Defra Oilseeds Genetic Research Network

Project activities and publications

The overall aim of the Defra Oilseeds Genetic Improvement Network (OREGIN) is to underpin the genetic improvement of key UK oilseed crops that are grown primarily for food. The primary focus of the current phase of OREGIN (2024-2029) is winter oilseed rape, with other activities including the evaluation of oilseed hemp and sunflower as alternative crops for a changing climate. OREGIN is a network-building programme involving 10 organisations (4 stakeholder, 5 academic and 1 government), focused on the generation, analysis and dissemination of information, genetic resources and new technologies that underpin pre-breeding for priority traits.

Professor Bancroft is the PI for this network. The research being undertaken at the University of York builds upon our expertise in rapeseed genomics, particularly the application of associative transcriptomics, the induction of novel genetic variation by radiation mutagenesis and the pyramiding of mutations and natural variants for predictive trait evaluation.