Plant breeding and biotechnology
The growing pressure on global food security demands crops that perform better under climate stress and disease pressure. Growers are seeking varieties with higher yields, quality and resilience. Together with breeders and seed companies, WUR accelerates genetic innovation in vegetables, ornamentals, protein, oil and fibre crops, and mushrooms using advanced breeding technologies — from DNA to field.
Developing new varieties that can stand up to challenges — that’s the essence of future-proof agriculture and horticulture. We support the entire breeding process with a unique combination of practical expertise, high-tech laboratories and advanced methods such as CRISPR-Cas, genomics and AI. Our experts identify genetic traits that contribute to higher yields, improved nutritional value and natural resilience — for example against drought, pests and diseases. Through high-throughput phenotyping, we quickly and efficiently select the best plants to serve as the basis for breeding new traits. We explore new genes to enhance disease resistance, stress tolerance and taste, while developing innovative methods for more efficient breeding. Our innovations reach the market through close collaboration with seed companies, breeders, growers and policymakers worldwide.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Plant breeding for stress-tolerant crops
We develop crops that can withstand climate stress, diseases and pests. Using modern technology and genetic diversity, we help companies and public bodies achieve sustainable, stress-tolerant crops.
Plant breeding for stress-tolerant crops
We develop crops that can withstand climate stress, diseases and pests. Using modern technology and genetic diversity, we help companies and public bodies achieve sustainable, stress-tolerant crops.
Plant breeding for quality traits
We develop crop varieties that are not only productive and resilient but also excel in flavor, nutritional value, and shelf life.
New breeding methods: gene editing and plant regeneration
New breeding methods can contribute to plant breeding by enabling faster and more precise genetic modifications, or by introducing genes from related plants more efficiently (cisgenesis). Wageningen Plant Research works on improving these methods—such as CRISPR-Cas—to support breeding companies in developing innovative varieties that are more resistant to diseases and abiotic stress.
High-throughput phenotyping for faster plant breeding
High-throughput phenotyping accelerates the development of resilient and productive crops. Using advanced sensors and data technology, we support companies and researchers in selecting the best varieties more quickly—both for today’s and tomorrow’s climates.
Omics and AI for future-proof crops
Omics technologies and artificial intelligence make it possible to develop more effective knowledge about the genetic and phenotypic characteristics and biochemical composition of plants. This enables faster breeding of varieties that are resistant to climate stress and diseases and that meet market requirements, thereby improving the quality of plant production and plant-based (food) products. We offer partners the expertise and facilities to translate data into practical breeding solutions.
Related products and services
Related facilities
Why partner with WUR?
We offer
- Globally leading in plant breeding research with proven impact
- Application of cutting-edge methods: CRISPR-Cas and other NGTs
- Access to unique facilities and one of the world’s most accessible gene banks
- Close collaboration with industry for direct applicability and customised solutions
- Contribution to global food security and climate adaptation
Contact us
Get in touch with our business developer to explore collaboration opportunities in plant breeding and genetic innovation.
Explore related focus areas
Climate-resilient, biodiverse and sustainable agriculture
Integrated, area-specific systems that balance productivity, ecology and climate resilience — creating robust, future-proof production for open-field cultivation.
Climate-resilient, biodiverse and sustainable agriculture
Integrated, area-specific systems that balance productivity, ecology and climate resilience — creating robust, future-proof production for open-field cultivation.
Future-proof greenhouse horticulture
Circular, fossil-free and emission-free cultivation concepts that enable sustainable innovation in greenhouse production — without compromising on yield or quality.
Plant and crop health
Sustainable crop protection strategies that reduce chemical use through smart diagnostics, resilient varieties and biological solutions.
AI, robotics and smart cultivation technologies
Knowledge and technology that unlock the potential of plants to produce nutritional ingredients, bioactive compounds and renewable feedstocks for sustainable materials.
Plant-based compounds for a circular bioeconomy
Companies and policymakers are seeking sustainable alternatives to production processes based on fossil resources. With its broad expertise in plant science, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) enables the use of plants for this purpose — from breeding and cultivation optimisation to valorising crop residues and designing sustainable biotechnological production and valorisation processes in and from plants.
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