LESSISMORE - Sustainable intensification of barley cultivation

In collaboration with Carlsberg Research Laboratory, researchers at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University will collaborate trying to bring barley back to some of its original robust origins. Barley is the second most cultivated crop in Denmark, and used for feed and beer brewing.

By using an advanced new breeding technique developed by Carlsberg, the researchers will naturally reintroduce into the crop properties it has lost over time. This rewilding technology is expected to generate barley varieties with optimal natural properties. By using the unique expertise of the parties to the project, the goal is to influence the grain yield by improving the transport, storage and mobilization of nutrients towards the grain.

It is considered likely that LESSISMORE's results can be transferred to crops other than barley and lead to spin-off initiatives. With LESSISMORE, the goal is to develop a new method of crop breeding that is both effective and sustainable for agriculture, industry and the environment.

Project Partners

• University of Copenhagen - Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
• Aarhus University – Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Carlsberg Research Laboratory