Tree Ecology and Ecophysiology

The Laboratory focuses on studies relating to:

Plant-microorganism interactions and characterization of tree-associated microorganisms with particular reference to:

•  evaluation of their effects (pathogenicity, resistance induction, growth promotion) of microorganisms on plants

•  microbial analyses at molecular and functional level

•  in vitro and in vivo testing of the efficacy of biocontrol agents

•  study of communication between microorganisms

•  interactions between plant and environment mediated by volatile compounds (VOCs).

Concerning ecophysiological studies, the laboratory focuses on the study of plant-environment relationships in trees (fruit, forest, ornamental, vine) and development of strategies aimed at optimizing physiological and productive performances, mitigating and adapting tree crops and forest species to climate change. In particular the studies encompass:

•  Water relationships and water use efficiency

•  Gas exchanges and photosynthetic efficiency at single leaf, entire canopy, soil, ecosystem level, using different instrumental approaches

•  Tree-light relationships at the chloroplast level, for the study of photoinhibition and photooxidation

•  Physiology of fruit growth, also through the determination of vascular flows

•  Development of ad hoc instruments for the measurement of various ecophysiological parameters, their calibration and maintenance, both on potted plants and in the field.

Laboratory equipment

•  Incubator

•  Agitators

•  Laboratory fermenter

•  Portable IRGA for measuring gaseous exchanges of plants and soil

•  Fluorometers

•  Scholander chamber for measuring water potential

•  Wireless network with GPRS cards for data acquisition and transmission

•  weather stations with sensors for monitoring the main environmental parameters

•  sensors for precise and automatic measurement of stems and fruits

•  programmable data loggers

•  sensors for continuous measurement of xylem sap flows

•  electronic equipment for the creation, verification and calibration of instruments.

Consulting and service providing

The laboratory can evaluate commercial products or processes for biocontrol or plant protection function and to the microbiological analysis of plant samples. The staff can also perform physiological and pathological analysis in field conditions.

Teaching and training activities
Students can carry out internships and/or lab work leading to their thesis, both in the undergrad and the graduate curricula. The lab is used by PhD students, both local and visiting ones, and is part of our Graduate School lab network. Research assistants, Post-docs and visiting Erasmus students are also among those using this facility.