1. Genetic diversity
2. Plant Genomics
3. Molecular Breeding and Genetic Modifications
4. Plant- Microbe Interactions

Scientific strategic objectives of these programs

The main goal of this program is to assess and analyze the degree of genetic diversity among natural populations. Both molecular and phenotypical diversities will be investigated for major native plant species including wild and cultivated landraces. Several molecular marker techniques could be evaluated to characterize this diversity. Acquired data will be statistically analyzed to estimate the genetic distances among and within investigated genotypes.  

Plant Genomics
The aim of this program is to identify, characterize and clone major gene families particularly abiotic stresses genes using cDNA libraries and Data base mining, e.g. salinity, drought, heat and cold. Moreover, development of in silico markers is being performed for important crops in the Kingdom. Revealed genes and their promoters will be studies at both functional and expressional levels. Potential candidates could be transformed into model organism (e.g. Arabidopsis, tobacco, and Brachpodium) followed by introduction into major recipient corps.

Molecular Breeding and Genetic Modifications
The aim of molecular breeding program is to improve productivity, quality, sustainability, to drought, heat, salt tolerance and pathogen resistance of Saudi Arabian germplasm. Utilizing molecular markers for assisting breeding and mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for important traits and using proper statistical analysis tools to associate markers linked to candidate genes. 

Plant-Microbe Interactions
The aim of this research group is to identify and characterize plant pathogen resistant genes. Develop molecular tools for plant disease diagnostics. Identify and characterize plant symbiosis micro-organisms. Identify and characterize Saudi flora microorganisms. 

RESEARCH GOALS OF EACH AREA 

Genetic Diversity

• Studying genetic diversity in natural populations and cultivated crops.
• Similarity indices regarding phenotypic and molecular data among and within investigated plant populations.
• Dendrograms illustrating clustering of these populations into major and subgroups.
• Short and long-term collection and conservation strategies for native plant species and landraces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Plant Genomics

• Disclose stress tolerant gene(s) from wild species.
• Generate and characterize full length clones of stress induced genes.
• Development of novel DNA markers.
• Genetic transformation.
• A roadmap of priorities to clone and analyze candidate genes from native and important plant species to the Kingdom.
• Cloned novel genes in dedicated vectors with registrations in international Genbanks. That can be offered to a third party upon request governed by material transfer agreement (MTA).
• Patents and/or publications covering the identified new genes.
• Transgenic lines expressing novel genes.

Molecular Breeding and Genetic Modifications

• Applications of marker assisted selection.
• Characterization and mapping QTL linked to stress  genes.
• Established breeding program based on marker-assisted selection (MAS).
• Advanced breeding lines showing tolerance or resistance traits.
• Genetic and physical maps localized linked breeding markers to important traits.

Plant-Microbe Interactions

• Molecular disease diagnostics.
• Identification of plants pathogen resistant genes.
• Identification of plant symbiosis micro-organism.
• Identification of characterization of Saudi microorganism flora.
• Identified host-pathogen gene interactions.
• Development of a molecular marker diagnostics tools for plant pathogen interaction.