Modern plant breeding combines traditional selection methods with cutting-edge technologies to develop crops that meet the evolving needs of agriculture, address environmental challenges, and contribute to global food security. Over the last 50 years, plant breeding has been a transformative force in European agriculture, reshaping both conventional and low-input farming systems.
With the advent of precision breeding techniques, plant breeding stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of European agriculture. Genetic modification, genome editing and molecular assisted selection enable targeted and precise improvement of desired traits. However, it is essential to navigate ethical and regulatory considerations associated with these technologies to ensure responsible and sustainable adoption.
Research Topics
- Functional Omics in PB
- PB applied to cereals
- PB applied to forages
- PB applied to Solanaceae
- PB applied to Cucurbitaceae
- Tolerance to biotic / abiotic stresses
- Local genetic resources and PB
- Underestimated energy crops
- PB for organic farming
- PB for sole and intercropping systems
- Genetic Resources Conservation
- Participatory Plant Breeding
- Successional Agroforestry Systems
- Biocontrol for crop protection
- Genetics of insecticide resistance
- Genetics of plant-pest interactions
- Genetic diversity of breeding clones
- Micro-propagation of ornamentals
- Genetics of plant-sex determination
- Plant reaction to climate change
JRC 7 Coordinator : Enrico Francia (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)