IPG PAS RESEARCH AREAS

Genetics and diversity of plants

Analysis of the structure and evolution of plant genomes is crucial both for basic research in the field of genetics and for the identification of genes associated with important agronomic traits. Research in this area includes sequencing of genomes, characterization of gene families and allelic variability of genes, study of chromosomal changes and analysis of genetic diversity of populations of various species and hybrids. An important element of this work is the mapping of quantitative trait loci through association analysis.

2. Mechanisms underlying the functioning of plants in a changing environment 

Leading a sedentary lifestyle, plants are exposed to a number of variable environmental factors. Abiotic stresses related to, among others, a lack or excess of water in the soil, an increase or decrease in the optimal ambient temperature, insufficient or excessive light intensity, or the presence of heavy metals in the soil, have a negative impact on the growth and development of plants. For this reason, plants have developed a number of different strategies that allow them to function in a changing environment. It is essential to understand the mechanisms that underlie these strategies. The work focuses on understanding both the mechanisms of tolerance to abiotic stress factors and the developmental plasticity of plants. The experiments combine modern phenotyping, microscopy, physiology, molecular biology and "omics" techniques. An important element of the work carried out in this research area is the functional analysis of genes, both in crop and model plants.

3. Interaction of plants with microorganisms

Microorganisms accompany plants both in the above-ground and root zones. Some are pathogenic, while others promote plant growth or are harmful to their pathogens. The research concerns the detection and identification of individual microorganisms, their consortiums or entire microbiomes, with particular emphasis on fungi, as well as understanding their interactions with plants and each other. The work carried out is related to the basics of mycotoxin biosynthesis, determining the role of compounds produced by pathogenic and symbiotic fungi in a communication with plants, and determining the impact of environmental factors on fungal metabolism. An important element of research in this area is also the work focusing on the evolutionary biology of plants and their accompanying microorganisms.

4. Interdisciplinary technological and methodological research to study the plant world 

Research on plants requires methodologies that use the latest achievements of various scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, physics, applied mathematics or computer science. On the other hand, the results of this research support the development of technologies useful, for example, in environmental management, pharmacology or food production. Research in the field of biotechnology and nanotechnology as well as methodological projects in the field of mathematical statistics and information sciences reflect the need for an interdisciplinary approach to study the plant world.