Media

2025

Preserving Biodiversity Through In Vitro Propagation

Researchers at the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology of the University of Debrecen, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Nyíregyháza and Uzhhorod National University, have developed an in vitro micropropagation method for two endangered Dianthus (carnation) species. This innovation supports the conservation of plant biodiversity.
Their findings were published in Plant Methods, one of the leading international journals in plant science. (June 24, 2025)

Epigenetics: The Ancient Language of Plant Communication

How do plants translate communication signals into the language of epigenetics?
Scientists at the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology have investigated the chemical and physical tools of plant communication within the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) programme.
Their groundbreaking results were published in Trends in Plant Science, a top-tier international journal in the field. (March 21, 2025)

2024

The Transcriptional Layer of Plant Memory

Plant memory offers new opportunities for cost-effective, sustainable agricultural practices.
The Plant Genomics and Plant Biotechnology Research Group at the Centre is conducting cutting-edge research on the molecular basis of plant memory.
Their latest scientific results have been published in Plant Signaling & Behavior.
(August 9, 2024)

Press Release: “The Plain is Cooing” – A Forgotten Chapter in Agricultural History

Pigeon breeding represents a valuable yet underexplored segment of Hungarian agricultural history.
Building on 15 years of research, Dr. Zoltán Bagi implemented the project “MEC_K 141137”, funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund through the Innovation and Technology Ministry. The project received a non-refundable grant of HUF 7,999,000 under the MEC_K_21 scheme.
(June 28, 2024)

  • A groundbreaking agricultural book has been published about a rapidly disappearing sector
  • The Plain is Cooing - A useful book for pigeon breeders: free of charge! (August 31, 2024)

2023

Magnetized Water in Agriculture

Irrigation with magnetized water promotes plant growth and development, increases yield, and improves crop quality.
Researchers at the Centre confirmed these findings in a study supporting cleaner and more efficient agricultural production.
A summary of the research was published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

Modernizing Pigeon Meat Production

A comprehensive volume summarizing current molecular genetic research relevant to pigeon meat production has been published by the Centre’s team.
This professional publication aims to enhance the competitiveness of Hungarian pigeon breeding.

Do Plants Remember?

The molecular background of plant memory has been investigated by researchers at the Centre in the framework of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).
Their findings were published in the prestigious journal Trends in Plant Science.


Experts at the University of Debrecen investigated whether plants remember (February 7, 2023)
 

2022

AGBK: Building connections across two continents

The trips taken by the staff of the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology to the Far East and North Africa to establish and strengthen international partnerships concluded successfully. – unideb.hu (19.12.2022)

Knowledge transfer through social media

The staff of the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology at the University of Debrecen Faculty of Agriculture created science communication videos about the effects of climate change on animal populations, aimed at Generations X, Y, and Z. The multimedia materials produced can also be used in online education. – unideb.hu (15.12.2022)

Invitation – Public PhD defence of doctoral candidate Bianka Mónika Véghné Tóth

You are cordially invited to the public defence of the PhD dissertation of doctoral candidate Bianka Mónika Véghné Tóth! – unideb.hu (06.12.2022)

Invitation – Public PhD defence of doctoral candidate Bendegúz Mihalik

You are cordially invited to the public defence of the PhD dissertation of doctoral candidate Bendegúz Mihalik! – unideb.hu (06.12.2022)

Biotechnology on an international level

International biotechnology trends and the latest research findings were presented at the International Biotechnology Symposium of the University of Debrecen. One of the central topics of the scientific conference, held at the DAB headquarters, was mycotoxin research. – unideb.hu (10.11.2022)

Melatonin, the plant conductor

A joint paper by researchers of the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology and the Institute of Food Technology at the University of Debrecen has been published in the Frontiers in Plant Science international journal, in the special issue Women in Plant Science 2022, on the role of melatonin in natural plant development. Their studies demonstrated that melatonin regulates plant growth and responses to various environmental stresses. – unideb.hu (02.11.2022)

Success of a Debrecen agricultural researcher at FIBOK

A researcher of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Debrecen won this year's best presenter award in the Plant Biotechnology section of the National Conference of Young Biotechnologists (FIBOK). Norbert Hidvégi, staff member of the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology, presented research results on the effects of ultrasound treatment on potatoes. – unideb.hu (22.07.2022)

  • Success of a Debrecen agricultural researcher at FIBOK – agrarunio.hu (28.07.2022)
  • Genetic studies for more efficient carp production
  • Hungary's indigenous carp strains possess significant genetic reserves – as revealed by the study conducted by researchers at the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology of the University of Debrecen. Their results offer promising opportunities for the future of domestic aquaculture. – unideb.hu (19.05.2022)
  • Genetic studies for more efficient Hungarian carp production – agroinform.hu (21.05.2022)
  • Important findings revealed about Hungarian carp – pecaverzum.hu (21.05.2022)
  • Genetic studies for more efficient carp production – agrojager.hu (21.05.2022)

Decoding the epigenetic ABC

Researchers at the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology of the University of Debrecen are investigating the epigenetic mechanisms in plants and their role in adaptation to changing environments. The international research collaboration supports the development of plant varieties that are tolerant or resistant to environmental changes. – unideb.hu (28.03.2022)

  • Decoding the epigenetic ABC – nkfih.gov.hu (29.03.2022)
  • Decoding the epigenetic ABC – agrokep.vg.hu (29.03.2022)

Innovative research in domestic pigeon breeding

Comprehensive studies at the Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology of the University of Debrecen aim to develop domestic pigeon breeding. The genetic and genomic research supports the introduction of precision technologies and the development of premium meat products. – unideb.hu (23.03.2022)

  • University of Debrecen research supports the development of domestic pigeon breeding – unideb.hu (23.03.2022)
  • Innovative research in pigeon breeding at the University of Debrecen
  • Faculty of Agriculture – agrojager.hu (24.03.2022)
  • Hungary used to be a world leader in pigeon meat export – what happened? – agroinform.hu (27.03.2022)

Lifetime Achievement Award for the agricultural professor

Professor András Jávor received one of the highest honors of the National Chamber of Agriculture. The Rector's Senior Advisor of the University of Debrecen was awarded the Károlyi Sándor Prize by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the congress of the Hungarian Farmers’ Associations and Cooperatives Alliance and the National Chamber of Agriculture, held in Budapest. – unideb.hu (07.03.2022)

  • Strengthened alliance – magyarmezogazdasag.hu (05.03.2022)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award for the agricultural professor of Debrecen – civishir.hu (07.03.2022)
  • University of Debrecen’s rector’s advisor receives lifetime achievement award – agroinform.hu (07.03.2022)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award won by the agricultural professor of the University of Debrecen – agrojager.hu (07.03.2022)
  • Awards at the farmers' congress – uni-mate.hu (07.03.2022)
  • Debrecen’s agricultural professor receives Lifetime Achievement Award – dehir.hu (07.03.2022)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award for the agricultural professor – hajdupress.hu (07.03.2022)
  • Viktor Orbán awarded the rector’s advisor of the University of Debrecen – debreceninap.hu (07.03.2022)
  • Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for the rector’s advisor at UD – haon.hu (07.03.2022)
  • András Jávor received the Károlyi Sándor Prize – Hajdú-Bihari Napló (print) (08.03.2022)
  • High-level awards from NAK – nak.hu (08.03.2022)
  • Decisions should not be made by those who’ve only seen a cow on a chocolate wrapper – mezohir.hu (08.03.2022)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award for the agricultural professor – demedia.hu (09.03.2022)

What can we expect from agricultural genomics and biotechnology?

Agricultural biotechnology is often referred to as green biotechnology. Many believe it is this field of science that will see the most dramatic breakthroughs in the 21st century. However, agricultural biotechnology and its related fields, including various -omics research methods and results, mean new opportunities not only to agriculture and the food industry but also to other industrial sectors, such as pharmaceuticals. All of this was discussed at a conference in Debrecen, which featured plenary lectures and separate sections on plant, animal, and food biotechnology. – Magyar Mezőgazdaság, Vol. 77, Issue 1, pp. 18 (05.01.2022)

2021

Focus on Green Biotechnology

Agricultural and food biotechnology was the central theme of this year’s biotechnology symposium at the University of Debrecen. At the hybrid-format conference, experts presented the latest scientific results from the university's biotechnology research. – unideb.hu (2021.12.06)

The Genetics of Colorful Pheasants

Researchers at the Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology Center of the University of Debrecen studied the genetic diversity of pheasant populations in Hungary and Serbia. Their findings were published in Scientific Reports, a journal of the prestigious Nature Publishing Group. – unideb.hu (2021.11.17)

Lentil in the Supercomputer

Researchers at the Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology Center of the University of Debrecen are mapping the entire genome structure of lentils using a supercomputer. This research, aimed at developing new varieties, was selected as top ten most interesting projects by the Governmental Agency for IT Development and the HPC Competence Centre. – unideb.hu (2021.08.11)

  • De novo lentil assembly – hpc.kifu.hu (2021.08.11)
  • Supercomputer reveals lentil structure at the University of Debrecen – haon.hu (2021.08.11)
  • Interesting research at the University of Debrecen with a supercomputer – dehir.hu (2021.08.12)
  • Why is lentil in a supercomputer? – agroinform.hu (2021.08.12)
  • Uncovering all the secrets of lentils – magyarmezogazdasag.hu (2021.08.18)

New Patent in Agriculture

Researchers from the Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology Center of the University of Debrecen and the AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute have developed a virus elimination procedure that is three times more effective than previous methods. This new seed treatment technique has been patented by the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office. – unideb.hu (2021.07.16)

  • New Debrecen patent registered – civishir.hu (2021.07.16)
  • Virus-free seedlings from the lab – a result of a Hungarian patent – agroinform.hu (2021.07.16)
  • DTV Esti Közelkép – dehir.hu (2021.07.20)

New Threat to Our Native Bee

As part of an international collaboration, researchers at the Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology Center of the University of Debrecen studied the mitochondrial DNA diversity of honey bees in Central and Eastern Europe. The results were published in the journal Insects. – unideb.hu (2021.06.07)

  • Researchers in Debrecen study genetic threats to native bees – debreceninap.hu (2021.06.08)
  • New danger to our native bee – agrunio.hu (2021.06.10)
  • European bees under serious threat: surprising findings from researchers – agrarszektor.hu (2021.06.12)

Mechanical Forces and Plant Development

The Plant Genomics and Plant Biotechnology Research Group at the University of Debrecen examined how plants respond to environmental effects, especially mechanical stimuli. Their findings were published in Plant Signaling & Behavior. – unideb.hu (2021.05.21)

  • University research group results published in an international journal – haon.hu (2021.05.21)

New Research Center at the Faculty of Agriculture

The Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology Center has been established at the University of Debrecen. This new organizational unit will play a key role in the transformation of the Faculty of Agricultural, Food Sciences and Environmental Management. The director of the center, Dr. Judit Dobránszki (Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), officially received her appointment on Thursday.

  • The University of Debrecen’s newest research center starts operation – haon.hu (2021.05.11)
  • The Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology Center has been established at the University of Debrecen – agrojager.hu (2021.05.11)
  • New research center opens at the University of Debrecen – debreceninap.hu (2021.05.11)
  • A new research center will open at the University of Debrecen – debrecensun.hu (2021.05.11)
  • New research center founded at the University of Debrecen – here’s what it will do – agroinform.hu (2021.05.12)
  • Marketable research is their goal – Kelet-Magyarország (2021.05.22)

Professorial Appointment

Rector Zoltán Szilvássy presented a new professorial appointment to Szilvia Kusza on Friday in the Rector’s Council Hall. With her appointment, the number of full professors at the Faculty of Agricultural, Food Sciences and Environmental Management of the University of Debrecen has risen to fifteen. – unideb.hu (2021.04.19)

New Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture: Dr. Szilvia Kusza

At its meeting on January 22, 2021, the Doctoral Council of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences awarded the title “Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences” to Dr. Szilvia Kusza. – unideb.hu (2021.04.16)

2020

Adapting Apples

How does the genetic makeup of plants raised in different environments differ? Researchers at the University of Debrecen’s Agricultural Research Institutes and Farm, Nyíregyháza Research Institute, are seeking answers to this question by examining the chemical changes in apples. – akit.unideb.hu (2020.09.22.)

  • Adapting apples examined in Nyíregyháza – agrojager.hu (2020.09.23.)
  • Adapting apples – agroinform.hu (2020.09.25.)
  • Researchers examine the DNA of apples – debreceninap.hu (2020.09.26.)

What Do Plants Hear?

Plants are constantly exposed to stimuli from their environment, and they must respond to these. Researchers at the University of Debrecen’s Agricultural Research Institutes and Farm, Nyíregyháza Research Institute, are investigating how ultrasound affects plant development. – hirek.unideb.hu (2020.06.22.)

  • At the University of Debrecen, researchers are studying what plants hear – dehir.hu (2020.06.22.)
  • Plants “hear,” and agriculture can take advantage of this – agroinform.hu (2020.06.24.)
  • Hungarian researchers grow larger potatoes with ultrasound – borsodihir.hu (2020.06.24.)
  • What do plants hear? The University of Debrecen is conducting interesting research – debreceninap.hu (2020.06.24.)
  • Larger potatoes grown with ultrasound in Nyíregyháza – szabolcsihir.hu (2020.06.24.)
  • University of Debrecen researchers grow larger potatoes using ultrasound – civishir.hu (2020.06.24.)
  • Did you know? Potatoes can "hear," and ultrasound benefits them – atv.hu (2020.06.25.)
  • Does ultrasound aid potato development? – atv.hu (2020.06.26.)
  • Plants “hear,” and agriculture can take advantage of this – elobolygonk.hu (2020.06.28.)

2019

Awarded Researcher in Nyíregyháza

Hanász Alexandra, a PhD student at the University of Debrecen AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute, won second place in the Bognár József Economic Research Foundation awards this year. The young researcher studied sweet potato genotypes under greenhouse conditions. – unideb.hu (2019.05.23.)

  • Researcher from Nyíregyháza awarded – szon.hu (2019.05.23.)
  • Young researcher from the University of Debrecen recognized – civishir.hu (2019.05.23.)
  • Young female researcher received prestigious recognition – hajdupress.hu (2019.05.23.)
  • Award for Nyíregyháza researcher’s thesis – szabolcsihir.hu (2019.05.23.)
  • Outstanding sweet potato researcher – kelet.hu (2019.05.24.)

2018

Effective Virus Resistance Testing

In the laboratory of the University of Debrecen’s AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute, molecular genetic markers were developed that can both detect the extent of Potato Virus M and S infections and distinguish between resistant and susceptible varieties. – unideb.hu (2018.05.31.)

Plant Propagation with a New Technology

A modern laboratory system was developed at the University of Debrecen’s AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute, enabling in vitro propagated plants to be acclimatized with up to 100% survival rate. – unideb.hu (2018.01.09.)

  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – haon.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – hir-ozon.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – hirek.animare.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – epoc.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – hirstart.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – szon.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – retrofm.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – sunshinefm.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Plant Propagation with a New Technology – unideb.hu (2018.01.09.)
  • Modern Laboratory in the Service of Plant Propagation – magyarmezogazdasag.hu (2018.01.10.)
  • New Plant Propagation Technique at the University of Debrecen Research Institute – magro.hu (2018.01.11.)

New Biotechnological Results

From gene therapy to agriculture, researchers and students at the University of Debrecen conducted biotechnological research in five different fields. Results that may also be beneficial for industry were presented at a scientific symposium on Thursday. – unideb.hu (2018.11.23.)

  • New Biotechnological Results – haon.hu (2018.11.23.)

New Method Against Potato Virus

In the Biotechnology Laboratory of the University of Debrecen’s AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute, new methods were developed that enable the production of virus-free propagating material from virus-infected potato stocks with high efficiency. – unideb.hu (2018.04.05.)

  • New Method Against Potato Virus – haon.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – szon.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • Hungarian Researchers Develop New Method Against Potato Viruses – minap.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • Hungarian Researchers Develop New Method Against Potato Viruses – eu-info.hu (2018.04.06.)
  • Virus-Free Propagating Material from Infected Stock – magyarmezogazdasag.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • Virus-Free Propagating Material from Infected Stock – techpress.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus Developed – agrotrend.hu (2018.04.06.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – animare.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – agrarunio.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – elelmiszer.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – debreceninap.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – mezolap.hu (2018.04.06.)
  • New Method Against Potato Virus – mon.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • New Method Developed Against Potato Virus – agronaplo.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • Hungarian Researchers Develop New Method Against Potato Viruses – hirstart.hu (2018.04.05.)
  • Hungarian Researchers Develop New Method Against Potato Viruses – agroinform.hu (2018.04.05.)

New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties

The process of wheat breeding has been made more efficient and faster by a method developed by staff at the University of Debrecen’s AKIT Nyíregyháza Research Institute. This new technology facilitates the breeding of varieties resistant to extreme weather conditions. – unideb.hu (2018.06.28.)

  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties Developed at the University of Debrecen – agroforum.hu (2018.06.29.)
  • Radio Interviews with Our Researchers
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – haon.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – hirstart.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – hir-ozon.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – agragunio.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – erdon.ro (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – szon.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method Assists Wheat Breeding – agroinform.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • Researchers Develop New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – agrotrend.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • University of Debrecen Develops New Method for Wheat Variety Evaluation – agronaplo.hu (2018.06.28.)
  • New Method for Evaluating Wheat Varieties – magyarmezogazdasag.hu (2018.06.29.)
Last update: 2025. 08. 04. 12:56