Volker Hahn

Dr. Volker Hahn is a leading agricultural scientist specializing in plant breeding at the University of Hohenheim's State Seed Breeding Institute in Stuttgart, Germany. Holding a PhD in molecular genetics from Justus Liebig University Giessen (1993) for work on cytoplasmic pollen sterility in sunflowers, he established the institute's sunflower breeding program and now leads soybean breeding with complementary work on chia, buckwheat, and chickpeas. His research focuses on drone-based phenotyping, NIR quality characterization, and phenomic selection as innovative breeding methodologies.

• Key Research Areas:
  • Soybean and legume crop improvement
  • Drone-assisted phenotyping systems
  • Phenomic selection techniques
  • Plant-based protein development
  • Climate change adaptation in breeding
• Major Projects:
  • Legume Generation (EU-funded)
  • SENSOJA (Sensor-assisted soybean breeding)
  • InnoSun (Oil yield enhancement in sunflowers)

His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate expertise in genomic and phenomic selection, QTL mapping, and climate-adapted breeding for soybean and sunflower. The work shows increasing focus on transcontinental genetic comparisons and non-destructive field phenotyping through LED-controlled speed breeding and multi-sensor platforms. Current efforts emphasize biogas feedstock optimization, disease resistance, and nutrient efficiency in crops.

Technical Expertise: Utilizes advanced genotyping arrays (25K SNP), DArT markers, and phenomic prediction algorithms in breeding programs. Maintains laboratory facilities at the State Seed Breeding Institute (Fruwirthstr. 21, Stuttgart) with a team specializing in genetic mapping, molecular screening, and agroecosystem optimization.