Biometry and Population Genetics
■ Research
In the Department of Biometry and Population Genetics, we study plant breeding through the lens of quantitative genetics with a focus on genomic prediction, cross planning, and selection strategies. We apply state-of-the-art statistical models, including machine learning methods, that integrate genetic, environmental, and other relevant factors, leading to more accurate predictions and more effective selection of superior progenies, and work with genetic simulations in order to maximize genetic gain for desirable traits.
An overview of available thesis topics can be found here.
■ Contact
Department of Biometry and Population Genetics
Justus Liebig University
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32
D-35392 Giessen, Germany
Tel.: +49 641 99-37435
■ Recent publications
- Tavera HH, Losert D, Boxriker M, Boehm R, Kienbaum L, Dutta S, Zenke-Philippi C (2026) Genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction for key ornamental traits in tetraploid pot carnation. BMC Plant Biology 26:1927
- Grosch E, Herrmann M, Schurak S, Beuch S, Kurra V, Mascher M, Avni, R, Oldach K, Röhrs I, Bekele W, Hanemann A, Mehta RR, Reinbrecht C, Sefling A, Stahl A, Stucke M, Zenke-Philippi C (2026) Combining different selection criteria into breeding strategies for short-term recurrent genomic selection. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 139:316
- Thomsen LE, Frisch M, Flachenecker C, Abbadi A, Kox T, Kulle C, Zenke-Philippi C (2026) Improving hybrid breeding efficiency in winter oilseed rape under sparse multi-environment testing. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 139:227