Prof. Wolfgang Friedt
GCIRC President

The main research interests of Prof. Friedt are genetic diversity, breeding science and plant breeding including biotechnology, genetics and genomics, focusing on major crop plants such as barley (Hordeum vulgare), bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), sorghum (S. bicolor) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus).

Major research topics include i) the genetic basis of biomass and grain yield and future yield trends in crops (e.g. wheat), ii) genetic basis of heterosis, MS systems and hybrid breeding in winter barley, oilseed rape and sorghum, iii) relevance and importance of the structure and function of root systems for resource efficiency and agronomic performance of crop plants; iv) disease resistance and tolerance against environmental (abiotic) stresses such as drought and cold; v) seed development and major seed compounds (starch, lipids, protein, fibre) in oil- and protein crops.