Modern breeding of small grains for present and future needs

The study will be focused on the improvement of breeding methods, production and processing of small grain cultivars obtained by conventional and modern biotechnology methods, with the aim of developing new cultivars which combine high yield and improved quality parameters and which can be used for human food, livestock feed and production of renewable energy sources. These cultivars should be tolerant to abiotic and biotic stress factors. Additional targets of the research activities will be the identification of the genotype by environment interactions, adaptability and stability of yield and quality, defining optimal cultural practices per cultivar and cultivar suitability for food processing industry. A recommendation will be prepared for the technology of growing under conditions of organic production. The proposed project will be divided in three sub-projects: 1. Improvement of the genetic, production and processing potentials of small grains by modern biotechnological methods 2. Improvement of the genetic, production and processing potentials of small grains conventional biotechnological methods 3. Improving the technology of small grains growing The most important results expected to be generated by this project are increased efficacy and economy of breeding work, production and processing of small grains. Further benefits will be new improved cultivars, research papers published in domestic and international scientific journals and seven Ph.D. theses.