Projects
Evolution of the plant lateral root initiation process Ghent University
The mission of the VIB/UGent department of Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is to
understand the molecular mechanisms involved in plant growth and development. In this
perspective, the Root Development group studies the development of the root system,
crucial for water and nutrients acquisition. Lateral Root Initiation (LRI) leading to root
branching is a key process insuring these functions. Even though different species ...
The effect of phosphorus bioavailability on the recovery of plant communities in post-agricultural forests Ghent University
After afforestion of agricultural land, herbaceous species have to re-establish through colonization. The remaining high P-stocks are, however, likely to hamper establishment. Tree species selection modifies, e.g. via pH, bioavailability of P. On the other hand, differences in light characteristics change the expression of P in the herb layer the productivity is changed and processes such as competition are altered.
A network of HEAT SHOCK FACTORS and co-regulators determining temperature sensitivity of plant tissue culture regeneration. Ghent University
Plant tissue culture and regeneration is implemented in many agricultural processes. It is used for the propagation of elite genotypes, to create transgenic crops, to preserve species and varieties, and to rescue or select unique genotypes for breeding. Protocols for tissue culture and regeneration for numerous species have been developed over many decades. Most often, media composition and hormone concentrations are varied to obtain ...
Study of the antifungal mode of action of plant defensins. KU Leuven
The functional significance of the diversity in leaf-out phenology of forest trees for understorey plant communities Ghent University
Numerous experimental studies have showed that species diversity may influence ecosystem functioning. Yet, little is known about (1) the functional role of plant diversity in natural ecosystems, especially forests, (2) the importance of organisational levels of biodiversity other than species richness and (3) the relations between biotic groups. Here we will study how the variation in leaf-out timing between trees (U+201Cphenological ...
Assessing the sensitivity of forest plant populations to climate change using microclimate modeling and landscape genomics KU Leuven
Climate change has been identified as one of the most important human-induced global drivers of biodiversity loss. Moreover, climate models predict increases in frequency, intensity, and duration of climate-related disturbances in the next few decades. One of the main consequences of climate change is that temperature isoclines move towards the poles with unprecedented speed, driving species out of parts of their current distribution range. ...
Identification of organelle-targeting Phytophthora effectors and their host plant targets to pinpoint novel strategies for improving disease resistance Ghent University
Phytophthora species are notorious phytopathogens that reduce crop yield and also affect our ecosystems. To obtain specific and sustainable solutions for plant protection, we need a better understanding of the molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. Intracellular organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria play a central role in plant immunity and it is becoming clear that they are important targets of pathogens. Increasing ...
Characterisation of a novel branch in plant immunity signalling and assessment of its utility to engineer tomato and other dicot crop plants with increased pathogen resistance Ghent University
Plant immunity, for instance resistance to bacterial and fungal pathogens, involves the action of
phytohormones, of which salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate (JA) are considered the most important.
The past decades, we have seen spectacular progress in our understanding of SA and JA biology. Yet,
many key questions remain unanswered, particularly on the possible complexity in immunity
signalling across the plant kingdom, ...
Study of the antifungal mode of action of plant defensins using single cell analysis KU Leuven
Yearly, invasive fungal infections (IFIs), such as candidemia and invasive aspergillosis, cause 1.7 million deaths worldwide and this number is still increasing, which can be mainly explained by the increase of the at-risk population, being immunocompromised patients, and the increased use of modern medical devices, such as implants and catheters. Mortality rates associated with IFIs are high (up to 50%) and the number of currently used ...