The Biochemical and Molecular Genetics group of the Genetics Departmentof the Universitat de València has focused our research activity in the field of plant protection. Sustainable development, particularly in agriculture, is nowadays recognised as a common priority objective for humanity. The use of agrochemicals, specifically pesticides, is being limited and great efforts are being made in R&D&I to find and select new biological insecticide products that cause less damage to the ecosystem than chemical insecticides, and also the development of plant defence inducing treatments based on natural compounds, as an alternative to the massive use of synthetic products. In addition, the possibility of early detection of biotic and abiotic stress conditions in plants could prevent important losses of crops of interest and reduce dependence on pesticides.
Our research is focused on three basic lines:
1. Mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins on different insect pests.
Bioinsecticides and transgenic crops based on Bt, which are environmentally and health friendly, constitute a viable alternative for biological control.
The pathogenesis of Bt lies mainly in the insecticidal proteins produced during sporulation of the bacterium, which have been described to exert their insecticidal action through a mechanism comprising different steps. Our research is focused on understanding the molecular basis of the Bt toxins mode of action and their specificity in different insect orders in order to use the knowledge gained in the rational design of improved toxins to generate safer and more potent insecticides and to address problems that may compromise the use and efficacy of Bt in the field, such as the insecticidal spectrum or the emergence of resistance.
2. Natural plant defence mechanisms against pathogen attack.
Hexanoic acid (Hx) is a natural compound that acts as an inducer of plant defences through a priming mechanism, with a possible broad spectrum of action. The initial finding that Hx protects tomato plants against the fungus Botrytis cinerea led to the extension of its use to other pathosystems and to a patent for the use of short-chain monocarboxylic acids to protect plants against various stresses. This invention is currently marketed under the name Induct.
Our research is focused on studying the molecular mechanism underlying the Hx priming process by identifying new proteins through massive and targeted proteomic analysis. In addition, we are interested in analysing the effect of Hx treatment as an enhancer of Bt toxin action and the incorporation of this plant defence inducer in integrated pest management strategies.
3. Early detection of stress in plants.
Early detection of stress in crops of agronomic interest is critical for efficient plant protection to minimise losses and optimise treatments.
Our research in this area focuses on the characterisation of general stress biomarker profiles or specific stress biomarkers in tomato plants in response to biotic or abiotic stresses using two approaches: i) expression analysis of genes involved in defence mechanisms against biotic stress identified in previous transcriptomic analyses; ii) identification at genomic level of miRNAs by massive sequencing, which on the one hand can serve as biomarkers themselves, and on the other, will allow the discovery of new target genes involved in stress response and provide information on their gene regulation processes.
- Characterisation of the mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins on different insect pests.
- Study of the natural defence mechanisms of plants against attack by pathogens.
- Early detection of stress in plants.
- Characterisation of the mode of action of Bacillus thurigiensis toxins on pest insects
Identification of B. thuringiensis toxin receptors. Ligand-receptor binding assays. Gene silencing experiments. Performance of toxicity assays. Analysis of insect immune response to B. thuringiensis intoxication.
- Study of the natural defence mechanisms of plants against pathogen attack
Identification of new plant defence proteins against pathogens through massive and targeted proteomic analysis. Analysis of the potentiating effect of natural inducers of plant defences on the action of B. thuringiensis toxins.
- Development of biotic and abiotic stress biomarkers in plants of agronomic interest
Expression analysis of genes involved in defence mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses. Identification at genomic level by massive sequencing of miRNAs related to biotic and abiotic stress situations in plants.
- REAL GARCIA, MARIA DOLORES
- PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
- GARCIA ROBLES, INMACULADA ROSA
- PDI-Titular d'Universitat
- Secretari/a de Departament
- RAUSELL SEGARRA, CAROLINA
- PDI-Titular d'Universitat
- MARTINEZ RAMIREZ, AMPARO CONSUELO
- PAS-Ets Investigacio
Burjassot/Paterna Campus
C/ Doctor Moliner, 50
46100 Burjassot (Valencia)
- REAL GARCIA, MARIA DOLORES
- PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
