Fruit tree Biotechnologies
The laboratories dedicated to the Plant Biotechnologies and the in vitro cultures work in synergy for carrying out applications of molecular biology and genetic transformation in fruit tree species.
Research topics
The Biotechnology lab works to support breeding, to characterize genes involved in responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, in fruit ripening and quality (metabolism and regulation of ethylene, auxin and ABA, fruit development, synthesis and accumulation of organic acids, sugars, pigments and allergens), and in floral biology.
The activities carried out aim to:
• develop molecular markers for marker assisted selection (MAS) for agronomic and qualitative traits
• characterize the genetic basis of agronomic traits through mapping and QTL analysis
• determine the variety correspondence of cultivars in fruit tree species and vines through DNA fingerprinting
• sequence and characterize new genes
• analyze the gene expression levels via Real Time qPCR.
The in vitro culture laboratory deals with the culture of cells, tissues and organs from fruit tree species, vines and ornamentals for the:
• propagation of new genotypes
• development of protocols for morphogenesis and regeneration of new individuals
• induction of somaclonal variability from somatic tissues in fruit species and selection for tolerance to abiotic stresses
• cultures of calli for studies of physiology and production of secondary metabolites.
Lab Equipments
Labs are equipped with classical devices such as centrifuges, autoclaves, thermostatic baths, magnetic stirrers, pH-meter, freeze dryers, chemical and laminar hoods, incubators, climatic cabinets, mixer mills; devices for vertical and horizontal electrophoresis, thermal cyclers; image analyzers.
In additions the following devices are available:
• Step One Plus™ Real-Time PCR System
• Nanodrop ND-1000, portable spectrophotometer
• Microscopes (stereo, fluorescence, inverted) and relative photographic equipments.
Services for third-party
Fingerprinting analysis
A molecular analysis service (fingerprinting) is active at the Biotechnology laboratory for the control of the "genetic correspondence" of the propagated plant material. The laboratory has received an official accreditation for carrying out DNA molecular analyses by the Emilia-Romagna Regional Administration. The lab has been working in collaboration with the Regional Phytosanitary Service since more than 20 years for the determination of the genetic correspondence of the plant material propagated by the nurseries operating in this Region. The fingerprinting lab offers this service also to private companies, nurseries and growers that need to validate the genetic correspondence of plants for all the main fruit tree species.
Contacts
Teaching Activities and Education
The laboratory allows students to carry out internships and thesis projects (First and Second-Cycle Degrees), and hosts Italian and Foreign PhD students (both from the PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology and from other research institutes), research fellows and Erasmus students.