Research interest
We focus on the diversity, ecological interactions, and trophic preferences of plants and microorganisms, particularly fungi. We study evolutionary adaptations, ecological niches, enzymatic and metabolic activities, and other biological characteristics of individual organismal species. We apply a perspective on communities of organisms from the viewpoint of a single species with which they interact. We use fungal and plant profiles to distinguish ecosystem functions. We are interested in changes in diversity and ecosystem functions under defined environmental conditions. Our research is placed in the context of key societal issues related to biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. The subjects of our research include soil microbial ecosystems, lichenized synusia, and plant tissues (leaves, seeds, roots). EMEI is also interested in evolutionary history, diversification, speciation mechanisms, and biogeography of green plants (Viridiplantae), lichenized and non-lichenized fungi.
Methods
- DNA extractions from organismal tissues
- next generation sequencing methods: RAD-Seq, Hyb-Seq
- assessing of root-associated fungal communities using amplicon sequencing
- Sanger based DNA sequencing
- bioinformatic processing of molecular data
- karyological analyses (flow cytometry, direct chromosome counting)
- studies of reproduction strategies of plants (pollen viability, fruit production, seed germination, clonality)
- reconstruction of morphological and ecological plant adaptations
Vision
Deciphering Life at the Limits: The Impact of Environmental Extremes
Specific questions
How rock-dwelling species cut through challenging rocky environment to maximize their fitness and long-term survival?
Which adaptions and/or symbiotic relationships facilitate their persistence in such inhospitable habitats?