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Research Interest
My interest is focused on the ecophysiological plant responses to flooding. Three main lines of research are running:
1) Root oxygenation capacity of graminoid and forb grassland species with contrasting aerenchyma type. We investigate the root anatomical traits and physiological responses facilitating longitudinal gas transport towards the root apex. For this purpose we combine histological studies (e.g. root aerenchyma proportion, suberin deposition, etc.) with oxygen microelectrode techniques for measuring radial oxygen loss. The progress of this research line has implications for the understanding of root growth under anaerobic soil conditions. |
(2) Genetic variability and mechanisms of plant adaptation to flooding on three legume species of the Lotus genus. The progress of this research line has direct agronomical implications considering the use of Lotus corniculatus and L. tenuis as forage in areas prone to soil flooding. The incorporation of Lotus japonicus as a model legume species will help us to identify QTLs for hypoxia tolerance in order to improve plant performance under waterlogging conditions. |
(3) Ecophysiological responses of tropical grass forages to flooding/submergence and cold stress in temperate grasslands. Nowadays, as a result of global warming, winters are less restrictive for plant growth in some grassland areas as a consequence of higher minimal temperatures and of shorter freezing periods. So, some grasses of tropical and subtropical origin with high yielding potential are being incorporated in lowland areas of temperate humid grasslands suffering from flooding of variable intensity. First, we are investigating anatomical, morphological and physiological traits conferring flooding/submergence tolerance to Chloris gayana and Panicum coloratum. Second, we will study the responses of these species to cold and freezing stress. In all cases we are incorporating commercial cultivars in the experiments for disentangling some of the intraspecific variation. |
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