Project properties

Title Breeding faba bean for plant-based food applications: genetic architecture of off-flavours
Group Plant Breeding, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Prof.Dr. Luisa Trindade, Antonio Lippolis
Examiner(s) Prof.Dr. Luisa Trindade
Contact info luisa.trindade@wur.nl, antonio.lippolis@wur.nl
Begin date 2021/08/01
End date 2023/12/30
Description Pulses, the dried edible seeds of certain legumes, are increasingly desired by companies as ingredients for plant-based meat/dairy alternatives. Among pulses, faba bean (Vicia Faba L.) is particularly appreciated for its high protein content and the adaptation to various European climate zones. One of the major bottlenecks for using the protein-rich components of faba concerns the sensory quality. In modern food applications, a neutral and bland flavour is required, thus the traditional faba bean-like flavour are considered ‘off-flavours’.
The thesis will comprise one or more of the following activities:
1) Collect data in the field and apply statistical concepts to detect the genetic signal of the phenotypic observations
2) Establish a reliable and fast screening method for generating high-throughput data based on Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
3) Apply population genetics concepts to study the genetic structure and the variation of the mapping population
4) Combine the high-throughput phenotyping methods and the advanced genotyping data through association genetics (GWAS)
The outcome of the research activity (BSc/MSc Thesis or Internship) will potentially contribute to develop new varieties particularly suitable for plant-based food application in the context of protein transition (Protein transition - WUR ). The thesis topics we offer will reflect the above-mentioned 4 points, depending on the stage of the project and the interests of the student.
Used skills Depending on the specific project the student will use one or more of the following skills: Statistical analysis (i.e. modelling of phenotypic data, prediction of chemical data)
Biochemical analysis (i.e., protein and oil extraction)
Genetic analysis (i.e., linkage disequilibrium, GWAS)
Requirements Compulsory: PBR-30306 Breeding for Stress Tolerance and Quality or PBR 37306 Advanced Bioresources.
Depending on the specific topic, experience with R/Phyton or biochemical lab analysis are a plus.