Pennacchi JP

Biography

PhD in Environmental Sciences/Crop Sciences (Lancaster University/Rothamsted Research - UK). MSc in Agronomy/Plant Physiology (Universidade Federal de Lavras - Brazil). BSc in Agronomy ( Universidade Federal de Lavras/Universidad Nacional de Tucuman - Brazil/Argentina) and BSc in Electrical Engineering (Universidade Federal de Itajubá - Brazil). Current research has being part of the 20:20 Wheat Project of the Rothamsted Research Institute. It focused in trait heritability, genetic variability, correlation to yield and potential use for wheat breeding programs. It also involves QTLs mapping for physiological, architectural and canopy traits related to wheat yield improvement. Evaluation of cultivars in different environmental conditions and analysis of plant performance in yield potential and stability. The studies of transgenic wheat plant for enhanced carbon concentration mechanisms and potential photosynthetic improvement was also on the scope of the project. A second research project is related to the proposal of a new method, based on multivariate statistics and multiple physiological traits, to inform phenotypic plasticity and plant fitness in crops and native species. Research interest in crop physiology and traits to improve yield and yield stability in crops; Interaction between nutrient, water, light and carbon cycles; Sustainable agricultural, climate change and food security.