Biotechnology solution to obtain bigger seeds and improved germination.
Our research group of seed biotechnology and genomics has increased, by genetic engineering, plant and seed biomass, and at the same time has improved germination and seedling vigor. These features increase plant yield and biomass.
Plants represent more than 80% of human diet, and just 5 cereal seeds account for 60% of calories of world population. Due to the exponential population growth, increasing plant production is a key goal to meet world demand. According to forecasts, global seed market will increase by 34% in 2020, and 58% of this market will come from modified seeds.
By simple genome engineering in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the group has obtained larger seeds (60%) with improved germination and giving rise to bigger plants (30%).
According to several studies, seed mass is positively correlated with seedling survival and, therefore, is a determinant of plant fitness.
All of this means increasing plant yield, not only in terms of production for the same cultivated land, but also for the improvement of vigor seedling and crop survival.
“Biotechnology solution to increase plant yield in a sustainable manner, by generation of larger seeds and plants”
Agrifood
Energy
Plant biotecnology
Agrifood
Energy
“Population growth, decreased plant yield and cultivable land, generate the need to use new technologies to produce food in a friendly and sustainable way."
BULKUICK contact
Rocío Sánchez Montesino, Luis Oñate Sánchez.
e: rocio.sanchez@upm.es, luis.onate@upm.es
UPM contact
Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Area
Centre of Support for Technological Innovation – UPM
e: innovacion.tecnologica@upm.es