The advent of genome editing techniques, together with advances in plant genomics, has made it possible to introduce precise modifications into key genes involved in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress and quality traits, overcoming the limitations of both classical mutagenesis and the transgenic paradigm.
In the field of agrobiotechnology, we analyze and characterize plant biodiversity through cytological techniques such as flow cytometry and molecular cytogenetics, as well as by nucleic acid sequencing and genotyping of plant species and populations. Cytological approaches allow the determination of DNA content and ploidy levels. Sequencing of plant genomes and their genotyping reveal the genetic variability of a species and enable genotype–phenotype associations through genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analyze plant core collections using multi-level approaches (phenotypic, metabolic, etc.) to unravel the genetic architecture of complex traits. This approach enables the identification of genes associated with quality, nutritional value, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, providing essential tools for developing resilient and sustainable plant varieties that are crucial for addressing the challenges of modern agriculture, such as climate change and food security.