Eyal Fridman

I graduated in 2002 with a PhD in quantitative genetics of complex traits using tomato populations as a model system under the supervision of Dani Zamir. PhD research included the first-ever cloning and identification of a gene underlying a QTL. Later,  I joined Prof Eran Pichersky at the University of Michigan. We discovered unknown critical genes and mechanisms in the phenylpropenes and methyl ketones specialized metabolism. Since 2005 my group has studied sources and causes of naturally occurring diversity in barley (Hordeum vulgare) as a model system. We set Barley1K as a new genetic resource to study the adaptation of crop wild relatives. We have recently focused on circadian clock rhythms and yield traits, using wild and cultivated barley populations. In parallel, we are developing and implementing RECAS9, CRISPR-CAS9-mediated recombination of alleles to dissection naturally-occurring allelic diversity. Our goal is to recombine alleles to understand better the genetic and molecular basis driving crop responses to climatic changes and develop better-adapted crop plants.