Our research explores the development of biotechnological methods for crop improvement. For example, we investigate the use plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria to increase the transformation efficiency of potato. More recently, we have started research into the application of new technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas, that allow the introduction of targeted changes into plant genomes, thus avoiding the random integration of transgenes, which is considered in issue with traditional GM technology. Biotechnology is also used to conserve and propagate plant species, making use of our expertise in tissue culture techniques.

• Dr. Barbara Doyle Prestwich: plant tissue culture as a platform technology; microhydroponics; precision genetic engineering; novel methods of crop improvement