistance to biotic and abiotic stress in courgettes and watermelons.

The group's scientific output can be summarised in their four six-year research terms (latest 2008-2013), five autonomous six-year terms, 82 publications in WoS - of which 71 indexed in 58 published in first quartile journals. More than 1,500 citations in WoS (h-index = 23). The group has supervised 7 doctoral theses and more than 50 end of degree projects and master's dissertations.