Year
2024
25. 4. 2024 Denisa Slabejová, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS, and via Zoom application
Multitaxa approach in ecology – questions and challenges
Taxonomic interactions are a fundamental part of ecosystems; yet, most ecological studies focus on single taxonomic groups and this hampers our ability to detect the underlying mechanisms structuring communities as well as the effects of environmental change. In our project, we are trying to use just such a comprehensive multitaxonomical approach to determine the impact of planted monocultures of non-native tree species on biodiversity across several taxonomic groups and scales compared to the natural forests. Research can bring an innovative view based on structured biodiversity information and contribute to understanding the complex responses of biodiversity to forest management and ecosystem functions. Let’s take a closer look at the results of the project so far.
Meeting ID: 812 9060 9668, Passcode: 537087
4. 4. 2024 Monika Majerová, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS, and via Zoom application
Which invasive plants can be expected in Slovakia in the near future? – Modeling of their potential occurrence
Last year, a comprehensive study was conducted for the needs of the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic to identify potentially suitable habitats for the spread of invasive plant species based on statistical modeling. A total of 27 invasive species, which are part of the European Union’s lists of invasive alien species of concern, were analyzed. The results of this predictive analysis summarize current information on the occurrence of target species in Europe and Slovakia and identify the basic bioclimatic factors affecting their spread. In the following lecture, we would like to acquaint you with the most interesting results of this study. Which invasive plants can we expect in Slovakia in the coming years, and which areas in Slovakia are potentially most suitable for their successful naturalization?
Meeting ID: 844 9854 1325, Passcode: 344364
29. 2. 2024 Jozef Šibík & Mária Šibíková, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS, and via Zoom application
Highway to Hell – Embracing Innovation to Survive in a Dynamic and Evolving World
The comfort zone may seem safe and stable, but in a world that’s constantly evolving, relying solely on it can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. We must be ready to embrace the exciting world of cutting-edge technologies and procedures. Join us as we explore the revolutionary power of remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and soundscape monitoring. These game-changers are transforming industries by providing valuable insights, improving decision-making processes, and boosting efficiency. Through remote sensing, we can collect data from a distance using satellites, drones, or airborne devices. Soundscape studies are giving us an acoustic fingerprint of ecological patterns, allowing us to identify and predict habitat quality, analyze land use patterns, and track wildlife populations. AI enables us to analyze and interpret data effectively, delivering even better results. Embracing these new technologies requires stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing change. But why stay in your comfort zone when there’s so much excitement and potential out there? Join us as we push the boundaries and take you on a journey beyond traditional botanical thinking. Based on recently developed unique methods and tools using advanced remotely sensed data to identify and monitor habitats via NaturaSAT software together with collecting eco-acoustic data to provide novel insights into landscape-scale patterns of acoustic niche usage, we introduce our promising excellent and innovative teamwork going far beyond the traditional way of thinking.
Meeting ID: 821 2281 6847, Passcode: 971244
20. 2. 2024 Olha Lakhneko, 10:30, library on the second floor, Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology CBRB SAS, and via Zoom application
Transient drought during flowering modifies the proteome of bread winter wheat.
Drought is among the most limiting factors for sustainable agricultural production. Water shortage at the onset of flowering severely affects the quality and quantity of grain yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Herein, we measured oxidative stress and photosynthesis-related parameters upon applying transient drought on contrasting wheat cultivars at the flowering stage of ontogenesis. The sensitive cultivar (Darunok Podillia) showed ineffective water management and a more severe decline in photosynthesis. Apparently, the tolerant genotype (Odeska 267) used photorespiration to dissipate excessive light energy. The tolerant cultivar sooner induced superoxide dismutase and showed less inhibited photosynthesis. Such a protective effect resulted in less affected yield and spectrum of seed proteome. The tolerant cultivar had a more stable gluten profile, which defines bread-making quality, upon drought. Water deficit caused the accumulation of medically relevant proteins: (i) components of gluten in the sensitive cultivar and (ii) metabolic proteins in the tolerant cultivar. We propose specific proteins as markers of drought tolerance for guiding efficient breeding: thaumatin-like protein, 14-3-3 protein, peroxiredoxins, peroxidase, FBD domain protein, and Ap2/ERF plus B3 domain protein.
Meeting ID: 896 9399 2851, Passcode: 838539
15. 2. 2024 Antony Ortiz Suaréz (Rosario University, Bogota, Colombia), 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS, and via Zoom application
Russula diversity in endemic montane forests of Colombian Andes
Russula is the most diverse genus of ectomycorrhizal agarics, this genus is often dominating soil environment of ectotrophic ecosystems. The genus is understudied in Central and South America, with few known species, compare to Europe, North America and Asia where hundreds of species were published. In Andean montane forests of Colombia, Russula is hosted by trees of the family Fagaceae represented by Quercus humbdoltii and Trigonobalnus excelsa. Distribution areas and diversification of the genus is highly influenced by climatic and geographical disjunction at the Isthmus of Panama. The international collaboration on project associated with Russula diversity is using DNA barcode for preliminary phylogenetic sorting of Russula collections. Based on this, we recognised four species lineages represented at least with two species from Colombia and with well known phylogenetic placement. The first lineage is Russula subsect. Castanopsidium, is represented by two species. One is present only in Colombia. The second occurs both in Colombia and Panama, but with two distinct subspecies each restricted to a single country. This lineage is only known from tropical areas of Asia and North America. The second lineage is newly recognised Russula paludosa group represented by two Colombian and one Panamanian species. The closest known relatives to Colombian species are from boreal areas of Europe and North America. The third Russula lineage are three foetid russulas of the section Ingratula with closest known relatives in temperate areas of Europe and North America. The fourth lineage is Russula subsect. Heterophyllidia, that seems to be represented by four species in Colombia that is much more than known diversity in North America and Europe. This group is cosmopolitan and was also reported from South Hemisphere. This study helps to understand the diversity of Russula in the Andean tropical montane forests, being fundamental to the development of strategies for conservation of this endangered ecosystem.
Meeting ID: 881 1262 4402, Passcode: 694803
23. 1. 2024 Filip Kolář, 14:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS, and via Zoom application
Repeated adaptation in Arabidopsis to extreme environments
Repeated adaptation provides valuable insight into the predictability of evolutionary change through replicated natural experiments. We investigated genomic underpinnings of repeated local adaptation of two outcrossing Arabidopsis species (A. arenosa, A. halleri) towards challenging environments. Based on structured sampling and genome sequencing of ecologically divergent populations, transplant experiments and population genomics, we discovered rapid multi-parallel adaptation towards different environmental gradients (high elevations, toxic soils) and detected significant reuse of the same candidate genes for adaptation. Although the vast majority of the repeated candidates sourced on shared allelic variation, we also discovered a small fraction of genes exhibiting convergent evolution from independent de novo mutations. We therefore conclude that genetic divergence between populations, species and genera, affecting the pool of shared variants, is an important factor in the predictability of genome evolution.
Meeting ID: 884 5590 6663, Passcode: 287087
25. 1. 2024 Daniela Dúbravková, 14:00, via Zoom application
Changes of dry grassland vegetation in the Hainburger Berge Mts
I will talk about a study focused on evaluating plant diversity and vegetation changes in the dry grasslands of the Hainburger Berge Mts, Austria. Traditionally, these grasslands have been managed through intensive grazing, abandoned in the 1950′s and the recent conservation grazing management has been aplied since the late 1980’s. We analysed six nested plot series of various spatial scales, resampled relevés that were initially recorded in 2007 and older relevés from the Austrian Vegetation Database. Grazing intensity had a signifcant efect on species richness at small spatial scales, while at larger scales, habitat conditions played a more crucial role. A continuous successional development could be detected in grassland composition, leading to a denser vegetation canopy and increased moisture and nutrient availability. However, plot resampling since 2007 revealed only minor changes, primarily due to interannual dynamics rather than a clear directional trend. We conclude that the current conservation management of rocky and xeric grasslands is proving successful in maintaining grassland biodiversity as well as high number and proportion of endangered plant species.
Meeting ID: 813 1983 4547, Passcode: 059121
2023
7. 12. 2023 Anna Bérešová, 14:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Strictly Mediterranean lichens: leveraging data of collection based approach to characterization of European Mediterranean
Organismal distributions is closely connected to ecological as well as evolutionary correlates. Mediterranean regions feature long-term climatic stability since the end of the Miocene. Stability is also the property of the saxicolous habitats, which support rich lichen diversity and saxicolous lichens are reported to respond better to climate change. Building upon our previous research in phylogeny, phylogeography, biogeography and ecology of European Solenopsora (Leprocaulaceae) species, we conducted collection-based research, to explore the occurrence patterns of these saxicolous lichens. We leveraged a dataset covering the Mediterranean basin and adjacent Atlantic and continental areas comprising occurrence data from 40 lichenological collections Based on WorldClim data we examined climatic envelopes, of the studied taxa and their link to bioclimatic zones. We constructed predictive habitat suitability models, which indicate the potential distribution of suitable sites and reconstructed habitat suitability under past climatic scenarios and predictions for 2050 and 2070. Based on climatic and non-climatic variables, we identified key environmental factors shaping the niches of Solenospora species in Europe.
9. 11. 2023 Yuliia Kutsokon, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
The non-indigenous freshwater fishes in the fauna of Ukraine
This is a review of the literature and own data on non-indigenous fishes in Ukrainian freshwaters. Excluding the cases of unsuccessful introductions and occasional findings, the list of established non-indigenous fish species in Ukraine contains 24 species. Eight of these species have been deliberately introduced and are commercially stocked, though natural spawning has not yet been confirmed. The list of successfully naturalized introductions includes 16 fish species, eight of which can be considered as invasive due to their continued range expansion with probable negative influences on aboriginal fauna. Neolimnetics species (14) were not considered non-indigenous because of their native status for Ukraine at all, but can be such for some rivers. This review highlights the major research gaps in the distribution and status of native and non-native fishes in Ukraine, which has considerable implications for the management of biodiversity and aquatic invasive species.
26. 10. 2023 Barbora Šingliarová, 13:00, via Zoom application
Artificial intelligence at the service of invasive species monitoring
Repeatable sampling methods that can automate and expand the extent and resolution of biodiversity monitoring are urgently needed to provide robust estimates of long-term trends. I will introduce you to the Biodiversa+ project and present preliminary results of its Detection and monitoring of Invasive Alien Species sub-pilot that aims to pave the way for scalable methods using novel technologies for monitoring invasive alien species – terrestrial plants detectable along roads and insects attracted to light.
19. 10. 2023 Adam Kantor, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Unapparent but relevant biodiversity data stored in a citizen science-based project
Involvement of the lay public in scientific research has been gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds in the last decades, especially in the fields of biology and ecology. iNaturalist is one of the successful projects based on this approach, in which hundreds of thousands of users are daily contributing with their observations or identifications of organisms around the world. For Germany, for instance, there is a million of recorded observations of vascular plants stored in the database of iNaturalist. Importantly, the majority of these records are openly accessible for scientists. When treated with caution, these may represent valuable data on diversity and distribution of organisms at a regional or larger-scale level. Due to their growing robustness, they may be applicable in diverse monitoring activities or studies. However, the fundamental prerequisite for their proper utility is an initial understanding of how these data originate, what they comprise and how they can be obtained from the database.
15. 6. 2023 Viktor Demko, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Current applications of CRISPR/Cas in plant experimental biology
Precise genome editing has been for long time limited in angiosperms. This hampered functional characterization of genes and most importantly specific genome modifications towards improved agronomic traits in crops. In my talk I will present current advances in CRISPR/Cas technology that allows effective targeted mutagenesis and DNA/RNA modifications in plants. I will discuss examples of CRISPR/Cas application in both basic and applied plant science.
14. 6. 2023 Prof. Dr. Lawrence E. Datnoff (Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA), 10:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Silicon’s role in plant stress reduction – why this element is not used routinely for managing plant health?
25. 5. 2023 Loriana Demecsová, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
The differences in gene expression regulation in barley roots during cadmium stress
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant and as such is a threat to food production. Therefore, during our experiments, we focused on the effect of Cd on barley roots, mainly on differences among mild, moderate and severe Cd stress-induced responses. Previously we looked into the interactions between reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species and their possible interplay with the phytohormone auxin (IAA); to further investigate their involvement during Cd stress, we observed changes in barley root gene expression and its possible regulation by ROS or IAA. Indeed, we saw that Cd treatment of roots induced a considerable alteration in gene expression. The very early activation of MYB1 transcription factor expression was partially regulated by IAA signalling in mildly stressed seedlings, as was the increase in expression of allene oxide cyclase and NADPH oxidase. IAA seemed to be involved also in the early activation of glutathione peroxidase expression. Meanwhile, early changes in the level of dehydrin transcripts were detected in moderately and severely stressed root tips, and their induction was related to altered ROS homeostasis in cells, such altered ROS homeostasis was also involved in the early ascorbate peroxidase expression. The expression of cysteine protease was activated similarly in both mildly and severely Cd-stressed roots; consequently, both increased IAA and ROS levels took part in the regulation of its expression.
11. 5. 2023 Pavol Mereďa, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Fallopia ×moravica – a new Central European invasive knotweed
Fallopia sect. Reynoutria is a small group of East Asian species that have become infamous worldwide for their extreme invasiveness. So far, it has included 6 species and 1 described hybrid, and the most famous representative of the group, F. japonica, was included in the list of 100 most invasive organisms in the world. A new taxon in this group was described last time 40 years ago – F. ×bohemica, a hybrid between F. japonica and F. sachalinensis, based on material from the Czech Republic. In 2022, we described another new knotweed, also based on a material from the Czech Republic and also a hybrid, F. ×moravica. In the lecture, among other things, we will talk about how the new knotweed originated, what it looks like, how it can be distinguished from similar taxa, where it occurs, and what is its invasiveness.
27. 4. 2023 Susana V. Laschuetza et al., 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Phylogeny and diversity of Camarophyllopsis (Clavariaceae, Agaricales, Basidiomycetes) in Europe
The genus Camarophyllopsis is one of the three agaric genera phylogenetically placed within the mainly clavarioid members of the family Clavariaceae. In Europe, members of the genus are reported from old, unimproved, semi-natural grasslands on loamy, weakly acidic to basic, often calcareous soil. Their basidiomata are relatively small and inconspicuous, combining brown, black and white colours, dry caps, decurrent thick lamellae and white spore print. Based on recent phylogenetic studies, a major part of the Camarophyllopsis species have been transferred to the genus Hodophilus, which leaves four remaining Camarophyllopsis species widely accepted in European literature. Groupings of Camarophyllopsis collections in UNITE sequence database and our preliminary analysis of ITS nrDNA region suggest that the genus has more than seven species in Europe, many of them probably so far unknown to science. Except for C. schulzeri, all other species are very rare and grow in semi natural grasslands of high conservation value. Ecology and trophic strategy of this fungi is not understood, but there is increasing indirect evidence that they are probably forming biotrophic symbiosis and belong to the so-called CHEGD fungi. The presented topic of Erasmus+ stay is incorporated in the current research at the Laboratory of molecular ecology and mycology and aims to define the species within Camarophyllopsis using multi-loci phylogeny and detailed morphological observations.
13. 4. 2023 Polina Dayneko (Department of Botany, Kherson State University, Kherson, Ukraine), 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
The ancient settlements of the Lower Dnipro – a refugium of the Ukrainian steppe
Ancient settlements (also called Minor Scythia in some archaeological communities), were once significant man-made settlements (or nowadays remnants of them) with independent trade, handicrafts, and characteristic defense complex. Over time, ancient settlements have been left for many centuries, but in the interior of southern Ukraine they are an essential element to this day. The importance of ancient settlements as archaeological monuments was widely recognized by the government, which assigned them as “monuments of national importance” in 1960-1970. However, in addition to the cultural and historical functions of these sites, they perform an important conservation value by preserving a high level of restored natural steppe vegetation. This work presents the first special study of the flora of all 18 existing ancient settlements within Lower Dnipro and aimed to widely assess the floristic value of ancient settlements, i.a. for nature steppe conservation.
16. 3. 2023 Zuzana Dítě & Daniel Dítě, 13:00, via Zoom application
Ostrovy vnútrozemskej slanomilnej vegetácie v temperátnej zóne Európy – čo ich spája a čo delí?
We present a multi-country database of 190 vascular plants bound to inland saline habitats of central Europe. We classified them into three categories of salt tolerance (obligate and facultative halophytes, accessory species) and assigned a salt number on a 9-point scale reflecting their individual preference for soil salinity calculated by a formula based on data obtained from expert revision of literature and field experience. In the second part of the talk we present our ongoing study about the biogeographical differentiation of three discrete macroregions of saline habitats (North German Plain, Pannonian Lowland and Transylvania). We analyse their similarity in terms of species composition, plant communities and abiotic factors (climatic and edaphic) resulting a remarkable high variability of halophytic vegetation in central Europe.
9. 2. 2023 Gyan Singh Shekhawat (Department of Botany (UGC-CAS), Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur 342001, India), 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Heme oxygenase (HO): A functionally diverse enzyme of photosynthetic organisms and its role in cellular signaling, metabolism and plant defense
Heme oxygenase (HO) degrades free haem released from haem proteins with the generation of ferrous iron (Fe2+), biliverdin-IXa (BV-IXa), and carbon monoxide (CO). The mechanism of haem cleavage has been conserved between plants and other organisms even though the function, subcellular localization, and cofactor requirements of HO differ substantially. The crystal structure of HO1, a monomeric protein, has been reported in mammals, bacteria, and cyanobacteria, but no such reports are available for higher plant HOs except a predicted model for pea HO1. Along with haem degradation, HO performs various cellular processes including iron acquisition/ mobilization, phytochrome chromophore synthesis, cell protection, and stomatal regulation. To date, four HO genes (HO1, HO2, HO3, and HO4) have been reported in plants. HO1 has been explored in cell metabolism; however, the divergent roles of the other three HOs are less known. The transcriptional up-regulation of HO1 in plants responds to many conditions, such as light, UV, iron deprivation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), abscisic acid (ABA), and haematin. Recently the HO1/CO/NO system has gained more attention due to its physiological cytoprotective role in plants. The study focuses on the recent advances made in plant-HO research involving its role in abiotic stress (Heavy metal/Salt) and physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of Heme oxygenase.
19. 1. 2023 Marek Semelbauer, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
How and why to save wild pollinators
Scientists have documented the decline of terrestrial insects in recent decades in developed countries, such as Great Britain, the Netherlands or Germany. Insects are an important link in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, and among the best-known services they provide to human society is pollination. Traditionally, much of pollination was attributed to the honey bee, but much current scientific knowledge emphasizes the importance of wild pollinators. In addition, there is growing consensus that a high concentration of bee colonies can have a negative impact on populations of wild pollinators. The decline of pollinators also raises the question of how to properly protect them. Pollinators are mainly inhabitants of open or mosaic landscapes. The range of possible measures is very wide – from the creation of urban meadows, through the maintenance of former military training grounds by large grazers to the restoration of wood pastures or occasional burning.
2022
15. 12. 2022 Judita Zozomová, 13:00, 5th Floor Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Exploring the evolution of polyploid species complexes – a phylogenomic approach. Case studies on Cardamine and Alyssum (Brassicaceae)
This presentation will be focused on polyploid species complexes. When studying their evolution, both divergent (bifurcating) and reticulate evolutionary patterns must be considered and reconstructed. In recently evolved species complexes, retention of ancestral variation also complicates phylogenetic inferences and leads to similar patterns of gene tree-species tree discordance as interspecific gene flow. Conventional genetic markers used in the past (e.g., AFLPs, Sanger sequencing of selected genes) often failed to elucidate the evolution of such species complexes. Here, I will present case studies from the genera Cardamine and Alyssum and demonstrate the application of an NGS technique, called Hyb-Seq. This technique combines target enrichment and genome skimming, yielding sequence data from hundreds of low-copy nuclear genes along with high-copy DNA (e.g., chloroplast genomes). Bioinformatic processing of sequence reads from allopolyploid genomes is challenging because it requires assembly of allele sequences, their assignment to homeologs (parental gene copies), and sorting of homeologs to subgenomes, followed by construction of a phylogenetic tree or network. We have used and compared several bioinformatic tools that have allowed us to infer a robust phylogeny of diploid species and reconstruct both auto- and allopolyploid speciation events. Future plans and directions for our research will also be outlined.
1. 12. 2022 Ladislav Pekárik, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Should we eat fish (only) during Christmas?
What is the amount of fish consumed in Slovakia compared to the rest of the world? Where fish is consumed during Christmas and should we release back the Christmas carp at all? What does the fish’s environment look like, where and how do they live, and what are their life cycle and overall importance for society? Are fish overexploited? Which species should be avoided due to the drastic population decrease? And is every fish suitable for consumption? What dangerous substances can be accumulated in their tissues? Which rivers in Slovakia are still polluted?
27. 10. 2022 Richard Hrivnák, 13:00, via Zoom application
Vascular plant species richness of beech forests along altitudinal gradient and its environmental background
The study of plants’ alpha diversity (species richness) along altitudinal gradient has been interesting for the scientific community for a long-time. Response of species richness along the gradient is various – increasing, decreasing, flat or unimodal mainly due to the length of the altitudinal gradient. Specifically, a U-shaped pattern was identified in monodominant forests such as beech forests with Fagus sylvatica dominance. Our study of the effects of environmental variables and dendrometric characteristics on species richness showed a „hard fight for resources” and mutual competition of trees and understory plants both above and below the soil surface. Beech tree fine root mass, canopy openness, soil nitrogen, and C/N ratio, the interaction between tree fine root mass and stoniness, and stand structural diversity explain the variation of understorey species richness.
13. 10. 2022 Dušan Senko & Tomáš Figura, 13:00, via Zoom application
Use of in vitro in nature conservation
In recent decades, there has been a drastic decrease in the number of orchids (Orchidaceae) worldwide, and Slovakia is no exception. Individual localities are threatened by succession or intensification. One of the possibilities to reverse the decline can be the strengthening of populations with plants grown in vitro. Asymbiotic cultivation in vitro is practically the only method for propagating terrestrial orchids. In contrast to natural conditions, where carbonaceous compounds are supplied by mycorrhizal fungi, in symbiotic in vitro cultivation, the source of carbon is most often sucrose in the nutrient medium, which replaces the presence of mycorrhizal fungi. Seed germination and protocorm development depend on physical factors, the method of surface sterilization of seeds or the presence of growth regulators in the culture media. Cultivation of protocorms of terrestrial European species usually takes place in the dark, sometimes with the necessity of cold stratification. During the growth, the seedlings are subcultivated several times in in vitro conditions, followed by the transfer of the plants from the sterile in vitro environment to non-sterile conditions – to the pots, where they remain for at least one growing season.
29. 9. 2022 Darina Peterková, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
The role of the AtSYT1 gene in the response to salt stress: a proteomic analysis
Soil salinization affects plant growth and agricultural production. Accumulation of NaCl in soil leads to the global annual loss of 10 million hectares of agricultural land. Plants have evolved various adaptive mechanisms to salinity and several genes involved in responses to this abiotic stress have been characterized. Our research focus on plant synaptotagmins. Synaptotagmins are membrane proteins with a characteristic N-terminal transmembrane region, a linker of variable length and a tandem C2 domain which is able to bind Ca2+. They were originally defined as calcium sensors in vesicular transport in animal nerve cells. Six synaptotagmins have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, and AtSYT1 is the most and universally expressed of them. This protein is involved in several responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, but the exact mechanisms are still unknown. In the last period, we used atsyt1 mutants to study how the absence of the AtSYT1 protein affects the efficiency of photosynthesis. Furthermore, we used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze how salt stress and the absence of the AtSYT1 gene function manifests itself on the spectrum of proteins in the roots of sprouts under in vitro conditions. In my presentation, I will summarize the results of this proteomic analysis and outline further research directions in this area.
23. 6. 2022 Luca Paoli, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Air pollution in Slovakia: a story told by lichens, with a focus on threatened species
In the second half of the twentieth century, the territory of Central Europe (including Slovakia), has been exposed to increased amounts of emissions, mainly SO2, NOx and heavy metals. The emissions and subsequent air pollution resulted in negative impacts on human health and the environment, until the changing of political and socio-economic situation after 1989 in Central and Eastern Europe led to a radical decrease of emissions. Given their ability to take up atmospheric pollutants from the surrounding environment, lichens are profitably used as biomonitors of air quality. A selection of studies carried out in Slovakia and devoted to the causal relation between environmental pollution and lichens are presented, with reference to the period 1960–2020, encompassing the use of biodiversity and bioaccumulation techniques as well as ecophysiological parameters in native and transplanted lichens. The review includes pioneering up to recent monitoring studies of air pollution effects in urban and industrial areas, monitoring changes in species distribution between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries due to atmospheric pollution and habitat alteration, the retreat of sensitive species (with a focus on the model species Lobaria pulmonaria), as well as recent regional and large-scale biomonitoring in forests. Beside urban pollution, the topics cover copper and mining activities, mercury pollution, magnesite and aluminium production, steel and cement industry.
16. 6. 2022 Michal Slezák, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Species diversity of vascular plants in floodplain forests – temporal and spatial changes
Floodplain forests are considered an important component of riverine ecosystems. Their plant species assemblages are shaped by natural disturbance (flooding) regime, hierarchy of resource utilization (mainly soil water and nutrients) and interspecific interactions. The synergistic effect of these drivers promotes the development of a typical mosaic structure with a species-rich understory layer. It is composed of plant species with different ecological niches. Our last research activities aimed to test the predictive power and effect of two topographic indices, as proxies for disturbance (stream power index) and productivity (wetness index) levels, on the (α-) diversity patterns of all vascular plants and their functional groups (ferns, woody species, Red List and alien species, neophytes) in riparian floodplain forests. The results indicate that higher flooding-induced disturbances associated with light availability increased the number of all species. The positive effect of flooding disturbances was diminished towards more productive sites. The response of species diversity to both predictors depends on species group. Re-sampled dataset of black alder swamp forests was used to analyse the effects of increasing light availability on species coexistence, i.e. we evaluated temporal changes in species distribution and diversity along a micro-topographic (moisture) gradient. We found that the species diversity and total plant cover increased significantly due to positive effect of light conditions. The competition-facilitation relationship did not change significantly over time.
2. 6. 2022 Ľubica Liptáková, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Reactive oxygen species in the stress response of plants
The main mechanism of cadmium toxicity is oxidative stress, which is manifested by an imbalance in the production and removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Depending on their concentration, ROS have a dual function in stress responses. At low concentrations induced by mild stress, ROS are signaling components to activate defense responses. Due to strong stress conditions, ROS production is increasing. Increasing their concentration caused by strong stress, exceeding the capacity of the antioxidant system, is responsible for oxidative damage or even lethal processes. Therefore, it is important to study the mechanisms regulating ROS, necessary for the protection of cells, tissues and the whole organism, leading to an increase in plant tolerance to adverse conditions. Several publications show that mitochondria are the site of increased ROS production in metal-exposed roots, and alternative oxidase activation regulates ROS production during various stress conditions. We used Western blotting to detect an alternative oxidase. The early increase of alternative oxidase levels indicates that the reduction of mitochondrial superoxide production is important in the response of the apical parts of the barley root to severe cadmium stress.
26. 5. 2022 Katarína Valentovičová, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Stanovenie aktívnych foriem kyslíka v intaktných koreňoch. Ako sa vyhnúť falošne pozitívnej reakcii?
12. 5. 2022 Marek Slovák, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Rola hybridizácie a introgresie v evolúcii rodu Soldanella
Hybridization is a key mechanism involved in lineage diversification and speciation, especially in ecosystems that experienced repeated environmental oscillations. Recently radiated plant groups, which have evolved in mountain ecosystems impacted by historical climate change, provide an excellent model system for studying how gene flow can drive but also prevent speciation. Using a combination of organellar and nuclear genomic data with a cytogenetic approach (FISH), we investigated the effects of hybridization and introgression on the evolution and speciation of the European Alpine System-dwelling genus Soldanella (snowbells, Primulaceae). We tested whether (1) introgression occurred recurrently during the evolutionary history of the genus; (2) Carpathian and Balkan species that usually feature large ecological amplitude have been affected by hybridization more than the widespread alpine zone-dwelling snowbell species; and (3) hybridization contributed to the speciation of S. alpina on the one hand and triggered the break down of species boundaries in Carpathian species on the other hand. We found that the pervasive introgression has occurred among ancestral lineages of snowbells and has persisted throughout the entire evolutionary history of the genus, regardless of the ecology or distribution range size of the affected species. The highest extent of introgression has been detected in the Carpathian species, which is also reflected in their extensive karyotype variation. Historical introgression occurred even between species with dysploid and euploid cytotypes, assumed to be reproductively isolated. The magnitude of introgression detected in snowbells is unprecedented in other mountain genera of the European Alpine System investigated hitherto. Our study stresses the creative evolutionary role of hybridization in facilitating but also impeding speciation and diversification processes.
5. 5. 2022 Martin Šafránek, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Heterologická expresia LG3 domény DEK1
DEK1 je veľký multidoménový proteín o veľkosti 240 kDa, pričom jeho primárna aminokyselinová sekvencia si zachovala konzervovanú modulárnu štruktúru naprieč suchozemskými rastlinami. Predpokladá sa, že DEK1 pozostáva z dvoch hlavných topologických segmentov, ktoré sú dôležité pre jeho správnu funkciu: 1) membránového segmentu, ktorý je prerušený 300 aminokyselinovou slučkou a 2) cytosolickej časti, ktorá obsahuje linker s LG3 a konzervovanou kalpaínovou doménou. Kalpaínová doména DEK1 pozostáva z CysPc, charakteristickej katalytickej domény a regulačnej C2L domény. Aj napriek dlhoročnému štúdiu DEK1 stále nie je odhalený presný mechanizmus funkcie a ani samotná 3D štruktúra. K tomu, aby sme sa mohli priblížiť k tomuto cieľu, je potrebné získať proteín v čo najvyššej miere a hlavne čistote. Voľba vhodného vektora, či optimalizácia heterologickej expresie patria k základným krokom získania nadexprimovaného solubilného proteínu. Kryštalografická analýza na odhalenie 3D štruktúry zas vyžaduje získaný proteín v čo najvyššej čistote a teda je nutné vhodne zvoliť kombinácie chemicko-fyzikálnych purifikačných metód. Získanie podrobnej kvartérnej štruktúry je cesta nielen k porozumeniu funkcie proteínu, ale tiež k pochopeniu interakcií proteínu so substrátmi.
21. 4. 2022 Katarína Skokanová, 13:00, via Zoom application
Will the invasive spreading of Solidago canadensis be affected byhybridization with the native S. virgaurea?
Hybridization between native and alien congeners may pose a serious threat to biodiversity and negatively affect native flora. In our ongoing research, we focus on Solidago ×niederederi, which has originated through spontaneous hybridization between the invasive alien S. canadensis and native S. virgaurea. This hybrid was first recorded at the very end of the 19th century, recently its occurrence is reported in 17 European countries and we have also discovered 8 sites in Slovakia. Our research aimed: 1) to survey historical circumstances of hybrid discovery (resulting in its lectotypification), 2) to summarize its current distribution and habitat preferences, 3) to test the effectiveness of flow cytometry for detecting hybrid plants of S. ×niederederi, 4) to confirm the hybrid origin and to identify the maternal species by analyses of sequences of the ITS region of nrDNA and the rpS15-ycf1 spacer of cpDNA, 5) to detect direction and frequency of hybrid formation and backcrossing by flow cytometry analyses of the progeny of hybrid and parental plant. Our findings suggest that intogressive hybridization of highly invasive S. canadensis with S. virgaurea adapted to a wide range of local conditions could create even better-adapted and thus potentially more invasive phenotypes.
14. 4. 2022 Karol Marhold, 13:00, via Zoom application
Biodiversity informatic resources on the internet
According to Wikipedia, biodiversity informatics is the application of informatics techniques to biodiversity information for improved management, presentation, discovery, exploration and analysis. Most of us use its products in our every-day life. In the nomenclature practice, probably most important database project is the International Plant Names Index (IPNI), comprising all validly published species names, and for last dozens of years also infraspecific ones. Other databases, providing authoritative lists of accepted names and synonyms, have often limited geographical coverage or they are in the various stages of development. From among them, Tropicos, Euro+Med PlantBase, The Plant List, Plants of the World online or World Flora Online should be mentioned. Of particular importance are digital libraries, as Biodiversity Heritage Library, Biblioteca Digital (Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid) or Botanicus (Missouri Botanical Garden). Herbarium collections are often presented in digital form, either by individual institutions or by the portal JSTOR Global Plants, providing access to almost 3 million type specimens and other important collections from more than 300 institutions worldwide. Database of Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) comprises more than 1.5 billion distribution records on plants and animals, collection based or observations. Although data are of various quality, it is the most important information resource for biodiversity studies and applications.
Year
2021
9. 12. 2021 Beloslava Genova (University of Plovdiv) & Kiril Vassilev (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), 13:00, via Zoom application
Recent status of vegetation research in Bulgaria and a collaborative study of the Danube floodplain forests
During the last six years, there has been a significant increase in the knowledge of the vegetation diversity in Bulgaria. An efficient municipality-based sampling and subsequent vegetation classification approach have been adopted. More than 8000 vegetation plots have been sampled (ca. 37% of all Bulgarian vegetation plots) recently. Vegetation classification resulted in the discovery of many new syntaxa. In addition, habitat mapping on a scale of 1:5000 was done. Thirteen percent of the territory of the country was re-investigated. A Bachelor’s thesis focusing on the Riparian forest vegetation in the Central and Western Rhodope mountains was elaborated as part of this work. Similarly, a Master thesis focusing on the diversity of hygro- and hydrophytic vegetation of two municipalities is in progress. Currently, cooperation between Bulgaria and Slovakia is taking place as a part of a research, which compares natural floodplain forests and artificial Populus plantations alongside the watercourse of the Danube river. Invasibility of both native and planted habitats has been compared and will be interpreted on a European scale. In addition, a new collaboration about habitat verification from the NaturaSat software in Bulgaria has recently started.
7. 10. 2021 Valerii Darmostuk, 13:00, via Zoom application
Lichenicolous fungi [Department of Botany, Kherson State University, Ukraine, SAIA fellowship June – October 2021]
Department of Botany, Kherson State University was founded in 1917 as the Cabinet of Natural History («Kabinet Pryrodoznavstva») which later became a full-fledged department. Currently it covers three main research areas: 1) vascular plants (invasive plants, urban flora, geobotany, other research related to dry grassland), 2) bryology (mosses of Eastern Europe), and 3) lichenology (lichens and their communities, lichenicolous fungi). Herbarium of KSU (KHER) keeps approximately 15 000 specimens of lichens and fungi as well as 15 000 specimens of plants and 7 000 specimens of mosses. Lichenicolous fungi have been actively studied at the department for the last 5 years within the topic of my PhD study titled “Lichenicolous fungi of the steppe zone of Ukraine”. As a result, 155 species of lichenicolous fungi and 13 species of lichenicolous lichens were reported for the study area. Among them, 96 species have been registered for the territory of the Ukrainian steppe zone for the first time. Five species were described as new for science species. 41 species of lichenicolous fungi and 3 species of lichenicolous lichens were for the first time reported to Ukraine, 9 species were new to Western Europe and 3 species were new to Europe. My current research focused on diversity, distribution and ecology of lichenicolous fungi of Eastern Europe as well as a phylogeny of lichenicolous Hypocreales (genus Pronectria, Xenonectriella). Our research in PSBC SAS is focused on diversity of lichenicolous fungi on genus Solenopsora. We examined the thalli of members of the lichen genus Solenopsora (Leprocaulaceae) to learn more about their potential to host symptomatic lichenicolous fungi. Altogether, 571 specimens were screened, out of which eighty specimens yielded lichenicolous fungi (nine taxa of lichenicolous fungi and one parasitic lichen).
9. 9. 2021 Viktor Demko, 13:00, via Zoom application
Plant calpain DEK1 governs developmental transitions in plants and is regulated at multiple levels
Calpains are tightly regulated cysteine proteases with essential functions in eukaryots. Best characterized are mammalian cytosolic calpains that have been implicated in numerous diseases such as neurodegenerative syndromes or cancer. In contrast to animals that possess multiple calpain types, plants contain a single 240 kDa membrane-anchored calpain DEFECTIVE KERNEL 1 (DEK1). Genetic analyses showed that DEK1 is indispensable for any organised growth in plants. In our view, DEK1 plays both sensory and effector role in translating local cues to enable and disable cellular machineries to constrain morphogenesis. The major unanswered questions are how is the DEK1 activity controlled and what are the molecular targets of its calpain.
In my presentation, I will discuss our current approaches to elucidate DEK1 mode of action. Our latest genetic analyses in Physcomitrium patens hint to the role of specific domains in post-translational regulation of DEK1. We also analyzed the gene regulatory networks of P. patens and identified the regulons that are deregulated in DEK1 mutants. We identified regulatory hierarchies in the five DEK1-controlled subnetworks that are consistent with the gene’s regulatory role in cell fate transitions. Given the existence of yet uncharacterized membrane-anchored calpains in different eukaryotic organisms, including those causing severe diseases, the model linking calpain activity with cell fate transitions represents a tool with potential use beyond plant biology.
3. 6. 2021 Ivana Fialová, 13:00, via Zoom application
Kremík v živote rastlín (Silicon in plants)
Although the silicon is not considered as an essential element for higher plants, it exerts beneficial effects on plant growth and production. Silicon alleviates both biotic and abiotic stresses, diseases, insects, drought, salinity, toxic impact of metals, nutrient imbalance, etc. It acts as a mechanical barrier and chelator and at the same time it has an influence on antioxidative defense system and plant hormone synthesis. Despite the fact that the positive effect of Si on the reduction of the toxicity of heavy metals was already proven in the 1960s, the exact mechanism of its action is not yet known.
Year
2020
19. 3. 2020 Munazza Kiran (University of the Punjab, Pakistan)
Dermoloma: waiting for its dawn!
Dermoloma J. E. Lange ex Herink is a poorly known genus of small, grey or brown coloured agarics of the family Tricholomataceae. European species have been mostly reported from grassland ecosystems and are considered as to be a part of a group of fungi with special conservation interest often referred to as CHEGD. Twenty two out of 34 valid species names of the genus Dermoloma are published from Europe. However, the number of accepted species is very variable in Europe, ranging from 3 to 18. The most recent general European key of Nordic mycobiota to agarics distinguishes only 3 Dermoloma spp. Our preliminary phylogenetic analysis revealed several unrelated phylogenetic lineages of Dermoloma but only few are identified based on a type sequence. There is a dire need of more precise morphological studies and of multiple loci sequencing to delimit taxonomic units and to assign names for already described species.
27. 2. 2020 Ben Avis (Indiana University Northwest, USA)
Insight in understanding diversity of fetid Russula in US Midwest
The fetid Russula group in eastern North America has been well studied historically, but recent research has focused primarily on genetics instead of morphology. The lack of morphological focus has resulted in microscopy methods to be largely unknown in United States mycology. In an attempt to introduce these methods to the mycological community in the US, I am applying standardized methods developed by Slavomír Adamčík on specimens collected in eastern North America. Through genetic analyses, we believe these specimens belong to two distinct clades at species rank. We have also found that they are both related to R. pectinatoides and R. cerolens. In order to describe these clades as new species, we must find morphological differences not only between these two clades but also between each clade in the lineage. Compared to other ectomycorrhizal fungi, fetid Russulas prefer nitrophilic habitats. Due to the recent nitrification of habitats located near agricultural areas in eastern North America, further research about the ecological function of this group is important.
Year
2019
2. 7. 2019, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
1. Interplay between reactive oxygen species and auxin signalling during root growth
Mgr. Loriana Demecsová
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are versatile molecules participating in a numerous cellular processes. Whereas the biotic and abiotic stress produced ROS are well known to cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage; there is also a role for ROS in plant cell signalling during various physiological processes. Furthermore current research suggests that the plant growth regulator auxin may be the connecting link regulating the level of ROS and directing its role in oxidative damage or signalling in plant. Therefore the aim of this seminar is to report about recent knowledge about the possible interplay between ROS and auxin signalling, be it during root growth, root gravitropism or during stress conditions.
2. Phylogenetic analyses and discovery of new species of the genus Russula (Fungi) associated with Quercus humboltii in Colombia
Michelle Vera Castellanos
Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; the IAPT research grant at Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS
Colombia is the country with the highest diversity of different groups of organisms in the world, for example of orchids and birds. This is not true for diversity of oak trees, the country with highest diversity of oaks is Mexico and Colombia has only one oak species, Quercus humboltii, that is the only natural oak species in South America and is endemic to the country. Oak is the host tree of ectomycorrhizal fungi and specifically it is known for high species diversity of Russula species colonising its roots. Very little is known about Russula diversity in Colombia, and only 6 native species very described from the country. Majority of Russula reports from Colombia originates from oak forests and the species are often named with European or North American names. There is no a single phylogenetic study to prove broad distribution of Colombian Russula species and not a study confirming their possible genetic isolation. The Colombian oak is separated from oak forests of Panama and Latin America by a climate disjunction of Panama Isthmus that suggests possible speciation by distance within populations of Colombian Russula. However, some fungal symbionts of oak are also associated with alternative hosts allowing them wider distribution. Our study is comparing collections of Russula from oak mountainous forests of Colombia with Russula collections from North Panama associated with alternative host Oreomunnea mexicana. A significant result of the study is discovery of new species of recently described group (2019) in Colombia with identical ITS nrDNA sequences to Panama collections.
24. 5. 2019, 13:00 3rd Floor Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
Phi-like crescent cortical thickenings in roots of N. caerulescens
Mgr. Ján Kováč
Phi thickenings occur in some roots as a cortical cell wall modification, together with endodermal/exodermal Casparian bands and suberin lamellae. Although the function of the two latter mentioned modifications is known, phi thickenings remain a mystery even after decades of research. The missing consensus about the function of phi thickenings is caused by a variability in their shape, position and species in which they occur. Interestingly, the cross-section of the thickenings resembling the Greek letter phi (after which the thickenings are names) may in some species resemble more the letter “C” or a half-moon, and they occupy a substantial part of the cell wall. The aim of this seminar will be to summarize the information about these crescent thickenings in comparison with ordinary phi thickenings. Issues about structure and ultrastructure, composition, development and distribution together with possible function of crescent thickenings will be discussed.
2. Unraveling the diversity of an ectomycorrhizal genus Russula in Pakistan
M.Phil. Munazza Kiran (University of the Punjab, Pakistan)
The genus Russula is one of the largest genera of mushroom forming fungi. A large majority of species included in the genus are edible and they play a vital role in forest ecology because of their ectomycorrhizal association to some dominant tree species. Pakistan has a great variety of landscapes with diverse topography and thus a high diversity of ecosystems and habitats. The Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram mountain ranges host important forests in Pakistan. These have a great and varied funga associated with the mycorrhizal tree species i.e., Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Juniperus macropoda, Pinus gerardiana, Picea smithiana, Pinus wallichiana. In contrast to the global knowledge of the genus, very little is known about this genus in Pakistan. Various fungal forays, over recent years, have indicated that this is an under-sampled geographic region. Recent collections and molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that the Russula diversity in Pakistan is different from European continent and majority of species might be new to science.
3. 4. 2019, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
The mechanism of positional signalling in plants – understanding of the DEK1 pathway
Mgr. Viktor Demko, PhD., Prírodovedecká fakulta, Katedra fyziológie rastlín, UK
Defective Kernel 1 (DEK1), is a large membrane protein with essential functions in plant growth and development. DEK1 consists of a 23-spanning transmembrane domain, a Linker segment and C-terminal calpain protease. Loss-of-function dek1 mutants are embryo-lethal and its down-regulations cause various defects including the loss of epidermal identity and non-functional meristems. In this project we aim to unravel how is the DEK1 activated and what are its direct cellular substrates. In order to solve these problems, we combine various approaches including genetics, cell biology, and structural biology.
21. 2. 2019 štvrtok, 13:00, Main Conference Room IB PSBC SAS
1. Heavy metal and micronutrient continuum in fertilizer soil-plant system in selected areas of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka
Vidya Chuirappurathu Sukumaran Nair
Intensive Agriculture has led to excessive nutrient uptake from soil, fertilizer and manure sources. Soil enrichment with manures and fertilizers is an old practice, however the fertilizers are obtained from ores containing metals of various levels. The addition of fertilizer containing heavy metals over the years could lead to its accumulation in soils. Thus, there is a possibility of entry in to plant system and to the human food chain. This study on the micronutrient and heavy metal distribution in fertilizer-soil-plant system in selected areas of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka provides an insight in to the micronutrient and heavy metal status of the area and its content in grapes, maize and mulberry. The high organic carbon was recorded in grape growing soils compared to maize and mulberry growing soils due to high organic manure addition. Cadmium was not detected in soil samples and Cr was present in trace amounts. The total metal content in soils of study area was within maximum tolerable levels. The Cu content in leaves and fruits of grapes exceeded the limits (20 mg kg-1). This study dispels several reports that addition of DAP (Diammonium phosphate) over the years have led to accumulation of cadmium and other heavy metals.