Eusun Han

Project title

PerennialTraits: Showcasing de novo domestication of perennial grain crops for profitable, resilient and sustainable agriculture

What is your project about?

In this project, my goal is to develop novel perennial crops that can produce food for humans, such as grains, over multiple years without the need for re-sowing. Due to their extensive root systems, these novel crops can be more sustainable for our environment and resilient to the impacts of climate change. I will identify perennial candidates with high grain yields, test their regenerative capacities for shoots and roots, and evaluate their potential for soil carbon sequestration. To achieve this, I will leverage digital sensing, machine learning algorithms, X-ray, and isotope analysis.

How did you become interested in your particular field of research?

Based on my experience, I know that deep roots of plants are crucial for making agriculture more sustainable and resilient. Annual crops such as wheat and rapeseed can be managed to have deeper root systems, but because of their short lifecycle, there is always a limit. Then, I asked myself: “What if there are crops we can grow for food continuously for many years?” I came to know about some of the wild plants that can produce grains for several years, and now I want to develop them further for actual domestication.

What are the scientific challenges and perspectives in your project?

Planting annual crops every year disrupts the soil, causing erosion and water pollution because their shallow roots cannot fully use deep soil nutrients. Switching to deep-rooted perennial crops can help solve these problems. However, focusing on food production has limited the use of these crops. Recently, there has been more interest in perennial grain crops because they can produce food for multiple seasons. But, they currently have low grain yields, lack proper farming techniques, and there is not enough information on how they improve soil health.

What is your estimate of the impact, which your project may have to society in the long term?

Modern agriculture must move away from the business-as-usual approach and redirect its efforts towards sustainable practices and the Green Transition. Deep root-based food production has been neglected for centuries in favor of modern high-yielding cultivars. My research on the perennial grain crops on their utility and timeliness will stimulate discussions about transitioning agriculture towards a more perennial and plant-based food culture. This project presents an opportunity to translate knowledge into practice, accelerating the domestication of perennial grain crops and contributing to the Green Transition.

Which impact do you expect the Sapere Aude programme will have on your career as a researcher?

The Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant represents a significant opportunity to advance my academic career. This program marks the initial milestone in forming my independent research group and forging collaborations with international and Danish partners. Moreover, delving into advanced phenomics, digital-driven breeding, and belowground microbial ecology, as outlined in this project, will expand my academic profile significantly, enhancing my career prospects both nationally and globally.

Background and personal life

I grew up in a small rural area in South Korea. I never longed to be a scientist but rather had more interest in music and literature. Agriculture, as my main field of career, grew on me as I became more passionate about our society, environment, in particular, how we sustain our lives by eating healthy foods. I have lived on several continents such as in Asia, Europe, and Oceania. I met my wife in Germany, and we have two sons growing up in Denmark. I lost all my hobbies through my PhD and Postdoc periods. I always say to myself that it is not too late to resume playing music, writing poems, and traveling to strange places - and I plan to get on them soon. All in all, I love my family, my life, and my career path, and appreciate the opportunities that I was given along the way.