Research in plant biotechnology

In line with the strategy of the University of Kuopio, the research in plant biotechnology finds its focus from health and environmental aspects. Studies on soft fruits started already in the 1980s, pproviding new opportunities for the regional soft fruit cultivation and processing activities. Based on our studies, new arctic bramble, sweet rowanberry and blueberry varieties have been adopted for cultivation in Finland. Inspired by these studies, extensive research on bioactive compounds in berries were started in the University of Kuopio. In addition, studies on plant protection and development of disease resistant varieties are important for securing the yield and production of high quality berries.

The environmentally oriented studies focus on the interaction of plants and metals, the ultimate goal being the development of improved plants for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated lands. The results can also be applied for the improvement of the nutritional quality and safety of food crops. Up-to-date methods of molecular biology and genetic modification are used in all research projects. Proteomics, started in 1994, are applied in several projects. The applicability of proteomics on the safety evaluation of food crops is presently studied in a large EU project.

 

 The research group

prof. Sirpa Kärenlampi, group leader

Dr. Reijo Karjalainen, senior scientist

Dr. Arja Tervahauta, senior scientist