Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics

Introduction

Plant breeding started with sedentary agriculture dating back to 9,000 to 11,000 years when domestication of the first agricultural plants occurred. Since then this science has progressed and developed its own technology. Recent advancement in molecular genetics and biotechnological techniques has opened new avenues and many possibilities for breeding crops. Plant breeding has now emerged as an essential tool in the fight for food security and to meet the global challenge of providing food for a growing population.
We teach and perform strategically and applied research on agricultural crops with the aim to provide knowledge, tools, and products for an agriculture-based economy and improved human health. Our vision is that our work shall make a significant contribution to the efficient and sustainable production of food.
Our research has predominantly focussed on cereal crops (wheat and maize) for which we have active breeding programs, targeting mountainous agriculture. Our research is also directed towards, evaluating crops with bioactive compounds contributing to human health and nutrition. It extends to horticultural crops like tomatoes and potatoes. Research predominantly looks to identify solutions to production problems caused by environmental variability, the presence of disease and pests.
We have particularly strong contacts with the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) through national coordinators at Pakistan Agriculture Research Council, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad and other national and international academic institutions.