Breeding Value
With our molecular breeding technology, we can rapidly produce environmentally friendly, high-protein faba bean varieties for the plant-based food and feed industries.
Explore
Faba Beans
The UK and Europe are highly dependent on soybeans imported from the Americas to meet their plant protein demands, spending more than ten billion USD equivalents on soy products every year. Globally, growth in the plant-based food and livestock sectors means demand for plant protein for food or animal feed is unlikely to fall.
Faba beans are a highly adaptable protein crop and are therefore extensively cultivated within the UK, Europe, and worldwide. With high potential yields and unparalleled nitrogen fixing capability, they are prime candidates to help meet growing demand for plant protein and could make a substantial contribution to diversification of global protein sources.
Their lower protein content and protein nutritional quality compared to soybeans, however, limits their use as a soy alternative and makes them a less valuable crop.
Our Offering
A fast, molecular-based faba bean breeding pipeline
1
Breeding Pipeline
A fast, molecular-based faba bean breeding pipeline based on high-density genetic data and precise, molecular-level characterization of the protein variation found in our extensive collection of faba bean lines.
2
Improve Protein Content
Our pipeline allows us to simultaneously improve protein content and quality and to optimize protein profiles for specific end uses.
3
Application Potential
This represents a significant step forward in increasing the application potential of the crop.
4
Add Value
By addressing the limitations of faba bean as a protein source in a precise and directed way, we can rapidly enhance its suitability as an alternative to soy and add value for growers and end-users in the food and feed industries.
Who we are
Meet the Team
Fabaplus are a University of Reading based group dedicated to faba bean genetics and breeding, with a particular focus on understanding the genetic factors which influence how much and what types of protein are found in their seeds.
With nearly a decade of research experience in this field, we have developed a molecular breeding strategy which enables us to produce faba beans with more, better quality, protein. At Fabaplus, we are committed to the development of sustainable, nutritionally superior sources of plant protein.
Thomas Robertson-Shersby-Harvie
Entrepreneurial Lead
Donal O’Sullivan
Associate Science Advisor
Moataz Samir
Technology Transfer Representative
Contact Us
We would love to receive your feedback on our project and should you contact us, we will be back in touch very soon.