In plant breeding the aim is to identify genetic variation that can be used to improve our crops, whether this be by increased yield or enhanced disease resistance. However, plant genomes are highly complex and it is not a trivial task to identify genetic variation which may be utilized for crop improvement. So how do we efficiently detect beneficial genetic variation and superior breeding material? These are some of the questions that Natasha Johansen has researched during her PhD studies, where she assessed and compared various methods for detecting beneficial genetic variation in crops.  

The findings of this PhD study have contributed to the development of methodologies for detecting beneficial genetic variation in crops, which may be used by plant breeders.

The PhD was completed at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

The summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 09.00 am.
Place: Building 1632-201, AIAS Auditorium, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Detection of Beneficial Genetic Variation in Crops
Contact information: Natasha Johansen, e-mail: najo@qgg.au.dk, tel.: +45 51976403
Members of the assessment committee:
Senior scientist Laurence Moreau, Quantitative Genetics and Selection Methods, INRAE, France
Professor Kåre Lehmann Nielsen, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Denmark.
Professor Doug Speed, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark (chair)
Main supervisor: Professor Torben Asp, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor: Assistant Professor Guillaume P. Ramstein, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.