About the section

Our section brings together professors, researchers, postdoctoral scientists, and PhD and master’s students working in sustainable agriculture, with core expertise in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, plant biology, and plant protection (plant pathology and weed science).

Our research focuses primarily on cereals and grasses, with additional work on protein crops and algae. Plant breeding is a central pillar of our activity, supported by evolutionary, molecular, and physiological approaches. We integrate breeding and genetics with genomics, bioinformatics, gene editing (e.g. CRISPR), and phenomics, including genetic analyses, breeding models, breeding value estimation, breeding program design, and the use of genetic resources. Evolutionary plant biology and development represent key scientific strengths, providing a foundation for understanding adaptation and trait development. In parallel, we have strong expertise in digital agricultural technologies, including IoT, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-support tools for modern plant breeding and crop management.

To reduce the ecological footprint of agricultural production, our weed science research combines classical weed biology with image-based mapping, site-specific weed control, and robotic and drone-based technologies. We are leading the Norwegian national Phenotyping infrastructure (PheNo). Plant pathology research addresses crop health, disease resistance, and sustainable protection strategies. We participate in numerous national and EU-funded projects addressing climate adaptation, crop resilience, and genetic improvement.

Our mission is to support sustainable food production by combining plant breeding, genetics, and technology to meet future climate challenges. We are nationally and internationally recognized for our contributions to plant breeding, evolutionary biology, and data-driven agriculture.

• Teaching

  Our research-based teaching spans plant production, plant biology, breeding and genetics, and sustainable food systems. We hold primary responsibility for courses in crop physiology, plant breeding, plant protection, and the production of cereals, protein crops, and forages. We contribute to teaching at all levels—introductory, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD—and are actively involved in NOVA courses and teaching across faculties.

• Collaboration partners

  Research, and public sector partners:

  Wageningen University, Norwegian Computing Center, NLR, NIBIO, Mattilsynet, Nofima, University of California–Berkeley, International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Centre (IBMC), University of Bergen, KU Leuven, University of Vermont, ILVO (Belgium), SINTEF Ocean, Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

  Industry partners:

  Graminor, Yara, Agdir, NTTine, Felleskjøpet, Strand, Lantmännen, Seaweed Solutions, etc.

• Members

  Leader:

  Members of the section

Research project

Both projects we lead and those we are involved in