Development and application of new genomic breeding technologies in plant breeding

GENOVA is a research and innovation initiative that develops genomic solutions to support plant breeding. The project focuses on improving climate resilience, yield productivity, and quality in key crop species: timothy grass, barley, and rapeseed. Its core areas are genomic selection, genome editing, and the use of marker information to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of breeding. In addition, the project investigates how genomic and pan-genomic data can support the identification of key genes and genetic variation relevant to breeding. Methods are developed and applied to crop species at different stages of adopting genomic solutions, with their applicability tested and refined in practical breeding scenarios. The aim of the GENOVA project is to integrate new technologies into breeding programs and strengthen expertise so that the use of genomic information supports sustainable plant breeding. At the same time, the project promotes collaboration between research, breeding, and the food sector to develop new varieties that meet shared needs.