Our mission
Crop Biotechnics research & education focuses on sustainable production of agricultural & horticultural products.
We employ a variety of biotechnological methodologies to perform fundamental & applied plant research. We integrate knowledge at the level of cellular, tissue, plant, environment and agro-systems, both for model plants & economically important crops.
Upcoming events
LPI invites Dr. Francisco Nascimento - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biotecnológica (IBET), Oeiras, Portugal
"Phyco-µ-Biome: Understanding and harnessing the power of the microalgae microbiome aiming the maximization of marine microalgae productivity"
February 6, 2024 - 3 pm
Location: Aula de Molen, 00.07, Kasteelpark Arenberg 50, Heverlee
Highlight of the month
1,700 banana varieties hold potential to improve the nutrition and livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. Thanks to a longstanding collaboration of The Alliance of Bioversity International - CIAT with KU Leuven and the Belgian government, the Musa genebank team has been able to conduct decades of cutting-edge research on this biodiversity.
Our scientists, DG of the Alliance Juan Lucas Restrepo, and KU Leuven Emeritus Prof. Rony Swennen welcomed Minister Caroline Gennez of the Belgian Development Cooperation and Leuven City Mayor Mohamed Ridouani to see our labs and gene bank in action.
Learn more about our banana research here!
Pictures: Jef Apers & Departement Biosystemen
Crop Production
The future of food production lies in the integration of sustainability concepts within high-productive farming systems (intensive farming) and the development of new farming systems (e.g. vertical farming). There is a huge challenge to make our current farming systems more climate change resilient.
Crop Protection
An integrated approach, combining innovative technologies and best practices, is needed to combat plant diseases. Our research aims at developing alternative disease management strategies contributing to the reduction of plant protection products and ensuring the sustainable cultivation of healthy crops.
Crop Breeding
An essential aspect of sustainable agriculture is the breeding of new crop types and cultivars that are climate-resilient, have improved crop yield and quality, and are adapted towards alternative cultivation systems. Our breeding research centers on these specific aspects as a basis for developing innovative breeding tools.
Collaborate with Us
Work with us towards a sustainable production of agricultural & horticultural products.
Willem de Croylaan 42, bus 2427
3001 Leuven – Belgium
