CATRIN – CRH

CATRIN – CRH is a science center where researchers focus on plant research and the development of plant biotechnologies. Since 2020, it has been a part of the university research institute at Palacký University Olomouc – Czech Institute of Research and Advanced Technologies (CATRIN). It builds on the experience and results of the Center of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, which was built between 2010 and 2013.

One of the major challenges that local scientists are facing is mitigating the effects of climate change and averting the impending food crisis through sustainable agriculture. Using modern methods of molecular biology and genetic engineering, they are therefore looking for ways to breed agricultural crops not only with higher yields, but also greater resistance to drought, weather fluctuations, diseases and pests or a higher content of healthy substances. CATRIN – CRH researchers are dedicated to improving properties of barley in particular, which can also serve as an incubator for the formation of compounds with therapeutic potential.

The success of traditional and modern methods of breeding economically important crops is assessed by using classical yield parameters, testing resistance to environmental influences (phenotyping, bioassays), but also using methods of chemical analysis. Assessment of the quality of crop production can focus on the main nutrients – the amount and quality of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, as well as the content of bioactive ingredients that have a positive effect on human health. CATRIN – CRH researchers together with partners from the Crop Research Institute use modern methods of chemical analysis to select genetic material (vegetables, aromatic and medicinal plants) suitable for further breeding. Plant genetic resources stored in the gene bank of the Czech Republic are used for this purpose.

Head of CATRIN – CRH

Mgr. Lukáš Spíchal, Ph.D.

Phone	+420 585 634 855
E-mail	lukas.spichal@upol.cz
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