Harnessing cytonuclear diversity for breeding adapted barley
The Cytoplasmic Multi-Parent populations (CMPP) is utilized for associating nuclear and cytoplasmic diversity with field characteristics. This is including the plasticity of these traits, under different environments. We develop genetic models that show how inclusion of neglected cytonuclear variation not only identify novel causality for grain yield and quality traits , but it also improves the prediction accuracy in genomic selection (Bodenheimer et al., 2025)(Bodenheimer et al., 2026).
Collaborators:
Christine Diepenbrock, Xiaofei Zhang (UC Davis)
Dan Koenig (UC Riverside, US)
Funding:
BARD (2021-2027); (2026-2029)
Horizon 2020 (EU)
The Cytoplasmic Multi-Parent populations (CMPP) is utilized for associating nuclear and cytoplasmic diversity with field characteristics. This is including the plasticity of these traits, under different environments. We develop genetic models that show how inclusion of neglected cytonuclear variation not only identify novel causality for grain yield and quality traits , but it also improves the prediction accuracy in genomic selection (Bodenheimer et al., 2025)(Bodenheimer et al., 2026).
Collaborators:
Christine Diepenbrock, Xiaofei Zhang (UC Davis)
Dan Koenig (UC Riverside, US)
Funding:
BARD (2021-2027); (2026-2029)
Horizon 2020 (EU)
BarKaymAi:Genomics-Phenomics ML-based toolkit for grain quality predictions
BarKaymAi is an innovative AI-driven toolkit designed for the non-invasive prediction of complex grain qualities. By fusing advanced genomic models with non-destructive hyperspectral seed imaging , the platform evaluates main-stream malt parameters for the beverage industry while simultaneously predicting side-stream traits to optimize the upcycling of malting by-products into high-value vegan proteins. Developed in collaboration with industrial partners , BarKaymAi significantly shortens crop breeding cycles and promotes agricultural sustainability
Collaborators:
Victor Alchanatis (ARO, IL)
Ektarina (Katya) Shor (ARO, IL)
Jamie Sherman (MSU, US)
Hazera1939 (Brurim,IL)
Funding:
NIFA-BARD (2026-2029)
BarKaymAi is an innovative AI-driven toolkit designed for the non-invasive prediction of complex grain qualities. By fusing advanced genomic models with non-destructive hyperspectral seed imaging , the platform evaluates main-stream malt parameters for the beverage industry while simultaneously predicting side-stream traits to optimize the upcycling of malting by-products into high-value vegan proteins. Developed in collaboration with industrial partners , BarKaymAi significantly shortens crop breeding cycles and promotes agricultural sustainability
Collaborators:
Victor Alchanatis (ARO, IL)
Ektarina (Katya) Shor (ARO, IL)
Jamie Sherman (MSU, US)
Hazera1939 (Brurim,IL)
Funding:
NIFA-BARD (2026-2029)
Environmental Canalization and Evolution of Plasticity
This project uses the barley1K collection and wild-cultivated populations, such as the CMPP, to investigate how plant populations adapt to diverse environments. By combining high-throughput phenomics platforms (SensyPAM and PSI PlantScreen), we analyze variations in photosynthesis and circadian rhythms to identify pathways that enhance crop productivity and climate robustness. Our research highlights the evolutionary dynamics of plasticity under domestication, focusing on the adaptive value of key stabilizing loci like HvCEN/Dry2.2 and Drivers of clock (DOC) loci under drought and heat.
Funding:
Israel Science Foundation (ISF)
This project uses the barley1K collection and wild-cultivated populations, such as the CMPP, to investigate how plant populations adapt to diverse environments. By combining high-throughput phenomics platforms (SensyPAM and PSI PlantScreen), we analyze variations in photosynthesis and circadian rhythms to identify pathways that enhance crop productivity and climate robustness. Our research highlights the evolutionary dynamics of plasticity under domestication, focusing on the adaptive value of key stabilizing loci like HvCEN/Dry2.2 and Drivers of clock (DOC) loci under drought and heat.
Funding:
Israel Science Foundation (ISF)
CAPITALISE: Harnessing crop photosynthesis using natural alleles
The Barley1K and Cytoplasmic Multi-Parent populations (CMPP) are used to associate nuclear and cytoplasmic diversity with photosynthetic characteristics. This includes the plasticity of these traits and their rhythms under different thermal environments.
Collaborators:
Jeremy Harbinson (Lead PI, Wageningen University, NL)
and the larger CAPITALISE consortium [https://www.capitalise.eu/]
Funding:
Horizon 2020 (EU)
The Barley1K and Cytoplasmic Multi-Parent populations (CMPP) are used to associate nuclear and cytoplasmic diversity with photosynthetic characteristics. This includes the plasticity of these traits and their rhythms under different thermal environments.
Collaborators:
Jeremy Harbinson (Lead PI, Wageningen University, NL)
and the larger CAPITALISE consortium [https://www.capitalise.eu/]
Funding:
Horizon 2020 (EU)