The research program "Genetics and plant biotechnology" covered basic and applied research in the field of crop genetics and breeding, with a stress on molecular analysis of plant genomes, induction of haploids and gene transfer. The main research fields were: studies of gynogenesis and androgenesis for haploid production; induction of somaclonal variability and studies of the stability of expressed changes; studies of somatic embriogenesis aimed at improving the regeneration capacities of plants; studies of inter and intra-species genetic variability by molecular and other markers, for evaluation, maintenance and use of accessions in genebanks and studies of natural biodiversity; DNA fingerprinting for crop variety characterisation and identification; genome mapping and identification of economically important traits and genes; application of direct and indirect transformational methods; studies of the stability of (trans)gene expression. The results of the research work carried out within the framework of the program have been presented in 45 scientific publications and numerous congress contributions. Work published in peer reviewed journals has contributed to the field of plant genetics and biotechnology, particularly new methodologies in plant haploid production, mechanisms of gynogenesis, new inter-species hybrids and studies on hop genome diversity. The research group leads in the study of onion gynogenesis, as well as in hop genetics. The interest expressed by various research groups for collaboration (initiated contacts, exchange of data and material, common publications) highlights the significant impact of our scientific results. The research group is involved in reciprocal international scientific exchange through bilateral projects, the CEEPUS programme, the COST programme, a NATO project, FW6 approved project (one of three projects submitted), and informal involvement and active participation (invited lectures) in the international scientific community.