Crop Functional Genomics

The division of Crop Functional Genomics is part of the Institute of Plant Sciences and Resource Conservation (INRES).

Our research focus is the genetic and genomic dissection of maize and barley root development. To this end, we clone and characterize genes controlling root architecture and we investigate the molecular mechanisms of heterosis manifestation. Moreover, we are interested in how root systems react to abiotic stress such as drought or cold and how they interact with the rhizosphere.

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PhD POSITION IN PLANT GENOMICS⁵

The Crop Functional Genomics group of Frank Hochholdinger at the University of Bonn offers a PhD POSITION IN PLANT GENOMICS (Three years, 65% TV-L E13). Goal of this DFG-funded project is to understand the genetic and molecular basis of the systemic modulation of maize (Zea mays L.) root system architecture by seminal roots to better adapt to drought.

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Caroline Marcon and Frank Hochholdinger received the cooperator award of the Maize Genetics Cooperation⁶

Frank Hochholdinger, professor for Crop Functional Genomics at the INRES and Carolin Marcon, project leader of the BonnMu group, were honored with the 2025 Maize Genetics Cooperator Award by the Maize Genetics Cooperation at the 67th maize genetics conference in St. Louis, USA.

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67th maize genetics conference in St. Louis⁷

Members of the Crop Functional Genomics group attended the 67th maize genetics meeting in St. Louis, USA from 6-8, March 2025.

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Marion Pitz and Frank Hochholdinger gave a presentation at Bayer, St. Louis⁸

Before the start of the 67th maize genetics conference Marion Pitz and Frank Hochholdinger gave a presentation of their work at the Bayer site in Chesterfield.