Research projects 2

We aim at elucidating how plants acquire and use information about their abiotic and biotic environment. Perception of visible and ultraviolet regions of the daylight spectrum and the acclimation responses triggered by these cues are the main focus of our current research. Understanding cross-acclimtaion mechanisms can be used to develop new environmentally-friendly crop management strategies based on environmental cues, such as the light spectrum and/or temperature, replacing applications of chemical growth regulators and of some pesticides. Another application is enhancement of post-harvest shelf life of cut flowers, and leafy vegetables.

Team

Pedro J. Aphalo, Sari Siipola, Fang Wang, Neha Rai, Yan Yan (HU); Åke Strid (ÖU), Gareth I. Jenkins (GU), Andreas Albert (HZM), Susanne Neugart (IGZ), Otmar Urban (CZG), Victor O. Sadras (SARDI), Tarja Lehto (UEF), Anders Lindfors (FMI).

The white rot fungus Rigidoporus microporus is the most economically important pathogen of the tropical tree Hevea brasiliensis with yearly economic losses of millions of dollars in the tropics. The control and management of the white rot disease of rubber in most tropical countries have been hampered due to limited knowledge of the population genetics of the different isolates as well as molecular basis of virulence mechanisms. Additionally, being a white rot fungi, members of the Rigidoporus genus are known to play major roles in nutrient and carbon cycling in tropical forest.

Team

Abbot Oghenekaro