Current
| CARBODNA - Aptamer-based analytical platform for in vitro and in situ analyses of complex carbohydrates | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2027 |
| Evidence number: | IM-2021-230 |
| Program: | IMPULZ |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Mravec Jozef, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Complex carbohydrates are some of the most important biopolymers. They provide a sustainable source of materials, and energy and are a major part of human and animal diets. Due to their high molecular weight and high complexity, the determination of the precise amount and structure of these molecules is extremely technically challenging. For instance, one of the currently used methods called Compositional Microarray Polymer Profiling exhibits several serious drawbacks such as the requirement for a high level of expertise, expensive equipment, and is very costly and time-consuming. The CARBODNA project aims to make a leap forward in the area and develop a novel analytical platform based on aptamers sometimes also called synthetic or chemical antibodies. These are fragments of polynucleotides with the ability to bind target molecules with high specificity and avidity comparable to conventional monoclonal antibodies. The initial task of the project is to generate aptamers specific for polysaccharide components of plant cell walls, especially for those still lacking any specific immunological probes as well as novel aptamers for macromolecular 3D structures such as intermolecular interactions forming the intricate cell wall architecture. These new probing tools will be utilized to create a new system for quantification and compositional profiling of samples of different origin utilizing common well-established methods of molecular biology as well as for detailed imaging of the cell wall ultrastructure. Finally, the new technology will be applied to study the dynamics of cell walls during plant somatic embryogenesis and cellular elongation. |
| Evolutionary and ecological outcomes of plant invasions: What are the potential consequences of post-invasion hybridization and polyploidization on the invasiveness of Solidago taxa in Europe? | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0024/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Šlenker Marek, PhD., RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Because of the complexity of biological invasions and post-invasion processes (such as mating interactions with native species), a better understanding of the underlying factors and their management is challenging. Members of the genus Solidago represent exceptionally successful invaders in Europe. In this project, we aim to determine the impact of hybridization and introgression in alien-hybrid-native S. canadensis–xniederederi–virgaurea populations and polyploidization in S. gigantea populations on the evolutionary and invasive potential of newly formed genotypes within the invaded range in Europe. We will take an integrative approach combining relative DNA content screening, assessment of population genetic structure by up-to-date molecular markers and measurements of reproductive potential and fitness parameters. We expect to bring new insights into the microevolutionary processes and their impact on further invasiveness as well as to provide a baseline for nature conservation and management decisions. |
| Gemstones of biodiversity: taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and life strategies of target earth tongues (Fungi, Ascomycota) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0074/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kučera Viktor, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Hindáková Alica, PhD., Mgr. Miháliková Tatiana |
| Annotation: | Earth tongues (members of the families Geoglossaceae and Leotiaceae) represent rare fungi and are endangered in most countries of their occurrence but are, together with other fungi, gemstones of biodiversity. Even these fungi are uncommon more that 30 new species were described last decade. According to our research, more are expected to be delimited, namely new Microglossum and Geoglossum taxa in the region of the Carpathians. And more new taxa are expected to be described from other regions in co-operation with foreign colleagues as important addition to the knowledge of the biodiversity. Previous studies confirmed that some geoglossoid species (such as Sarcoleotia globosa and members of the genus Leotia) form ericoid mycorrhiza with plants. Since genus Microglossum is phylogenetically related to Leotia there is possible that also Microglossum species could have similar life strategies. Our preliminary analysis of DNA indicated that such hypothesis should be studies and tested. |
| Combined management as a tool for conservation and restoration of grassland habitats | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0065/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., Mgr. Ivascu Alina - Sorina, Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Protection, enhancement, and potential extension of the biodiversity-rich areas is a top priority of policies within the states, continents or globally. The most recent EU Green Deal Call identified biodiversity and ecosystems as key areas capable of improving the quality of the landscape and mitigating the effects of climate change. Semi-natural habitats are those areas, where most of the action can be taken. Low-intensity traditional farming maintained in mountain regions of the Carpathians is an inspiration for diversification of modern agroecosystems. However, the mechanisms of enhancing grassland biodiversity by diversification and combination of farming practices is still insufficiently known. In our project we would like to investigate multiple aspects of the selected combinations of traditional management practices - mowing, grazing, and manuring - and establish a manipulative experiment to test their effects on biodiversity if used as a restoration intervention in modern agricultural landscapes. |
| MEADOW - Species-rich Carpathian grasslands: mapping, history, drivers of change and conservation | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0226 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Belák Andrej, PhD., Mgr. Dayneko Polina, PhD., RNDr. Dúbravková Daniela, PhD., Ing. Ďuricová Viktória, Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., Mgr. Goga Tomáš, PhD., Mgr. Opravil Šimon, Mgr., MgA. Panáková Jaroslava, PhD., Mgr. Pazúr Róbert, PhD., Pazúrová Zlatica, RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| Annotation: | European agriculture is at a crossroads. Continuing the industrial intensification of agricultural production and the associated abandonment of marginal land equals continuing the direct negative environmental impacts on landscape quality and further loss of biodiversity. The second available option is adopting the quality of the landscape and its sustainability as essential criteria for optimization and management of agricultural production. The main aim of our transdisciplinary project is to support this second option with practical scientific knowledge on environmental and societal potentials regarding sustainable grassland management in the Carpathians using traditional agricultural practices, as well as on which social and institutional features might help embedding such management within the modern Slovak economy. The main objectives of the project are: 1) to identify and map biodiversity-rich grassland areas in the Carpathians and related local environmental and social factors; 2) identify and map areas with high environmental and social potential for successful grassland restoration in Slovakia; and 3) propose a national strategy for state and non-governmental support regarding ecological restoration, conservation and management of the identified grassland areas. We intend to reach such a comprehensive and practical understanding through a collaborative combination of the latest available earth observation data for the Carpathian region, analytical methods and tools, but also pioneering field research; all in parallel on behalf of the scientific fields of botany, ecology, geography, remote sensing and social anthropology. The planned outputs of the project – scientific studies and the proposal of a national strategy to support species-rich grasslands – can, in addition to direct use by contracted domestic recipient organisations (MoE SR and BROZ), also serve as a template for applied research focusing on ecological grassland restoration in Europe and beyond. |
| Plant calpains and their molecular mode of action in cell fate control | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0227 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Demko Viktor, PhD., doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | XX |
| RET-EVOL-BRASS - Reticulate or divergent evolution? Resolving processes behind the high species richness and endemism in Brassicaceae genera | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0044 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Cetlová Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Kantor Adam, RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Smatanová Janka, RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD., Mgr. Šlenker Marek, PhD., RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Reticulate evolution is a challenging research topic, which has gained increased attention in recent years, stimulated by the progress made in genomic research and developments of new scientific techniques and approaches. It is now widely recognized that introgression and hybridization significantly affect plant evolution, but there is still much to discover and understand about these processes and their impact on diversification and speciation. The proposed research focuses on reticulate evolution in four genera of the Brassicaceae family (Alyssum, Cardamine, Erysimum, and Odontarrhena). Here we aim to explore in detail how reticulation events have shaped the evolution of the studied genera, to test whether the high endemism rate reflects multiple independent polyploidization events or increased diversification of polyploid lineages. We will also examine how historical and recent range shifts have stimulated introgression and allopolyploid speciation, and track the mode and rate of allopolyploid genome evolution. We will take an integrative approach that will combine methods of phylogenomics (RADseq and HybSeq techniques of next generation sequencing, complemented by microsatellite markers), cytogenomics, flow cytometry, morphometrics and ecological niche modeling. Bringing together data from diverse sources provides complementary views and different perspectives on the patterns and processes studied. Our studies, focusing on several unrelated species groups, will also include a comparative aspect, go beyond species- or genus-specific patterns, and attempt to infer common and general mechanisms of reticulate evolution in plants. |
| POLINES - Bees cannot make it all - DNA metabarcoding analysis of pollinator biodiversity for improving their protection and ecosystem services | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-21-0386 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD., RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD., RNDr. Laššová Kristína, PhD., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD., RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD., Mgr. Šibíková Mária, PhD. |
| Annotation: | According to many sources, we are witnessing a massive loss of biodiversity, with potentially catastrophic consequences for humanity. Pollinators, which are indispensable for agriculture, nutrition, ecosystems functioning and maintenance of their services, are also critically endangered. However, the real diversity of pollinators and the composition of their communities are unknown and without relevant data, their effective conservation is not possible. We therefore need to significantly improve knowledge and innovate biodiversity research practices. Conventional methods are lengthy, costly and error-prone, which reduces the predictive value of the results. DNA (meta)barcoding is now revolutionising our ability to assess biodiversity across a range of habitats. The approach is efficient and easy to implement, making it a 21st century tool for large-scale biodiversity research and monitoring. The project builds on recent advances in DNA metabarcoding of biota and uses DNA data analysis in combination with environmental factors to assess the biodiversity status of pollinators. Environmental DNA (eDNA) from flowers will also be used, which is a unique and innovative approach to biodiversity surveys of this important group of animals so far.The main objectives of the project are (a) DNA metabarcoding analysis of pollinator biodiversity associated with three model crops (oilseed rape, poppy, apple), (b) estimation of the impact of environmental factors on pollinator diversity, (c) estimation of the impact of pollinator biodiversity on crop yields, and (d) significant addition of unique pollinator fauna data to reference DNA barcoding databases.The outputs of the project will improve the general knowledge of biodiversity, enhance the possibilities for routine application of DNA methods in the future and provide a knowledge base for more effective informed decision making in the context of adaptation to climate change and sustainable development. |
| What we (do not) know about the genus Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina, fungi) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0346/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD., Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Fungi of the genus Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina) have pileate fruiting bodies with a lamellate hymnophore and a typically a reduced stipe. They grow on various dead plant substrates, especially wood. They are circumpolarly widespread and relatively common from tropical to hemiboreal regions. The genus Crepidotus was processed monographically several times, but the individual species were defined only on the basis of morphological features. Phylogenetic studies have confirmed the genus Crepidotus as a separate lineage of Agaricomycotina, but species delimitation and relationships are not sufficiently known and resolved. This project focuses on reconstructing of phylogenetic relationships in the genus, the identification of species diversity and the molecular delimitationof the species concept that was so far defined only morphologically. We will use traditional methods of statistically supported morphological observations in combination with phylogenetic analysis of several regions of DNA. A robust dataset of sequences, morphological observations and ecological data will make it possible to monitor evolutionary processes and the adaptive function of morphological structures. |
| Chronic ionizing radiation affects susceptibility to pests in wild aquatic plants: Discovery and validation of biochemical mechanisms | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0106/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Danchenko Maksym, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kleman Juraj, PhD., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., MSc. Mishra Shubhi, Mgr. Perniš Miroslav, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Most environmental pollutants, including radionuclides, are persistent; hence, they chronically influence plants. Ionizing radiation is a ubiquitous stress factor with unclear consequences of prolonged exposure to low doses. Likely mechanism of damage to cellular biomolecules is mediated through reactive oxygen species. The central hypothesis of this project is compromised phytoimmunity in aquatic plants, particularly common reed (Phragmites australis), naturally grown in contaminated lakes of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Upon initial verification, with laboratory feeding bioassays, we will explore biochemical mechanisms by front-end proteomics, including oxidative stress-related protein carbonylations. These findings will be validated and complemented using targeted enzymatic and immunolocalization assays. Essentially, the unbiased approach of this project will close the intriguing knowledge gap in fundamental radiobiology and produce practical knowledge for the monitoring of contaminated lakes. |
| Unraveling of functional diversity and ecological role of fungi of the family Clavariaceae | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0050/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD., Mgr. Adamčíková Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Bacigálová Kamila, CSc., Ing. Kovácsová Margita |
| Annotation: | Clavariaceae are terrestrial fungi (Basidiomacetes, Agaricomycotina) with club or corral shaped fruiting bodies known as indicators of natural value of grasslands. Several studies demonstrated that Clavariaceae are root endophytes and may form an unspecified symbiosis with vascular plants. Diversity, habitat specificity and trophic interaction of the group are not well understood. This project aims to explore Clavariaceae diversity both by Sanger sequencing of targeted DNA regions using samples from fruiting bodies and by metabarcoding using high throughput sequencing of soil and plant root samples. Phylogenetic studies based on multi-loci data from Sanger sequences and morphology will be used to distinguish species diversity of the group. Our aim is to asses overall local Clavariaceae diversity in grasslands and to distinguish Clavariaceae endophyte diversity and plant specifity. We will use data from amplicon sequencing of bulk soil, rhizosphere and plant roots. This project have ambition to test possible in vitro cultivation of Clavariaceae with partner plants that may facilitate further studies of trophic style of these fungi. |
| Amaranth plasticity in response to heavy metals: multi-scale analysis from ecophysiological to molecular aspects | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0013/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Mgr. Hunková Júlia, PhD., Ing. Lancíková Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Mistríková Veronika, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) gained popularity in the recent past due to its agronomic and exceptional nutritional properties. The growth and developmental characteristics make this plant also suitable for remediation of areas contaminated by metal ions. The main goal of the project is investigation of Amaranthus spp. plasticity in response to selected heavy metals (HM) through multiscale analysis of growth, morphology, ecophysiological performance, biochemical status, and ionome profile, primary related to stress. Moreover, identification of HM-regulated amaranth genes will be performed. Since endophytes facilitate adaptation to stressors and improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation of the host plants, metagenomic survey of the biodiversity of endophyte communities in the amaranth plants exposed to tested HM will be implemented. In addition, we assess silicon as a beneficial element in preventing the adverse effects of metal ions on investigated plant characteristics and traits. |
| DECISION - Understanding of complex biodiversity response to forest management: integration of multi-taxa approach in ecosystem function assessments | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0097/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD. |
| Annotation: | XX |
| URPON - Ponds in the urban environment - biodiversity, non-native biota and ecological quality | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0044/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD., doc. Ing. Hamerlík Ladislav, PhD., Mgr. Kokavec Igor, PhD., RNDr. Navara Tomáš , PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on studying the benthic invertebrate community structure of poorly known urban limnic habitats (so-called ponds), which are essential as potential sources of biodiversity of native and non-native species and as centres of dispersal of non-native species. The main objective is to understand the patterns of biodiversity of urban ponds, with emphasis on [1] comparing the importance of different types of ponds for the conservation of native biodiversity, [2] the penetration and survival of non-native macrozoobenthos species in urban environments, and [3] the origin and direction of dispersal of their populations of model non-native species based on genetic analyses. For the research, we selected ten Slovak cities in the Carpathian and Pannonian ecoregions with a representation of different types of ponds. The results of the detailed systematic research will contribute to the existing fragmentary knowledge in understanding the causal relationships between diversity, distribution and environmental status of these habitats. |
| Impact of climate change on the distribution of selected pathogens of Pinus sp. trees | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0132/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD. |
| Annotation: | XX |
| Influence of the cell wall proteins on embryogenic capacity of selected of conifers | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0032/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Danchenko Maksym, PhD., Ing. Kleman Juraj, PhD., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., MSc. Mishra Shubhi, Mgr. Perniš Miroslav, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Cell wall (CW) is a complex and dynamic structure of plant cells which controls growth and morphology of plants during development and in response to the environment. Despite being present in low amount in CW, proteins play a key role in various processes and many of them are potentialy useful in biotechnology. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) represents an efficient plant regeneration system for theoretical studies as well as for mass propagation, especially in conifers. Process occuring during SE needs deeper understanding to use the regeneration system for conifer micropropagation more effectively. The aim of the submitted proposal isinvestigation of a CWPs potentially important during the induction of embryogenic tissue of selected conifers by proteomic approach. Obtained results may serve as a basis for SE markers suggestion and contribute to better understanding of the SE in woody plants. |
| Living on the edge. Evolutionary and bioecological aspects of narrow endemic Daphne arbuscula Čelak. (Thymelaeaceae) inhabiting extreme rocky habitats | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0098/22 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Cetlová Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Gajdošová Zuzana, Mgr. Gbúrová Štubňová Eliška, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD. |
| Annotation: | xx |
| Olena Bielikova, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V01-00075 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Bielikova Olena , PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is, firstly, to enable fellow from Ukraine to analyse her own samples in order to continue her research topics (genetic structure of salmonids in order to preserve the species diversity of ichthyocenoses of rivers of the western region of Ukraine, study of genetic diversity of different groups of fish in reservoirs of Ukraine). Dr Bielikova\'s involvement in our activities will be mainly focused on field research, molecular analyses and data processing within the projects VEGA 2/0084/21 (eDNA metabarcoding of freshwater ecosystems) and APVV-21-0386 (Research on pollinator biodiversity based on DNA analysis). |
| Polina Dayneko, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 883/2022 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Dayneko Polina, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to integrate a Ukrainian postdoctoral researcher into three national research projects. Within them, she will assist in field research and preparation of joint publications. |
| Olha Lakhneko, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow | |
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2022 - 31. 7. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | 09I03-03-V01-00005 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Lakhneko Olha, PhD. |
| Annotation: | XX |
| Yuliia Kutsokon, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 7. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | XX |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Kutsokon Yuliia, PhD. |
| Annotation: | xx |
| FUNPOXHYB - Fungal hybrid heme peroxidases from primeval forest with application in environmental biotechnologies | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0284 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Bauerová Vladena, PhD., Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD., RNDr. Ferianc Peter, CSc., Ing. Harichová Janka, RNDr. Chovanová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Poljovka Andrej, MSc. Shapkin Vasilii, RNDr. Zámocký Marcel, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Hybrid heme peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) are newly discovered specific oxidoreductases capable of cleaving reactive peroxide bonds in inorganic as well as organic compounds. Concomitantly to this cleavage they oxidize mainly organic compounds forming radical products that can enter polymerization reactions. Over 260 complete sequences from various regions of whole genome DNA were discovered. After their RNA splicing and translation in corresponding protein sequences they exhibit a high level of conservation. So far they were discovered solely in the kingdom of fungi. According to their typical essential sequence patterns responsible for heme binding they all belong to the large peroxidase-catalase superfamily couting currently over 41000 representatives from prokaryotes and eukaryotes. With their catalytic activity hybrid peroxidases represent efficient extracellular enzymatic antioxidants with broad application in defence against toxic effects of the oxidative stress. Recently, their expression and function was described in phytopathogenic fungi. The objective of our proposed project is the discovery of complete DNA gene clusters, corresponding mRNA transcripts and translated secreted isozymes of hybrid heme peroxidases among non-pathogenic fungi isolated from unique primeval forest biotopes of Slovakia. Our goal is to obtain a stable level of expression for selected recombinant hybrid peroxidases with highest level of catalytic efficiency typical for this subfamily. We aim to purify sufficient amounts of this unique enzymatic antioxidants to allow the resolution of 3D structure from produced protein crystals. This shall lead to the explanation of their peculiar reactivity on the base of structure-function relationships in the conserved catalytic centre. No such crystal structure for any hybrid peroxidases is known yet so its availability for unique peroxidases from primeval forest biotopes will allow great future applications in green biotechnologies. |
| AQUARAD - Chronic ionizing radiation compromises resistance to pests in wild aquatic plants: Discovery and validation of biochemical mechanisms | |
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0545 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Danchenko Maksym, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Baráth Peter, PhD., Ing. Kleman Juraj, PhD., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Kohútová Lenka, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., MSc. Mishra Shubhi, RNDr. Mucha Ján, CSc., Mgr. Perniš Miroslav, PhD., Ing. Rajninec Miroslav, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., Mgr. Siváková Barbara |
| Annotation: | Most environmental pollutants, including radionuclides, are persistent; thus, they chronically influence plants. Ionizing radiation is a ubiquitous stress factor with unclear consequences of prolonged exposure to low doses. One plausible mechanism of damage to cellular biomolecules is mediated through reactive oxygen species. Inspired by encouraging preliminary data in legume crop on differentially abundant proteins involved in defense responses and non-systematic field observations of increased infestation of the wild aquatic plant by mites, we propose this original research. The central hypothesis of the project is compromised phytoimmunity through oxidative damage of regulatory proteins in aquatic plants, particularly common reed (Phragmites australis), naturally grown in contaminated lakes of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Upon initial verification of preliminary field data with laboratory bioassays, we will discover biochemical mechanisms by front-end proteomics. In parallel, we will explore the most common modifications of proteins during oxidative imbalance—carbonylations. Findings from the screening stage will be validated using targeted enzymatic, immunolocalization, and gene expression assays. Essentially, the unbiased approach of this proposal might close the intriguing knowledge gap in fundamental radiobiology and produce relevant practical knowledge for the monitoring or potential use of contaminated lakes. This project will enable the establishing of an independent research group of the Principal Investigator and starting a collaboration between sufficiently equipped academic laboratories with complementary expertise. |
| STRAKA - Tree and country – influence of trees on diversity of soil microorganisms in agricultural land | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-20-0257 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčíková Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD., Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., Ing. Harichová Janka, RNDr. Chovanová Katarína, PhD., Kozárová Gabriela, MSc. Shapkin Vasilii, RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD., RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Zámocký Marcel, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Solitary tree standing out of continual forest vegetation has well-known positive and negative impacts on grasslands and arable cultures. Close vicinity of tree causes light and wind interception resulting in change of herbal diversity of grasslands or inhibited growth of crop plants in arable agricultures. Positive influences of tree presence are local enhancing of biological diversity associated with improved ecosystem function. Soil fertility, stability of ecosystem and sustainable land management essentially depends on soil quality. Soil microorganisms are very susceptible to changes in soil characteristics and play the fundamental role in nutrient recycling and stability of ecosystem. Changes in microbial communities connected to presence of trees are underexplored but very actual with current effort to improve landscape structure. Trees are associated with specific groups of fungi; among them are highlighted ectomycorrhizal fungi. Soil of semi-natural grasslands is often dominated by probably biothrophic basidiomycetes and ascomycetes known as CHEGD fungi. In arable soils, special importance is attributed to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and presence of parasitic fungi. This project aims to study representation of fungi with symbiotic, saprophytic, parasitic or other trophic guilds resulted from interaction of tree presence in agricultural land. In addition, we will evaluate selected abiotic and biotic soil characteristics to estimate changes in functional diversity. Project uses advances methods in sequencing of environmental DNA, soil analyses and computer modelling of special influence of ecological factors. |
| How environmental DNA (eDNA) reflects life in alpine lakes and their catchments: DNA metabarcoding in the Tatra lakes research | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0084/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD., RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD., RNDr. Laššová Kristína, PhD., Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Alpine lakes are globally unique aquatic habitats contributing significantly to the regional biodiversity and preserving ecosystem services. However, many of them are at risk, in particular from human activity and climate change. Their protection is therefore crucial, but must be based on accurate and up-to-date data. The project, following previous research of Tatra lakes, will for the first time use innovative molecular methods in the assessment of the alpine lakes biodiversity: metabarcoding, analysis of environmental DNA, NGS. They have great potential to describe the current state of biodiversity of lakes and their catchments in detail, detect rare/non-native species, determine the impact of environmental factors on aquatic biota and assess the species genetic variability. The project also includes the generation of reference molecular data (DNA barcoding) of the Tatra aquatic fauna, which is essential for the correct interpretation of metabarcoding data and will enable their use in modern monitoring. |
| Diversity of urban biota in the Carpathian-Pannonian region | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0108/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD., Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc., Ing. Slezák Michal, PhD., RNDr. Svitková Ivana, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project deals with the research of biodiversity in the urban environment in the territory of two important Central European bioregions – Pannonian and Carpathian. After multiple stratification, 30 Slovak cities were selected, representatively distributed on the basis of geographical location and demography. Within each city, the research will be carried out through two model, ecologically significantly linked groups (vascular plants and terrestrial snails) and on seven habitats typical of the urban environment. The aim of the submitted project is to find out: 1) How environmental and anthropogenic factors affect the diversity of native species in different types of urban environment and the penetration of non-native species into cities, 2) if there is a difference in the diversity structure of model groups of organisms in the Carpathian and Pannonian biogeographical regions, and 3) which of the urban habitats is the most important in terms of biodiversity and can potentially serve as an indicator habitat. |
| Diversity of grassland habitats in Slovakia after two decades in the EU | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0132/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dúbravková Daniela, PhD., Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., RNDr. Halada Ľuboš, CSc., Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD., Mgr. Smatanová Janka, Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD., Ing. Špulerová Jana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The landuse changes dynamicaly in time and these changes reflect in the vegetation composition and structure. The changes in the agricultural landscape are significantly influenced by the agricultural subsidies received in Slovakia since 2004 when the country joined the European Union. The aim of the project is to asses the changes in the floristic composition and functional traits of the grassland habitats of European and national importance using the resampling of phytosociological relevés. Based on the results we will asses the effectiveness and impact of agricultural subsidies on recent state of the studied habitats. At the same time, we will continue testing the influence of various management techniques in the permanent plots on composition of grassland vegetation. The results of our research may be used by the State Conservancy Agency and will serve as a basis for optimisation of management measures for maintaining the favourable condition of grassland habitats of European and national importance. |
| Diversity of fungal and algal communities associated to Mediterranean centered lichens at ecological and spacial levels | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0054/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD., Mgr. Fačkovcová Zuzana, PhD., Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Biodiversity plays important roles in the capacity of biological and ecological systems to respond to global environmental changes. Projections of climate change demonstrate increased climatic variation of the regions and biomes with long-term stabile climate in the past, such as Mediterranean ecosystems. To understand the impact of climatic changes on biodiversity we need to know it on all the levels. Recent phylogenetic and ecological studies show that Solenopsora lichen species can be used as models to explore diversity and ecological adaptation of symbiotic organisms in the Mediterranean region. In this project we aim to to test the hypothesis that the diversity of fungal and algal communities associated to Solenopsora lichen thalli correlate with the evolutionary history, geographical range and the ecology of two selected species – S. candicans with broader range exceeding Mediterranean region; and S. grisea, restricted to the Mediterranean region. |
| Evolutionary dynamics of the (Sub-)Mediterranean flora: uncovering causes of high species diversity in Alyssum and Odontarrhena (Brassicaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0022/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Caboňová Michaela, PhD., Mgr. Cetlová Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Kempa Matúš, PhD., prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc., Mgr. Melichárková Andrea, PhD., Mgr. Smatanová Janka, Mgr. Šlenker Marek, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | We will study evolution of species complexes from the genera Alyssum and Odontarrhena (tribe Alysseae, family Brassicaceae) focusing on diversity centres in the Mediterranean and adjacent mountain areas. We aim to elucidate evolutionary processes that have driven diversification and speciation of plants in this region, evaluating the roles of polyploidy, hybridization, ecological divergence and past range dynamics. Taxonomy of the studied complexes will also be revised. We will employ ploidy level screening by flow cytometry, DNA sequencing (both Sanger sequencing of target regions and high-throughput sequencing methods HybSeq and RADseq), ecological niche modelling, and morphometrics. We will update an online karyological and nomenclatural database of Alysseae (AlyBase), which is a useful tool for integrating taxonomic knowledge and research of this tribe. The project will contribute to better understanding of plant diversity and evolution in the (Sub-)Mediterannean area and its effective conservation. |
| Flora of Slovakia – Asteraceae family (Part 2): biosystematic study of critical taxa | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0161/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc., RNDr. Letz Dominik Roman, PhD., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., Mgr. Miháliková Tatiana, Mgr. Pribulová Katarína, RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on taxonomic and chorological revision of selected representatives of Asteraceae family (tribes Cardueae, Eupatoriae, Heliantheae, Inuleae) in Slovakia or Central Europe, respectively. The main result will be publishing of the next volume of book series Flora of Slovakia, namely Volume VI/2 (Part 2). Each taxon (cca 140 species, 55 genera) will be treated in terms of nomenclature, morphology, karyology, ecology, and chorology. Identification keys (in Slovak and English), original drawings of plants and distribution maps will be also included. Results of the study of taxonomically complex groups from genera Centaurea, Colymbada, Cyanus and Helianthus will be published in separate papers. As part of the project we will published also a book with revised Slovak vascular plant names (Slovak Nomenclature of Vascular Plants; cca 25,000 headings) and anextended and supplemented electronic edition of the biographical dictionary Botanical Personalities of Slovakia (cca 630 personalities). |
| Molecular and cellular mechanisms of adventitious root differentiation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0173/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Demko Viktor, PhD., Mgr. Krausko Miroslav, PhD., Ing. Labajová Mária, PhD., Mgr. Peterková Darina, PhD., Mgr. Šafránek Martin, PhD. |
| Annotation: | An essential requirement for the clonal propagation of plants using stem cuttings is the establishment of an appropriate adventitious root system. Roots are usually created de novo from specialized cells. Competent cells need to be reprogrammed, and this is accompanied by their remarkable changes at different levels. We wish to understand the factors on which the root formation depends by studying the thin stem discs of the grapevine and the thale cress. We will determine the requirements for root formation, and, after induction, we will study the changes accompanying the activation and redifferentiation of competent cells. To identify key genes participating in the process, we will subject induced and non-induced explants to RNA sequencing using the Illumina platform. After obtaining quantitative data on the expression profile, the expression of some differentially expressed genes will be verified by qRT-PCR. The knowledge can be used in breeding to optimize the rooting of economically important species. |
| The role of silicon in metabolic and biochemical processes of plants exposed to stress induced by toxic and potentially toxic elements | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0103/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Fialová Ivana, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Fiala Roderik, PhD., MSc. Chirappuranthu Sukumaran Nair Vidya, Mgr. Jašková Katarína, RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc., doc. RNDr. Vaculík Marek, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Contamination of soil and water with heavy metals and metalloids is a worldwide problem today. The beneficial effect of silicon for optimal plant performance and agricultural crops exposed to various types of abiotic stress (studied in our previous projects) have been reported by several authors, though the mechanism of its action is still not fully understood. The aim of the project is to study the mechanisms of action of exogenously applied silicon on the defense responses of the selected cultivars of maize (or other crops - wheat and sunflower) exposed to toxic (As, Sb) and potentially toxic (in excess) essential elements (Cu) on metabolic and biochemical levels. We will focus on growth, physiological processes (membrane damage, water intake and release, etc.), changes in nitrogen metabolism and its possible connection with antioxidant mechanisms (glutathione-ascorbate cycle), as well as non-enzymatic and enzymatic components of the antioxidant defense system in individual organs of experimental plants. |
| PLANTin - Aliens among us: Spatio-temporal dynamics of plant invasions and their adverse impact on ecosystem | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2020 - 30. 6. 2024 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-19-0134 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Abaffyová Lenka, PhD., Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD., Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD., Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD., Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., Ing. Slezák Michal, PhD., RNDr. Svitková Ivana, PhD., RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD., RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD., Mgr. Zámocká Barbora |
| Annotation: | Plant invasions are an ongoing process threatening biodiversity at the species, habitat and landscape levels. The unique composition of alien flora at a regional level is mainly influenced by climate and cultural factors. The proposed project focuses on the environmental background of plant invasions in Slovakia (covers a substantial part of the Western Carpathians and an adjacent part of the Pannonia) which has been studied in this region only marginally so far. Dynamics of plant invasions will be studied in riparian vegetation along rivers that play a dominant role in the natural spreading of invasive plants. Using time series of vegetation, seed bank, and soil properties, we will reveal spatio-temporal changes in riparian ecosystems which will be further linked with environmental and human factors. Based on field and revised herbarium data, we will reveal the ecological demands of model invasive plant groups (Fallopia japonica agg. and Solidago canadensis agg.) and estimate their potential distribution under current and future climate conditions. An integrative approach will be used to study the impact of plant invasions on semi-natural grasslands which represent the most invaded non-anthropogenic habitats in Slovakia. We will compare multiple-taxa diversity (plants, bryophytes, fungi - by environmental DNA sequencing, molluscs and soil invertebrates) in non-invaded plots and in plots invaded by F. japonica agg. or S. canadensis agg. Further analyses of soil properties, seed bank, microbial activity, and fungal trophic structure will shed light on changes of belowground ecosystem processes at studied plots. We will also conduct a field experiment to study the impact of invasive plants on the decomposition of leaf litter. Such a study with exceptionally broad coverage of taxonomic and methodological approaches will provide a unique look at the plant invasion process and enable us to reveal, besides general trends, also species or group-specific patterns |
| Genetic analysis of juniper species Juniperus communis var. communis, J. sibirica and their putative hybrids J. communis var. intermedia in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0005/23 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Galgóci Martin, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Klobučník Miroslav, PhD., RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The subject of our study are the species J. communis var. communis L., J. sibirica Lodd v Burgsde and J. communis var. intermedia (Sahur) Sanio, which is presumed to be a hybrid origin coming from some of the mentioned parents. In the study, we will search for the anatomical features of the needles and at the same time, we will do DNA studies aimed at finding DNA species-specific markers. As well, we will do population genetic studies that should give us a new knowledge about the genetic structure and the diversity and in the end the information about the uniqueness of these individual populations. We also plan to make some hybridology studies to verify the hybridological affinity of the parental species together with related studies aimed at the determining of pollen quality at the semifinal level. The obtained seeds will be a subject to the cytological study focused on the study of pre- and pozygotic disorders during the embryo development. |
| Comparison of various DNA regions (molecular markers) in fungal metabarcoding of diverse groups of soil fungi (the Agaricomycotina) on Illumina sequencing platform | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | APP0422 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | MSc. Shapkin Vasilii |
| Annotation: | Composition of complex soil fungal communities is most frequently assessed by molecular methods including high-throughput Illumina sequencing using short DNA fragments as molecular markers (metabarcoding). Majority of Illumina based fungal metabarcoding studies rely on usage of either ITS1 or ITS2 partition of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of nrDNA. Advantages in efficiency of amplification from substrates and well-defined barcoding gap put ITS region as the primary fungal barcoding marker, however it is not unproblematic. One of these problems is that ITS based libraries suffer from diversity overestimation due to sequence copy polymorphism and unequal sequence length. The main goal of this research is to compare performances of both ITS1 and ITS2 partitions with two protein-coding low-copy regions of nDNA (ef1-a and rpb2) on artificial fungal mock communities with defined composition. Mock communities will be constructed of three unrelated agaric (Agaricomycotina) lineages of closely related species (genera Hodophilus, Dermoloma and Russula) and sequenced on Illumina platform using selected molecular markers. The sequencing data will be analyzed using most common types of bioinformatics tools and verified with reference dataset resulting from Sanger sequencing of fruiting bodies of input species. Although the ITS region is an obvious choice for characterization of general fungal assemblages, due to rising reference sequence databases for rpb2 and ef1-a markers, this project seeks to evaluate them as alternative metabarcoding markers useful for studies of target sequencing of defined groups. |
| Diversity of endophyte fungal symbionts in the root system of endemic Daphne arbuscula (Thymelaeaceae) from extreme rocky habitats | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | APP0361 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Gajdošová Zuzana |
| Annotation: | Symbiotic relationships between vascular plants and endophytic mycorrhizal fungi are thought to be one of the most important factors in vascular plant survival and adaptation to the land environment. This is even more remarkable in habitats with challenging climatic and edaphic conditions. The proposed study will investigate the mycorrhizal colonization in the root system of the endemic Daphne arbuscula Čelak (Thymelaeaceae) that inhabits climatically extreme rocky habitats in the Western Carpathians. We will determine the diversity of all groups of endophytic fungi associated with the root system of D. arbuscula using light microscopy and amplicon sequencing of nuclear ribosomal DNA. We will also investigate the possibility of differentiating endophytic fungal assemblages between populations from ecologically distinct sites, specifically warm and dry versus cold and humid microenvironments. The findings of this investigation will shed more light on the diversity and composition of symbiotic assemblages in D. arbuscula root systems, which may be one of the key mechanisms allowing D. arbuscula to survive in the climatically extreme environment. The outcomes of this project will contribute to improving conservation strategies for this endangered species and its natural habitat. |
| Hydrolytic enzymes of carnivorous plants and their potential for application in biotechnology | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0041/20 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin , PhD., Mgr. Mikitová Veronika, Ing. Rajninec Miroslav, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The genus Drosera L. represents more than 250 species of carnivorous plants with leaves adapted to capture insects, digest them, and absorb the nutrients. The genomes of individual species, including the genes involved in digestion have been poorly explored so far. Chitinases and ß-1,3-glucanases are believed to play important role in developmental processes, responses to stress as well as during the insect prey digestion. Previously we have isolated two genes encoding chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase from Drosera binata. Here, we focus on the isolation of reference genes from this species and revealing expression profiles for chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase genes in individual organs, upon stress and during digestion. Purified enzymes will be tested on their ability to inhibit the growth of phytopathogens and to hydrolyse different substrates. Following the enzyme hydrolysis the size of products will be determined. This way potential of these genes for application in biotechnology and pharmacy will be explored. |
| NGS data in aquatic animal taxonomy: new approaches to researching the diversity of aquatic beetles in a time of massive global insect decline | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0042/20 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD., RNDr. Laššová Kristína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | According to the latest information, we are possibly facing massive insect extinction, which may have catastrophic consequences for humans. Aquatic insects, inevitable for freshwater ecosystems functioning, are also critically endangered, but we do not know its real diversity and are thus not capable of effective protection. To improve this, we need better data and innovate approaches in the biodiversity research.This project is focused on the world\'s diversity of water beetles, and will be based on the already stored and newly collected (mainly in tropical regions) material. The main goal is to significantly improve knowledge of the diversity of studied taxa and contribute to their protection by combining standard (morphology, DNA barcoding), and High Throughput Sequencing.The project\'s innovation is in the use of DNA metabarcoding adjusted for taxonomy purposes. Expected outputs are new taxa, reference barcodes database and estimate of the trends in the evolution of the aquatic beetles diversity. |
| Islands of continental saline vegetation in temperate Europe – what they have in common and in what they differ? | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0001/20 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Dítětová Zuzana, PhD., Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is aimed to study inland saline vegetation of temperate Europe. We expand our study area into 11 regions where saline vegetation occurs, from central Germany to the Transylvanian Basin and Harghita Mountains in Romania. We focus on the complex study of relevant abiotic (especially climate, soil characteristics, land use) and biotic factors that determine the optimal conditions and surviving potential of halophytes and their plant communities. The groundwork of the analyzes will be a list of obligatory and facultative halophytes recorded in each region and their habitat linkage throughout the individual islands of halophytic vegetation. We also summarize the results of vegetation development of 9 halophytic sites within the Podunajská nížina lowland in Slovakia. 64 permanent plots were established with different sizes and under several forms of management in order to evaluate the success of restoration techniques as topsoil removal and re-introduction of grazing. |
| Worlds in a world - from microcosms to ecosystems | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 1/0012/20 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Svitková Ivana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | A good model system for ecological studies can be distinguished by low spatial variability (high replicabilty) and low stochasticity (high predictability). Aquatic ecosystems in phytotelmata are generally considered as excellent model systems to address various ecological theories (e.g., dynamics of metapopulations and metacommunities, island biogeography, food-web interactions). In temperate Europe, only small number of plant species exhibit morphological structures that would be able to hold water long enough to provide suitable conditions for development of aquatic communities, teasels (Dipsacus fullonum) being one of them. Beside some rather faunistic notes, very little is known about the ecosystem functioning in phytotelmata. Aims of the proposed project are to validate eligibility of phytotelmata as model systems, and to evaluate how the ongoing processes in phytotelmata affect the fitness of the whole teasel plants, what in turn can affect the character of a whole plant community itself. |
| The impact of artificial snowmaking on topsoil properties in mountainous areas | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | APP0425 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Klačanová Simona |
| Annotation: | Climate change is one of the main global problems, the consequences of which, such as changes in temperature and precipitation regimes, are very likely to worsen in the coming decades. In connection with climate change, the overall management of the country is also changing, including ski resorts, which cope with the problem of insufficient natural snow cover by artificial snowmaking. The effects of the operation of ski resorts on the landscape are closely connected with the fragmentation and degradation of the landscape, particularly the disturbance of the topsoil layer which is an important source of nutrients for plants. Management of artificially snowed ski slopes, therefore, has a great influence on the chemical and physical properties of underlying soils. The main goal of this project is to study how artificial snowing is changing soil properties and to supplement the ongoing vegetation research focusing on the impact of ski resorts’ operation on plant communities. We plan to perform physical and chemical analyses of soils from both the artificially and naturally snowed ski slopes within 30 selected Slovak ski resorts. In combination with a vegetation survey, this approach could help discover new connections between the disturbance coming from the operation of ski resorts and its impact on the environment, mainly the soil. |
| Characterization of biochemical and antifungal characteristics of forked sundew (Drosera binata) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 30. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | APP0406 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Mikitová Veronika |
| Annotation: | The present project is aimed to characterize the biochemical and antifungal properties of chitinase from the carnivorous plant Drosera binata, where this hydrolase is an important part of the digestive processes. The cDNA of the respective chitinase will be introduced into the bacterial expression system and, after induction of expression, the recombinant protein will be isolated with affinity chromatography. Subsequently, we determine the thermal stability of chitinase in different conditions and after that, we’ll define optimal temperature and pH. We will also test its antifungal properties and compare them with chitinase from Drosera rotundifolia, which was a subject of research in the previous period. We expect that characterization of hydrolases involved in digestion processes will not only clarify the process of digestion in carnivorous plants, but may reveal their potential use in plant biotechnology especially in strengthening the defence of economically important crops against phytopathogens, in the production of pharmacologically important chito-oligomers, or even in enzymatical degradation of chitinous waste. |
| Barley root responses to heavy metals: defense or toxicity. Chemical biology approach | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 21. 12. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0039/20 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Tamás Ladislav |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Bočová Beáta, Mgr. Demecsová Loriana, PhD., Ing. Huttová Jana, Mgr. Liptáková Ľubica, PhD., Mgr. Valentovičová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Zelinová Veronika, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Adaptation of plants to the ever-changing environment requires the integration of many endogenous ontogenic and exogenous environmental signals. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and phytohormones are the central components of this integration process regulating plant development and stress responses. In addition, components of the same as well as the distinct signaling pathways intensively interact among themselves. In order to gain more insight into the role of these signaling pathways in the response of barley root to stress conditions, the aim of the present project is the analysis of function of some specific signaling components in stress responses, using chemical biology, a new and powerful approaches, to unravel mechanisms of plant adaptation processes. Using small synthetic bioactive molecules for blocking the specific components of stress responses could uncover the function of physiological and biochemical processes in the toxicity and defense responses of roots to heavy metals. |
| Drive4SIFood - Demand-driven research for the sustainable and innovative food | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2020 - 30. 6. 2023 |
| Evidence number: | ITMS 313011V336 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Výskum a inovácie |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD., Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD., RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., Mgr. Mistríková Veronika, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., Ing. Szabóová Monika, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | |
Finished
| Biosystematics, fylogeny and distribution of ascomycetes of the order Leotiales in the Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0061/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kučera Viktor, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Miháliková Tatiana, Mgr. Mikušová Petra, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Most members of the order Leotiales are quite rare and are endangered almost in all countries of their occurrence. The order includes two families, Geoglossaceae (8 genera) and Leotiaceae (3 genera). They occur in some forest areas but predominantly they are associated with specific non-forest habitats, such as peat bogs, meadows, pastures and also sand dunes. Recently numerous new taxa are being described but no determination manual for their identification is available. Latest estimate includes about 25 taxa of the order in the Carpathians but delimitation of most of them is vague. We have identified serious taxonomical problems in genera Geoglossum, Microglossum and Thuemenidium that have to be solved. Taxonomical data will support consequent phylogenetic analyses and discussion on paraphyletic origin of genera. Field collections from the Carpathians, type and other material held in fungaria also published records will allow us to summarize ecology, construct distribution maps and propose threat status. |
| Determination, spreading pattern and impact of invasive plants on native ecosystems: case studies on Centaurea, Fallopia and Solidago | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0024/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD., Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD., Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD., RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD., RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to study taxonomically problematic and hardly distinguishable invasive taxa and cytotypes of Centaurea stoebe agg., Fallopia japonica agg. and Solidago canadensis agg. occurring in central Europe. By combination of biosystematic approaches (morphometrics, flow cytometry, chromosome counting) we will determine particular taxa and cytotypes. Thanks to extensive field survey and revision of herbarium specimens we will contribute to the knowledge on current and past distribution of F. japonica agg. and S. canadensis agg. in central Europe and cytotypes of C. stoebe agg. in mixed-ploidy populations. Further, we will analyse ecological demands of particular taxa and cytotypes and model their future potential spreading within the studied area. To reveal and to compare impact of invasive taxa of F. japonica agg. and S. canadensis agg. on natural biotopes we will use a combined approach including analyses of soil properties, seed bank, diversity of plants, fungi and molluscs in invaded biotopes. |
| DD ChangE - Diversity and distribution of species and communities in changing environment | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0119/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Šibíková Mária, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc., Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD., Mgr. Podroužková Medvecká Jana, PhD., Ing. Slezák Michal, PhD., RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD., Špoták Jozef |
| Annotation: | Spatio-temporal changes translate to changes in diversity and distribution of populations and communities across all organizational levels, influencing many aspects of biota. Shifts in distribution of plant communities and species including invasions by alien species gained significance in past decades when this phenomenon became more evident. Now it is obvious that the main drivers and causes of changes in diversity and distribution include 1) land use and management; 2) climate change; 3) spreading of alien species and 4) natural disturbances. Combinations of these factors influence vegetation, agroecosystems and forestry either in negative or positive way. Identifying general pattern at local scales, in various habitats, and differentiation of effects caused by each driver will help us to understand the impact of observed changes and their role in ecosystems. To reach our goals we focus on habitats from the basins to the alpine belt – floodplains, montane forests, grassland and alpine communities. |
| Diversity of plant understory of alder forests in the main bioregions of Central Europe | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0016/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Jarčuška Benjamín, PhD., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., Ing. Slezák Michal, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Alder forests with dominance of Alnus glutinosa are ecologically and floristically specific vegetation type. These forests belong to the endangered vegetation and they are under strong human pressure in Central Europe. We focus on the study of plant diversity patterns (alpha, beta and gamma) in the main Central European bioregions (Alpine, Continental and Pannonian) with respect to various plant groups (vascular plants, bryophytes, native and alien species) and two types of these forests, riparian alder forests and alder carrs. In addition, we would like to detect which ecological factors (including human impact) have an impact on alpha diversity of plants and which conditions predeterminate the highest species richness. |
| Genetic structure of hybrid swarms of Scots pine and dwarf mountain pine in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0022/20 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Galgóci Martin, PhD., Mgr. Klobučník Miroslav |
| Annotation: | The project aims in description of genetic status of the putative hybrid swarms of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) in northern Slovakia. The attention will be paid to comparison of genetic structure of the putative hybrid swarms Medzi Bormi in Zuberec-Habovka, Tisovnica in Oravska Polhora, Sucha Hora and Obšívanka-Sokolie near Terchova with the structure of selected reference populations of pure species P. mugo and P. sylvestris. As genetic markers, the microsatellites of the nuclear genes and tandem repeated retrotranspozons of nuclear DNA (iPBS) will be used. Obtained experimental data will serve in calculation the basic characteristics of genetic structure in individual populations and subsequent drawing the conclusions about genetic distance between them as the main indication of their resemblance or differentiation. |
| Is a rare case of whole-genome duplication in the predominantly diploid genus Daphne L. associated with ecological niche shifts? | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APP0267 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Gajdošová Zuzana |
| Annotation: | Polyploidy is one of the most crucial evolutionary and speciation mechanisms in the plant kingdom. In the genus Daphne L. (Thymelaeaceae), the basic diploid ploidy level has been predominantly known so far, indicating that polyploidy does not play a significant role in the evolution of the genus. Nevertheless, preliminary results of our study of two related and endangered species D. arbuscula and D. cneorum indicate the existence of polyploids in D. cneorum, which could be associated with the adaptation to different ecological niches. Therefore, the major aim of the project will be a detailed analysis of the cytotype variability of both mentioned species in Central Europe with a special focus on the Carpathians and Pannonian Basin. Using flow cytometry (PI and DAPI) and direct chromosome counting, we plan to examine the variability at the ploidy level and the absolute genome size in both species, especially concerning their wider niche diversity. The project will also aim to test interactions between the identified cytotypes. The data obtained will contribute not only to a better understanding of the biology and ecology of both endangered species but even will help to shed more light on the mechanism and factors responsible for polyploidy in the otherwise diploid genus Daphne. |
| Taxonomy of families Elmidae, Protelmidae and Dryopidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 1/0515/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Mgr. Goffová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Selnekovič Dávid (Prírodovedecká fakulta UK v Bratislave) |
| Annotation: | Beetles of the families Elmidae, Protelmidae and Dryopidae are adapted with their morphology and physiology primarily to life in the aquatic environment. Rather exceptionally are some Dryopidae from the wet tropics terrestrial (e.g. Sostea, Geoparnus, Spalacosostea, Monstrosostea). The biodiversity of these groups and their evolutionary history are still poorly known, despite their almost cosmopolitan distribution and great importance in eco-environmental research. This project deals with taxonomy and reconstruction of phylogeny of studied beetles by a complex molecular-morphological approach. It is focused on the systematic position of the questionable and newly described taxa, and recognition of evolutionary patterns in the phylogeny of Elmidae, Protelmidae and Dryopidae. |
| The effect of chronic ionizing radiation on protein carbonylation in Phragmites australis | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APP0272 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | MSc. Mishra Shubhi |
| Annotation: | Protein carbonylation is an irreversible posttranslational modification caused by oxidative imbalance. It occurs in plants under environmental stress factors, such as ionizing radiation. Carbonyl groups on certain amino acids marker damaged proteins and route them for degradation. The central goal of this project is to detect and quantify the carbonylated proteins as the direct indicator of oxidative stress in irradiated plants. The first part of the study will be focused on the standardization of the protocol for biotinylation-based affinity chromatography followed by mass spectrometry to discover the carbonylated proteins. During the second stage, these advanced techniques will be used to dissect the influence of radionuclide contamination on protein carbonylation in wild aquatic plant—common reed (Phragmites australis). |
| Traditional ecological knowledge for grassland conservation and restoration | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0095/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Recent crisis in biodiversity conservation of high nature value grasslands and failures of the Common Agriculture Policy of the EU ask for new effective solutions. Semi-natural grasslands evolved through a long-lasting low-intensity human land use, thus their biodiversity can be most effectively preserved by simulation of traditional agricultural practices. In the project we focus on a detail analysis of grassland phytodiversity in close relation with its historical development and traditional land use. The regions of the Eastern and Central Europe with well maintained traditional rural culture belong to the key study areas. Obtaining of high-value biological, ecological and ethnological data on the selected sites should guarantee the proper interpretation of the gathered traditional ecological knowledge. This can become a valuable scientific material for future adjustment of socio-political mechanisms in the realm of grassland conservation and restoration and sustainable land use. |
| Role of arbuscular mycorrhizae in the alleviation of Sb toxicity in maize | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APP0070 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | MSc. Chirappuranthu Sukumaran Nair Vidya |
| Annotation: | XX |
| The impact of hybridisation on diversification and speciation processes in Carpathian members of the genus Soldanella | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0041/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Gbúrová Štubňová Eliška, PhD., Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., Mgr. Melichárková Andrea, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | RNDr. Kochjarová Judita, CSc. (Techni |
| Annotation: | The project addresses the impact of hybridization on the diversification and overall demographic structure of mountain-dwelling species of the genus Soldanella. The study design is focused on species occupying the genus diversity centre, specifically mountain regions of the Carpathians and adjacent areas (Bohemian Massif, NE Alps and east Balkan mountain ranges). To resolve proposed questions, we will employ a combination of modern methods and analytical tools including novel genomic approaches such as the RAD sequencing, karyological, cytogenetic, morphological and ecological analyses. Outcomes of the project will enable to uncover frequency and intensity of gene flow among studied taxa and specify factors and processes which have triggered or prevented hybridization (introgression) among pairs of closely and more distantly relatedspecies. We should also elucidate whether hybridisation contributed to the accumulation of novel lineages and facilitated speciation events in the genus. |
| Impacts of the Quaternary climatic changes and introgression on diversity of plants on the Balkan peninsula: findings based on phylogeographic research of the mountain species Cardamine acris | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APP0271 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kantor Adam |
| Annotation: | High biodiversity of the Balkan Peninsula, which has played an important role in glacial plant survival and postglacial colonization of adjacent areas, is noted for a great proportion of endemics. The aim of this project is to contribute to better understanding of the impacts of Quaternary climatic changes on the evolution of Balkan mountain flora, as well as to outline possible effects of future climate change on mountain endemic species. To this end we focus here on Cardamine acris (Brassicaceae), a species confined to wet habitats of Balkan high mountain ranges, to elucidate its genetic structure and reconstruct phylogeographic history. Simultaneously, emphasis will be placed on observing the degree of its hybridization with ecologically parapatric relatives to assess the role of introgression for shaping species’ genetic structure. We will use an integrative approach, employing microsatellite markers, ecological niche modelling and flow cytometric screening of DNA content variation. With the obtained findings we expect to provide significant insights into the complexity of evolutionary processes acting in high mountain organisms, especially those with specific ecological requirements, and they may also become helpful for the estimation of future impacts of climate change on plant diversity. |
| POLYPLOID - The origin of polyploid complexes: the role of polyploidization, geographical and ecological isolation | |
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2018 - 31. 7. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-17-0616 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Abaffyová Lenka, PhD., Mgr. Cetlová Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Gbúrová Štubňová Eliška, PhD., Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., Mgr. Melichárková Andrea, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD., RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD., Mgr. Šlenker Marek, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main topics of the proposed project are microevolutionary and speciation processes in diploid-polyploid complexes belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Speciation both at the diploid and polyploid levels will be examined, elucidating the role of genome merge and duplication, geographical and ecological separation. The questions addressed have broader relevance, beyond the studied genera, and the answers can help us better understand processes underlying polyploid speciation as such. The methods applied in this project will include both conventional molecular systematics markers, as well as methods based on the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), namely restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) and combination of target enrichment of low-copy nuclear genes and genome skimming (Hyb-seq). Using the multi-marker approach we expect to gain deeper insights into the studied species complexes and increased robustness of the results. As a complement, flow-cytometric, morphometric, and ecological and climatic niche analyses will be employed. In order to achieve these goals we have chosen four genera from three different tribes of the Brassicaceae family (Alysseae [Alyssum, Odontarrhena], Camelineae [Arabidopsis], Cardamineae [Cardamine]), representing different evolutionary lineages in this family. We will take the advantage of the wealth of methods that are available for and already tested in the closely related genus Arabidopsis, our previous long-term experience with the proposed study genera, and also previously collected plant material. |
| PlantCalp - The mechanism of positional signalling in plants – understanding of the DEK1 pathway | |
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2018 - 30. 6. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-17-0570 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Krausko Miroslav, PhD., Ing. Labajová Mária, PhD., Mgr. Lešková Alexandra, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Positional signalling plays instrumental role during plant growth and development. Positional cues control what type of cell will form (cell fate determination) and how big the cell will grow (cell expansion). Genetic studies identified membrane-anchored calpain protease DEFECTIVE KERNEL 1 (DEK1) as an essential regulator of plant growth and development. Our hypothesis is that DEK1 evolved both sensory and effector functions to control robust morphogenetic outputs such as cell expansion, asymmetric cell division and cell fate determination in response to local positional cues. The exact mechanism of DEK1 activation and signal transmission is unknown. Another crucial missing piece in our understanding of DEK1-mediated signaling is the identity of DEK1 molecular targets. In this project we aim to validate putative DEK1 substrate(s) and interacting partners, functionally characterize the role of phosphorylation in DEK1 activation and continue our efforts to solve the DEK1 3D structure. The project builds on published and recent unpublished work of the principal investigator and his collaborators. Unraveling the mechanism of DEK1 action will shed light on one of the key principles of developmental control in plants with broad implications for biotechnology and agriculture. |
| SiliToxi - Potential of silicon for mitigation of arsenic and antimony toxicity in agricultural crops | |
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2018 - 30. 6. 2022 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-17-0164 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Fialová Ivana, PhD., Mgr. Jašková Katarína, RNDr. Kollárová Karin, PhD., Mgr. Kučerová Danica, PhD., RNDr. Lišková Desana, PhD., RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc., Mgr. Vaculíková Miroslava, Mgr. Vivodová Zuzana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Contamination by arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) is not only a serious environmental problem in highly-industrialized countries of the world, however also in Slovakia, mainly due to mining and power industry. The sites contaminated by these elements can be found across the whole Slovakia, from Malé Karpaty Mountains, Horná Nitra region, Liptov region to surrounding of Košice city in east Slovakia. As and Sb belong to toxic and dangerous elements for all living organisms. Despite an intensive research in the last years there is still only limited knowledge about the effect and phytotoxicity of As and Sb, and especially on interaction of toxic (As, Sb) and beneficial (Si) metalloids in plants what is the research aspect of this project. Therefore, the main aim of this project is to obtain a complex characterization of beneficial effects of Si on toxicity of individual elements and their combination on molecular-biological, biochemical, anatomical-morphological and physiological level. As a model object, important agricultural crops will be investigated. |
| Comparative ecology of selected invasive fish species in Slovakia and Serbia in respect with climate change and human disturbance | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-SK-SRB-18-0069 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD. |
| ROLOFSYTS - Functional analysis of synaptotagmins in responses of plants to environmental stresses | |
| Duration: | 1. 6. 2017 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-16-0398 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Fiala Roderik, PhD., Ing. Labajová Mária, PhD., Mgr. Lešková Alexandra, PhD., doc. RNDr. Mistrík Igor, CSc., RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc., RNDr. Repka Vladimír, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | RNDr. Lenka Turkovičová PhD.; Mgr. Evelína Hrčková Turňová; Mgr. Juraj Bugala; Mgr. Boris Bokor, PhD. (Vedecký park, Univerzita K |
| Annotation: | Crop yields are largely dependent on their tolerances to environmental influences, including salinity. Previously, we have shown that the Arabidopsis synaptotagmin 1 (AtSYT1), the most abundantly expressed Arabidopsis ortholog of the well-known calcium sensors in animal neurons, is involved in responses to abiotic stresses. The general goal of this proposal is to reveal the mechanisms by which AtSYTs regulate the reactions to high salinity and other stresses. We wish to characterize AtSYTs expression, describe phenotype of Atsyts mutant lines, to study subcellular localisation of AtSYTs, and to monitor intracellular dynamics of AtSYT1. Additionally, we shall address the functional analysis of the interaction fished out in the yeast two hybrid assay connecting AtSYT1 to the MAPK cascade. Our study will contribute to the overall understanding of how membrane trafficking is involved in stress responses. |
| Genetic structure and diversity of putative hybrid swarms of Scots pine and mountain dwarf pine in northern Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APP0043 |
| Program: | DoktoGranty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Klobučník Miroslav |
| Annotation: | The aim of the present study is to analyze genetic structure and diversity of putative hybrid swarms of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and mountain dwarf pine (P. mugo Turra) in northern Slovakia. The localities of their occurence include peat-bogs in Horná Orava region, namely Medzi Bormi near Zuberec, Tisovnica near Oravská Polhora, and Rudné near Suchá Hora. Hybrid status is also suggested for several individuals on the rocky locality Obšívanka – Sokolie near Terchová (Malá Fatra). To study these populations, the nuclear simple sequence repeats (SSR) will be used. Within-population genetic variation will be evaluated by the concept of genetic structure and diversity, and results will then be used to determine among-population variation (genetic differentiation). Ultimately, this should contribute to specifying the phylogenetic relationships of the respective hybrid swarms with their putative parent taxa. |
| Plant-microbial interaction in the light of responses to toxic orpotentially toxic metals, metalloids and silicon | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APVV SK-PL-18-0078 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Vaculík Marek, PhD. |
| Morpho-physiological, genetic and biochemical response of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) to heavy metal stress | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2019 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0109/19 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Ing. Lancíková Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Mistríková Veronika, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | doc. Paedr. Žiarovská Jana. PhD. (FAPZ SPU v Nitre), Ing. Gažo Ján |
| Annotation: | Heavy metal accumulation cause in plant tissue serious biochemical, physiological, and morphologicalabnormalities and may interfere with crop productivity. The project aims at morpho-physiological, genetic, andbiochemical responses of the grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) to heavy metal exposure, whereby able todeliver a valuable information about their phytoextraction potential and the reference to the impact of metals onbio-organics and nutritional quality. Moreover, gene expression analyses of amaranth genes already known to beresponders to different abiotic stress types in response to heavy metal stress will contribute to understandingheavy metals-regulated gene expression and regulatory networks. The possible temporary endophytic bacterialdiversity changes subjected to heavy metals will be assessed through metagenomic approach. |
| Systematics and phylogeny of the genus Dermoloma in Europe and North America | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2018 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0018/18 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčíková Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Bittnerová Silvia, Mgr. Caboň Miroslav, PhD., Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Soňa Jančovičová |
| Annotation: | Dermoloma is insufficiently known genus of basidiomycetes classified in the order Agaricales (Agaricomycotina). More than 30 species are described worldwide, but only few of them are generally accepted. Opinions about morphological delimitation and number of the species are very variable in the current literature. Traditionally, up to eight species are recognised, although more than 30 European species were described. Our preliminary phylogenetic study suggest existence of more than 25 molecular operation units in Europe that probably represent independent species. Aim of the project is to define European and North American Dermoloma species by means of molecular and morphological methods and to assign them correct names. Fungi of the genus Dermoloma are essential part of grassland ecosystems and accordingly this project will deal with studies of environmental soil samples. We will look for suitable metabarcode for identification of species using next generation sequencing (metagenomics). |
| Changes in biodiversity in an urban fragmented landscape | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2018 - 31. 12. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0079/18 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD., Mgr. Šibíková Mária, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project deals with changes in biodiversity in an urban environment in two ways: in the space (ecological gradients, fragmentation of habitats) and time (historical data). For study, we chose two ecologically linked model groups: vascular plants and land snails. Based on the research of these model organisms, we will solve five main points: [1] How the urban fragmented woodland fits principles of the island biogeography and what is the impact of the fragmentation and env. variables on the biota structure and variability. [2] Whether and to what extent the genetic diversity of the populations of selected model species varies in long-term continuously forested areas comparing the neorefugia; [3] How the urban environment impacts in time and space on the diversity of indigenous species; [4] On the basis of the theory of refugia verify what is the ecol.l traits structure of biota in the remains of forest vegetation; [5] Whether biotic homogenization occurs and which groups of biota are most affected by biotic homogenisation. |
| Functional and taxonomic diversity of wetlands and their relationship to ecosystem processes | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2017 - 30. 6. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-16-0236 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Bubíková Kateřina |
| Other cosolvers: | Ing. Marek Svitok, PhD., Ing. Milan Novikmec, PhD., Ing. Marta Veselská, Ing. Vladimíra Dekanová ´(Technick |
| Annotation: | Functional diversity is a component of biodiversity that generally concerns the range of things that organisms doin ecosystems. The relationship between taxonomic and functional diversity is virtually unknown in the most ofecosystems. The proposed project is focused on functional biodiversity of wetland communities and itsrelationship with taxonomic diversity and ecosystem processes. Proposed project is based on the study of threeecosystem processes of key importance in wetlands: decomposition rate, primary productivity and invasibility.Pond-dwelling communities of plant and macroinvertebrates are proposed here as a model system for theresearch with the following aims:1) To evaluate the effect of environment and diversity (functional and taxonomic) on ecosystem processes2) To assess the response of taxonomic and functional diversity to human influence |
| dyNatura2000sat - Identification and monitoring Natura 2000 habitats by dynamic segmentation of satellite images | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2017 - 30. 6. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-16-0431 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Botková Katarína, RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc., Mgr. Podroužková Medvecká Jana, PhD., Mgr. Slabejová Denisa, Mgr. Šibíková Mária, PhD., Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Karol Mikula, DrSc.; doc. RNDr. Zuzana Krivá, PhD.; doc. RNDr. Peter Frolkovič, PhD.; Ing. Juraj Papčo, PhD.; Ing. Róbert Špir, PhD.; Ing. Jozef Urbán, PhD. (Stavebná fakulta, Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave) |
| Annotation: | Project aims to build novel botanical, environmental, mathematical and computational methods for determining exact localization and classification of Natura 2000 habitats and for monitoring their dynamics and qualitative changes by using satellite data and dedicated image processing software. The localization, classification and dynamic space-time monitoring will be based on novel methods for filtering, segmentation and tracking of Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, Sentinel-2 multispectral imaging data and their combination. The image processing software will allow accurate localization of Natura 2000 habitat areas in static and dynamic Earth observation data up to a precision of pixel resolution. Moreover, by the developed software we will be able to monitor continuously the habitat dynamics with alarming option in case of abrupt changes in condition or fragmentation of Natura 2000 protected areas. The methods and software will be developed for localization, classification and monitoring of Natura 2000 habitats in the territory of the Slovak Republic. As the other EU member states are also required to monitor their Natura 2000 habitats, and Slovak Vegetation Database, used for development of our methods and software, is compatible with the databases used in other countries, our methods and software will fit the European Vegetation Database and will have a strong potential to be used for identification and tracking Natura 2000 habitats at least at the European level. |
| MASnPNO - The application of myrosinase for sulforaphane activation in development of a novel product exhibiting cancer prevention effects | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2017 - 30. 6. 2021 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-16-0439 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Jopčík Martin , PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Cagala Martin, RNDr. Gronesová Paulína, PhD., Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., RNDr. Imrichová Denisa, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Mgr. Jurkovičová Tarabová Bohumila, PhD., Ing. Kontár Szilvia, PhD., Mgr. Královičová Jana, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., Ing. Rajninec Miroslav, RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc., RNDr. Sedlák Ján, DrSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | doc. Ing. Albert Breier, DrSc; doc. Ing. Martin Šimkovič, PhD; prof. RNDr. Ľudovít Varečka, DrSc; Ing. Matej Maťaťa, PhD; prof. Ing. Michal Rosenberg, PhD.; doc. Ing. Vladimír Štefuca, CSc.; doc. Ing. Martin Rebroš, PhD.; Ing. Kristína Markošová; Ing. Katarína Elefantová, PhD. (Fakulta chemickej a potravinárskej technológie, Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave); Ing. Peter Grolmus; Ing. Júlia Peterková, CSc; Ing. Katarína Kmeťová; Ing. Ľudovít Žiak, PhD. (VUP, a.s., Prievidza) |
| Annotation: | Effects of sulphoraphane on cencer prevention was already proven. Sulforaphane is often presents in food at the non-effective level for fulfillment the prevention effects. In addition, the natural glucosinolate form of sulforaphane, glucorafanine, is much less effective, therefore its activation to sulforaphane is needed. This conversion is catalysed by enzyme, myrosinase (EC 3.2.1.147). Aim of the current project is to design the new product based on sulforaphane-glucosinolate and stabilized myrosinase as combine product. |
| Diversity and dispersal in metapopulations and metacommunities of small aquatic biotopes | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0030/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Bubíková Kateřina, Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD., RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD., Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc., RNDr. Illýová Marta, PhD., Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Ing. Marek Svitok, PhD. (zástupca za VŠ, Fakulta ekológie a environmentalistiky, Technická univerzita vo Zvolene); Ing. Milan Novikmec, PhD. (Fakulta ekológie a environmentalistiky, Technická univerzita vo Zvolene); Ing. Jozef Oboňa, PhD. (Fakulta humanitných a prírodných vied, Prešovská univerzita v Prešove) |
| Annotation: | Project is aimed at small aquatic biotopes, very important regarding their biodiversity, yet often overlooked and understudied. Project is logically linked to previous projects of team members. Proposed is reasonable improvement of datasets on communities of natural biotopes in lowland and mountain regions, new data will be acquired on human impacted areas, including robust environmental data. Macrophytes, molluscs, zooplankton and aquatic insects were chosen as model groups due to their indication value, different ecological requirements and function in food webs. Main goal is to understand patterns of biological diversity of small water bodies, emphasizing 1) evaluation of the importance of different biotope types for biodiversity preservation, 2) assessment of dispersal and habitat features roles in metacommunity structure and 3) describing extent of connectivity within metapopulations. Reaching the goals will improve effective conservation of aquatic ecosystems – important component of global environment. |
| Species richness of vascular plants in undestory of beech forests along altitudinal gradient | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0031/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc., RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD., Ing. Slezák Michal, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | RNDr. Ján Kliment, CSc. (Botanická záhrada UK Bratislava), Ing. Mariana Ujházyová PhD. (Technická univerzita vo Zvolene), Ing. František Máliš, PhD. (Technická univerzita vo Zvolene), Ing. Maroš Wiezik (Technická univerzita vo Zvolene) |
| Annotation: | Beech forests represent the most widespread forest vegetation type in Slovakia with an important sientific and socio-economic value. Species richness trend of vascular plants along altitudinal gradient reflects strong competitive ability of the European beech. The project is focused on i) species richness-altitudinal relationship at various spatial scales, and ii) potential factors controlling this interaction. |
| Dynamics of human-altered non-forest habitats in the process of ecological restoration | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0040/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD., Mgr. Galvánek Dobromil, PhD., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., Mgr. Podroužková Medvecká Jana, PhD., Mgr. Šibíková Mária, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Zaliberová Mária, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Doc. RNDr. Ingrid Turisová, PhD. (Fakulta prírodných vied, Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici); Doc. Ing. Karol Ujházy, PhD. (Lesnícka fakulta, Technická univerzita vo Zvolene); Mgr. Jozef Suja (Fakulta prírodných vied, Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici) |
| Annotation: | Many semi-natural grasslands in the whole Europe are in unfavourable conservation status due to succession changes induced by land abandonment. Project aims to test various management treatments in the ecological restoration of semi-dry, mesic and fen grasslands and to set the conditions for their application. It also tries to test new methods for the elimination of expansive grass species in various ecological conditions. It is also focused on the evaluation of changes after a large-scale restoration. Among the project goals there is also monitoring of temporal dynamics and vegetation changes in anthropogenic non-forest habitats to estimate future trends in grassland vegetation. Project is logically related to several past projects focused on grassland vegetation in Slovakia (SK0115, VEGA 0181/09, VEGA 0099/13), when the network of field experiments was established to study relation between management and species composition (vegetation diversity). |
| Flora of Slovakia – Asteraceae family (first part): biosystematic study of critical taxa | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0154/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD., RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc., RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., RNDr. Kochjarová Judita, CSc., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., Mgr. Miháliková Tatiana, RNDr. Michalková Eleonóra, CSc., Mgr. Pribulová Katarína, RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Ťavoda Ondrej |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on taxonomic and chorological revision of selected representatives of the Asteraceae family in Slovakia, or in the wider Central European region, respectively. The main result of the project will be the next series of multivolume work Flora of Slovakia, volume VI/2 (Part 1). Due to the high species richness of this family in Slovakia only its initial tribes, namely Anthemideae, Astereae, Caleduleae, Gnaphalieae, and Senecioneae (with about 50 genera and 165 species) will be addressed in the project. Each taxon will be treated in terms of nomenclature, morphology, karyology, ecology, and chorology. Important part of the publication will be the identification keys (in Slovak and English), original drawings of plants, and maps showing distribution of taxa in Slovakia. Special attention will be paid to taxonomically complex groups of the genera Achillea, Aster s. l., Senecio s. l., Solidago, and Tephroseris, where we plan more detailed systematic, biogeographic, and evolutionary studies published in separate papers. |
| The microbial diversity and secondary metabolites in traditional Slovak cheeses | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0119/21 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Mikušová Petra, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Fiala Roderik, PhD., Mgr. Hindáková Alica, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Dairy products play an important role in nutrition and require permanent monitoring of microbial contamination. This is due to toxic metabolites produced mainly by microscopic fungi pose a health risk to the consumer. Actual, routine monitoring of cheeses is focused only on regulated AFM1. The aim of this project is to expand and deepen knowledge about the diversity of microcenosis, as well as the detection of their metabolites present in cheeses. Should we not find out the current situation in Slovakia, also on the basis of scientific works, which informs about new metabolites as well as new species of microscopic fungi in dairy products such as cheese? From this point of view, scientific questions concerning the presence of undesirable secondary metabolites in cheeses, their quantity as well as the precise identification of their potential producers are highly important. |
| Micropropagation and cryopreservation of less known small fruit species | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0052/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., Ing. Szabóová Monika, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Berry fruits are characterized by high nutritional value and are considered as nutraceutical food. In spite of the increasing demand for berry fruits on the market their cultivation is not spread in Slovakia because of the lack of planting material of wider cultivar assortment and its high price. Rapid and profitable clonal propagation of planting material is possible to reach using tissue cultures. The project will be focused i) on elaboration of systems for micropropagation of some introduced less known small fruit species (Vaccinium, Rubus, Lonicera, Amelanchier spp.) utilizable in large-scale propagation of planting material; ii) on development of protocol for long-term storage of small fruit genetic resources by cryopreservation; iii) on testing of genetic fidelity of in vitro derived and after cryopreservation regenerated plants using molecular markers, what enables to evaluate suitability of elaborated protocols for their application for routine propagation and long-term storage of genetic resources. |
| Unraveling processes responsible for the contemporary geographic range of symbiotic organisms with Mediterranean distribution | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0032/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Fačkovcová Zuzana, PhD., Mgr. Hindáková Alica, PhD., Mgr. Košuthová Alica, PhD., RNDr. Lackovičová Anna, CSc., Mgr. Piknová Katarína, Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Lichenization is one of the most successful fungal nutritional strategies that also enable lichens to adapt to changing ecological conditions. The aim of the project is to find out, whether symbiotic interactions play any role in shaping lichen distributional range. We focus on model lichens with Mediterranean distribution. We aim to find out whether photobiont diversity matches the so far unrecognized genetic diversity of the mycobiont across its distributional range. In particular, we will search for an evidence of photobiont switching, which can be a driver for increase in ecological plasticity of some lichen species. |
| Polyploidy and allopatric differentiation as speciation drivers in the Brassicaceae family | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0133/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Cetlová Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Kempa Matúš , prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc., Mgr. Melichárková Andrea, PhD., Mgr. Smatanová Janka, Mgr. Šlenker Marek, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the project we will study polyploid origins, phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history in species complexes from three Brassicaceae genera: Alyssum, Odontarrhena and Cardamine. We aim to generalize the observed patterns and elucidate major evolutionary processes that have driven diversification and speciation in these polyploid species groups. We will also revise controversial species circumscriptions and propose new taxonomic treatments. A combination of multiple methods will be used: multivariate morphometrics, flow cytometric ploidy level screening, and DNA sequencing of different target regions (including a high-throughput sequencing method). We will also develop an online karyological and nomenclatural database of the tribe Cardamineae that will help to stimulate further evolutionary studies in this group. Our studies will contribute to better understanding of plant evolution and to effective conservation of species diversity of the studied genera. |
| The study of secretome influence to increasing embryogenic capacity of selected Conifer species | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2018 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0056/18 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kleman Juraj, Ing. Lancíková Veronika, PhD., Mgr. Perniš Miroslav, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Somatic embryogenesis represents an efficient plant regeneration system for theoretical studies as well as for mass propagation, especially in conifers. Although the process has been initiated for many conifer species, maturation of somatic embryos and somatic seedling regeneration needs deeper understanding. Advances in understanding of maturation and complete plant regeneration are necessary to use the regeneration system for conifer micropropagation. The aim of the submitted proposal is isolation and identification of a secretome of embryogenic cell lines with different embryogenic capacity using proteomic methods and to find potential markers or proteins active in regulation or signal transduction in selected conifer species and contribute to better understanding of process of somatic embryogenesis in woody plants. |
| Study of selected physiological and molecular factors involved in regeneration and growth of parasitic weeds of Phelipanche spp. | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0138/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kleman Juraj, Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Parasitic plants of Phelipanche, Orobanche and Striga spp. belong to economically important plant pathogens with negative impact on agriculture. They are causing an annual loss of more then 7 billion US$. After germination these parasitic plants attach to the root system of host plants and acquire water and all nutrients from the host. There is no effective method to eliminate these weeds at present. Therefore the scientists focus their research on identification of genes and mechanisms involved in interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts. The main goal of this project is study of factors influencing growth and regeneration of Phelipanche spp. under in vitro conditions. This knowledge together with developed protocols for Phelipanche genetic transformation will allow to study functions of genes involved in parasite-host interactions and help in development of novel methods for the selective control of root parasitic weeds. |
| Taxonomic and nomenclatural revision of diversity of vascular plants of Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0137/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Letz Dominik Roman, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kráľovičová Eva, Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The main aim of the project is to carry out thorough taxonomic, nomenclatural and chorological revision of diversity of vascular plants of Slovakia. New checklist of taxa will be published as an important reference source not only for botanists and other fields of science dealing with vascular plants, but also for legal issues, nature conservation, agriculture and forestry. The revision will critically respect all the actual data on the flora of Slovakia as well as latest discoveries in plant phylogeny and taxonomy. The checklist will be compatible with the current Euro-Mediterranean checklist (Euro+Med PlantBase) and other international standards. Within the project, numerous nomenclature issues will be dealt with that will result also in papers published in international journals. Web portal created for the new checklist will be a single access point not only for the information on accepted plant names and synonyms, but also for the vernacular names, and other data. |
| Transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation of IRT1 gene, a key transporter of iron in plant roots | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0115/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Fiala Roderik, PhD., Ing. Labajová Mária, PhD., Mgr. Lešková Alexandra, PhD., RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc., RNDr. Repka Vladimír, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Using transgenic and mutant lines in combination with the current genetic, molecular biological, histochemical, immunological, fluorometric, chemical analytical and microscopic methods we want to explore whether and how the presence or absence of iron and other metal elements transferred by IRT1 protein may affect the activity of IRT1 promoter, the process of RNA splicing, localization, turnover and intracellular dynamics of IRT1 protein varieties in roots of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Examination of multi-level regulation of the IRT1 gene and simultaneous monitoring of the contents and the distribution of iron and other metallic components in the plants will yield valuable information for applications in biotechnology in order to enrich the plants with iron and / or to limit the absorption of potentially toxic metal elements. The findings may be useful in the agricultural breeding practice to obtain higher yielding varieties and tolerant plants to environmental stress caused by heavy metals. |
| Effect of silicon and salicylic acid on physiological and metabolical processes in maize plants stressed by antimony (Sb) and nickel (Ni) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0018/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Fialová Ivana, PhD., Mgr. Lešková Alexandra, PhD., RNDr. Sedláková Barbora, PhD., doc. RNDr. Vaculík Marek, PhD., Mgr. Vaculíková Miroslava |
| Annotation: | The increased attention to the environmental contamination by heavy metals is paid over the last few decades. One of the potential environmental contaminants is antimony. Sb in large amounts enters the environment by anthropogenic activity. Nickel is considered as essential element that is toxic to most plants at higher concentrations. Ni is accumulated in soils mainly due to sewage sludge deposition, application of industrial compost or atmospheric fallout, near processing factories. In this project we will study the responses of maize plants stressed by Sb and Ni at the level of biomass production and at the biochemical (formation of ROS, activity of antioxidative enzymes) and physiological (membrane damage, changes in content and expression of proteins) level. We will determine whether the individual application of silicon or salicylic acid or their combination can protect maize plants from Sb or Ni toxicity by fine-tuning the antioxidative system of plants and/or improving plant growth and development. |
| PLADEFNUT - Studying the effect of different nutritional conditions on the accumulation of toxic elements in wheat | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2016 - 31. 8. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-15-0051 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | In |
| Annotation: | The project addresses the impact of two important environmental contaminants on plants at present,namely the presence of toxic metals, excessive amounts / concentrations of nitrogen and their combinations.Both factors are the result of the development of industry, agriculture and chemical production that areassociated with a large number of pollutants, primarily sulfur oxides, nitrogen, carbon emissions and heavymetals. Knowledge about plant defense mechanisms against these factors is limited. Especially the effects ofexcessive fertilization on accumulation of metals as well as on the plants themselves are at deeper levels littlestudied. The project will address this issue comprehensively through the study of antioxidant enzymes andquantitative/qualitative changes in profiles of typical plant defense proteins. In parallel line of project we willcharacterize a set of varieties of wheat grown in Slovakia for genetic potential to accumulate cadmium usingavailable molecular markers. The project will generate new knowledge about the molecular background of plantresponses to relatively little studied types of stress. These will be evaluated for potential use as markers fortolerance /sensitivity to metal toxicity or excessive application of fertilizers. Knowledge on the effect of increasingconcentrations of nitrogen to plants and their defense capacity will be useful for the management of fertilizerapplication in agriculture. The project will also contribute to the characterization of wheat germplasm fromSlovakia in terms of potential health risk when grown on contaminated territories. |
| Distribution potential of different fungal trophic groups in Europe | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2016 - 30. 6. 2020 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-15-0210 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| Biosystematic study of Carpatho-Pannonian representatives of the genus Sesleria (Poaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0131/16 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc. |
| DNA Barcoding Elmidae – application of molecular taxonomy for description of aquatic beetles biodiversity | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0101/16 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Prírodovedecká fakulta UK Bratislava |
| Annotation: | The beetles play a key role in the ecosystem functioning and they are also important for monitoring impacts of environmental changes. Even studied intensively, the identification of beetle species often remains problematic. However, development of robust DNA barcode database could help overcome this problem. The main source of DNA barcodes is the project Barcode of Life, including ca. 4,5 million of sequences. There are 464 sequences of ca 30 Elmidae species, small fraction of about 1500 known species. The goal of this project is taxonomic analysis of uniquely rich material of Elmidae, producing and analysis of new DNA barcodes (min 1000 new sequences), thorough comparisons of taxonomic results gained using morphological and molecular characters (estimating applicability of DNA barcodes for elmid taxonomy), new taxa description, phylogeny of taxa studied, evaluation of relationships between species and genetic diversity and evaluation of Elmidae DNA barcode data applicability in monitoring and conservation. |
| Hybrid swarms of Scots pine and mountain dwarf pine in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0063/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Galgóci Martin, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | RNDr. Peter Boleček, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is oriented towards experimental verification of hybridological relationship between Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and mountain dwarf pine (P. mugo Turra). Within putative hybrid swarms of these species in northern Slovakia, the extent of introgressive hybridization with the parental species mentiontd above will be determined. Except for the classical approaches of artificial hybridization, the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) is expected to be used in verification of both the interspecific and intraspecific hybrids of these pines. The degree of genetic divergence between hybrid swarms and natural populations of both parental species will be determined using cpDNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. The project aims in validation of the hybrid nature of the putative hybrid swarms on the localities in Zuberec – Medzi Bormi, Suchá Hora and Terchová – Sokolie all of which are taken for rare endemites on our territory. |
| Nitric oxide, phytohormones and reactive oxygen species interactions in barley root responses to heavy metals | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0039/16 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Tamás Ladislav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Survival of terrestrial plants relies on highly coordinated signalling mechanisms to adjust their morphology and metabolism to ever-changing environment. It is well known that hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the regulation of plant stress responses. In recent years, nitric oxide (NO) signalling was implicated in the modulation of both ROS and hormonal equilibrium in different plant species under various stress conditions. Components of the same as well as the distinct signalling pathways intensively interact among themselves integrating the internal ontogenic and external signals into morphogenic and metabolic responses in order to maximize survivability also under extreme conditions. In order to gain more insight into the role of NO in the interaction of hormones and ROS, the aim of the present project is the analysis of potential relationships between NO, ROS and hormones in the regulation of heavy metal-induced responses in barley root tip. |
| Carnivorous plants – prospective source of genes for hydrolytic enzymes with antifungal potential | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0075/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Frátriková Monika, Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Ing. Rajninec Miroslav, doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Chitinases play a role in the development and physiology of plants and in stress responses. The model object of this project is a carnivorous plant, Drosera rotundifolia L., from which the gene for chitinase (DrChit) involved in digestive processes of prey was isolated. As chitinous cell wall of fungal pathogens is also degraded by chitinases that are expressed during the plant defense, the DrChit has a potential use in biotechnology aimed at the plant resistance reinforcement. Here we focus on the isolation and purification of DrChit protein, its biochemical characterization and antifungal potential determination. Next, we will isolate and characterize the other genes with the carnivorous expression profile. To clarify the role of chitinases in defense, the chitinase expression profiles in embryogenic cultures of conifers exposed to abiotic stress will be evaluated as well. We suppose these results may contribute to the development of strategies for plant resistance to stress by genetic engineering approach. |
| ATSYT3 - Systematic analysis of the Arabidopsis SYT3 gene | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2018 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | APVV SK-CN-2017-0015 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Plant synaptotagmins are orthologues of the well-known calcium sensors involved in synaptic vesicle recycling in animal neurons. In our pioneering studies, we deeply characterized two fromfive members of Arabidopsis synaptotagmin family. We have shown that Arabidopsis synaptotagmin 1 (AtSYT1) participates in responses to environmental stresses through plasma membrane resealing and that a close homologue, AtSYT2 expressed in male and female gametophytes is required for pollen tube development. The general goal of our further studies is to understand the role of another Arabidopsis synaptotagmin, AtSYT3, in regulation of developmental physiological processes in Arabidopsis model organism. We wish to meet thegoals of the project by characterization of the gene expression pattern, identifying regulation mechanisms of the gene expression on different levels, deep phenotyping of atsyt3 mutant lines, studying subcellular localization of AtSYT3 protein and monitoring its traffic and turnover routes under different environmental stress conditions. Our study will contribute to the overall understanding of how membrane trafficking is involved in stress responses. This bilateral exchange visit grant help us to achieve outlined scientific goals and allow personal growth of young scientists and PhD. students at both collaborative institutions. |
| Studying of the function of dehydrin genes from Arabidopsis thaliana in the tolerance to selected types of abiotic stresses | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2017 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0035/17 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Ing |
| Annotation: | Due to the changes in the environment, plants are increasingly exposed to different types of abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, low temperature or the presence of heavy metals. A part of plant response is a modulation of the cellular metabolism and production of a wide range of proteins including dehydrins. Dehydrins are hydrophilic proteins that are induced mainly under of low temperature or dehydration. The mechanism of their action has not been clarified yet. The work is aimed to study the effect of constitutive expression of Arabidopsis dehydrin genesAt1g54410, At2g21490 and At3g50970 on the tolerance of transgenic tobacco plants against selected types of abiotic stresses, and their combinations. Their structures contain histidine-rich regions that have potential to bind free metals; therefore, it could contribute to increased tolerance to heavy metals. At the same time we will study the extent to which the overexpression of dehydrin genes interact with other components of plant defense. |
| The Effects of Interactions Between Wild Herbivores and Vegetation on Processes in Alpine Ecosystems | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0135/16 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD. |
| Life on the border of extinction – surviving potential of halophytes in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2019 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0001/16 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD. |
| Bioecological study of the genus Soldanella section Soldanella (Primulaceae) in the Carpathians, the Hercynian Mts. and Eastern Alps | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2015 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 0088/15 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aim is to investigate taxonomy and evolution of morphologically closely allied taxa from the genus Soldanella section Soldanella in the Carpathians and adjacent areas of the Hercynian Mts. and Eastern Alps. Wide spectrum of sophisticated approaches of plant systematic will be applied to solve asked questions. Detail morphological, karyological and genetic analyses as well as autecological features at the population level will serve as a basal platform for the taxonomic revision and subsequent creation of new taxonomic concept of studied taxa. Outputs of the project will contribute to deeper understanding of the microevolutionary processes in morphologically closely related and rather recently diversified complexes of vascular plant taxa and also will enable to elucidate their phylogeographic history. Since majority of the taxa under study are endemics with often very restricted distribution area, our data will help in their more effective legislative protection. |
| Cyanobacteria and accompanying algae in formation of recent freshwater stromatolites | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2015 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0060/15 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hindáková Alica, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main scientific goal of the project is to study biodiversity of dominant cyanobacteria recently forming stromatolites in Slovakia. According to our preliminary studies, these specific calcified colonies are composed mainly by genera Rivularia (R. haematites), and by Calothrix, Scytonema, Stigonema and some other oscillatorian species as well. The material is being continuosly collected from recently active travertine localities in Slovakia. Molecular analysis of collected microorganisms and subcultures will confirm morfology based on contemporaly taxonomy. Obtained molecular data will be compared with data from various database in Europe. Accompanying cyanobacteria (e.g. from the genera Chroococcus, Merismopedia, Leptolyngbya, Heteroleibleinia, Nostoc) and algae (diatoms, chlorococcal and trichal green algae) of stromatolites will be studied, too. Material preserved by formaldehyde, microphotos and permanent diatom slides serve for determination, documentary and comparatively purposes. Localities with recent formation of freshwater stromatolites belong to the endangered biotopes, very sensitive to eutrophisation and human activities, therefore their protection is highly topic. |
| Diversity and classification of European grassland vegetation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2015 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0027/15 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The diversity studies and classification of vegetation has recently received qualitatively new dimensions, especially thanks to the development of national databases and advanced information technologies. This facilitates the elaboration of large-scale phytosociological syntheses important for basic ecological and biodiversity research and effective habitat conservation at the supra-national level. The main aim of the proposed project is to take part in elaboration of a large-scale supra-national classification of European grassland vegetation of selected habitats. A new classification scheme based on modern formalized methods will be proposed. We believe that the results will contribute to international standardization of vegetation classification in Europe. Simultaneously, the gathered phytosociological material will be used to study grassland diversity patterns and to evaluate the vulnerability of grassland communities at the European scale. |
| Molecular methods in breeding of naturally gluten free amaranth | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0041/16 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., Ing. Záhorský Michal |
| Other cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Zdenka Gálová, DrSc., Ing. Jozef Fejér, PhD., doc. Paedr. Jana Žiarovská, PhD., Ing. Ján Gažo, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The efficient and high-throughput methods of current biology significantly reduce plant breeding process andallow to very precisely define valuable original plant material that can be obtained also by using modernbiotechnology approaches. These tools are great value to support conventional breeding for sustainable foodproduction especially under the climate change and meet demand over growing human population. By couplingthese modern approaches we will contribute to knowledge on genome and proteome of amaranth (Amaranth sp.),naturally gluten-free pseudocereal with exceptional nutrition attributes, that is becoming more recognized andappreciated in a diet. Main purpose of the project will be extensive characterization of first Slovak amaranthvariety PRIBINA as well as the other mutants previously generated by mutation breeding. Based on positivelychanged traits we will select another mutant lines, insert them to variety evaluation process to be registered asnew varieties. |
| Why are some species narrowly endemic while their congeners are geographically widespread? Role of biological traits and genetic variability studied in the three groups of the closely related taxa from the family Asteraceae | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2015 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0096/15 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims at study of determinants of species rarity in thethree model groups from the family Asteraceae (Tephroseris longifolia agg., Cyanus napulifer group and Pilosella alpicola group) by comparing various biological traits and genetic diversity of the rare (often endemic) and widespread congeners. A combined approach including geneticanaly sesemploy in ghighly variable molecular markers (AFLP, SSRs) as well as analyses of fitness, ecological niche and spreading potential (by common garden experiments, GIS digitallayers, soil analyses) will be applied. Results of the project will bring valuable information on specific factors determining range size in selected plant groups from Asteraceae family, but also help to find common features and more general regularities in unravelled patterns and processes. Moreover, outputs of this project will serve as a baseline for conservation recommendations as each of systematic groups investigated harbours also taxa endangered by recent human activities. |
| Screening and transformation of data of model centers of biodiversity for understanding of ecological and phylogenetical relationships of rare and endangered species of fungi | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2015 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0008/15 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kučera Viktor, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Fungi represent one of the richest groups of organisms (estimation 1.5 mil. species) and are also endangered by human activities. Decrease or spread of species could significantly influence biodiversity and cause negative changes in biological systems. Because knowledge of biodiversity and distribution, and taxonomy of rare and endangered species of fungi may contribute significantly to accurate management of the environment, endangered species of fungi listed in the Red list of fungi of Slovakia are the target group for this project. Material collected in selected model centers of biodiversity will be studied by morphometric and molecular methodologies. Joint research will allow to share facilities of the partner institutions and to train young researchers in field and analytical methodologies. Results of the project will be presented in scientific journals and on conferences, and they will be implemented also in management strategies and in selection of Important Fungus Areas (IFA). |
| Synanthropisation of the forest communities: Analysis of factors affecting distribution of alien plants in forests | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2015 - 31. 12. 2018 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0051/15 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Invasion of alien species, especially during the last decades, represents growing threat for the diversity of natural habitats, including forests. While considerable attention was already paid to anthropogenic and ruderal vegetation in the urban environments and built-up areas, only very few studies focused on the alien species in forest habitats, as forests appeared to be more resistant to invasions by alien plants. Recent studies revealed that it was only a temporary phenomenon and many forest habitats are continually being invaded by alien species, what is negatively affecting their biodiversity. The aim of the project is to evaluate the level of invasion of various types of forest habitats and to characterize the effect of selected environmental factors, type of forest management and changes in horizontal and vertical structure of the stands on the level of invasion of the stands. |
| Evolutionary importance of predation rate on life history adaptations of fishes | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0124/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD. |
| CHIAGP - Chitinases and AGPs as proteins diversifying genotypes with high ability to microspore embryogenesis from non-embryogenic in crops | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-SK-PL2015-0044 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Zimová Mária, Mgr.; Meszaroš Patrik,Ing., PhD; Matušíková ildikó, Mgr., PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project is aimed at linking of the two research laboratories with expertise on embryogenesis (Poland) and molecular analysis (Slovakia). It is dedicated to the study and optimization of androgenesis for rye as a tool for more efficient breeding through dihaploid lines. On biological materials with contrasting androgenic potential it will be evaluated the effect of action of abiotic factors such as cold and osmotic stress. It will be studied in detail the changes in accumulation of chitinase enzymes and arabinogalactans, which in model plants had a beneficial effect on androgenesis. Results of the project are intended to impart the knowledge about the process of androgenesis and factors affecting its efficacy in rye. |
| Cryptic refugia and diversification patterns of aquatic invertebrates in the Western Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-SK-PL-2015-0042 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD. |
| Microhabitat use of sexual and Conal forms of loach fishes of the genus Cobitis (Cypriniformes) in Odra and Danube River basins | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-SK-PL-2015-0049 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD. |
| The genus Camarophyllopsis in Europe and North America | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0075/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Camarophyllopsis is insufficiently known genus of basidiomycetes without a consumer and commercial value. Recently, 10 species are described from the area of Europe, 8 from area of North America (USA) and 9 more from other parts of the world. In area of central Europe are often reported only C. atropuncta, C. foetens and C. shulzeri, C. foetens is the only species reported from Slovakia. There are other six unreported species in the area of Slovakia according to our preliminary field observations (unpublished data). The aim of proposed project is, therefore, the preparation for a modern European identification guide covering Camarophyllopsis taxa (based on collections from the area of Europe and North America). Other aim of the project is confirm or disprove transatlantic distribution pattern of some species. The first phylogenetic study revealed polyphyly of the genus, part of the species have been combined in the genus Hodophilus and one species is described in a new genus Lamelloclavaria. Multi-locusphylogenetic analyses of European and North American material of Hodophilus species with naphthaleneodours reveal no species with transatlantic distributions. Five species of this group are recognised in North America, including two new to science. |
| (Disentangling evolutionary relationships across morphologically and ecologically diverse lichen genus Solenopsora) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2016 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | SK-PT-20150027 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD. |
| The assessment of biological value of the drainage ditches | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0102/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Čejka Tomáš, PhD. |
| Taxonomy and phylogeny of genera Roraima Kodada & Jäch and Neblinagena Spangler (Coleoptera: Elmidae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 1/0395/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims is to study taxonomy and phylogeny of genera Roraima and Neblinagena (Coleoptera, Elmidae). The genus Roraima is known yet only from the high Venezuelan table mountains, the genus Neblinagena is known also only from Venezuela, but inhabit streams in lower altitudes. The goals of the project are: (1) clarifying species classification including formal description, identification of morphological and genetic variability, possible redefinition of the taxonomic concept of genera, (2) identification of larval stages using molecular markers, assigning larvae to the species and describing them using morphological characters, (3) analysis and interpretation of phylogeny of Roraima, drawing possible scenarios of the speciation and geographic distribution and testing hypotheses of the evolution of the table mountains biota using molecular data, (4) analysis of the phylogenetic position of Roraima and Neblinagena within subfamily Larainae based on combination of morphological and genetic characters. |
| Alder forest vegetation – the role of zonal and micro-site gradients in azonal vegetation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0019/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Jarčuška Benjamín, PhD., RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc., RNDr. Svitková Ivana, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Michal Slezák, Judita Kochjarová, Anna Petrášová Anna |
| Annotation: | In the worldwide area of the alder-dominated forests, their plant species-rich understory is characterized by higher constancy and cover of species having various ecological requirements. In addition to the syntaxonomical evaluation of alder forests in the Western Carpathians, this project is aimed at effect of environmental factors on species composition variability and species richness pattern. The complex research of spatial distribution and synecology, the supplementation of vegetation and environmental information along with comprehensive analysis of the structure of endangered, rare, phytogeographical important and alien species will provide new knowledge about actual composition pattern in these azonal plant communities. |
| BrassiEvo, Species and genetic diversity in the Brassicaceae family - towards understanding of evolution in polyploid complexes | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2013 - 30. 9. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0139-12 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project addresses polyploid evolution by conducting a comparative study of polyploid complexes from three different tribes of Brassicaceae. Polyploidy is an evolutionary significant phenomenon widespread in the angiosperms, but still poorly understood especially when considering non-model species. Our main aim is to get insights into the patterns and processes of polyploid evolution in natural populations. We focus on diversity centres of the studied polyploid complexes, representing hotspots of genetic and species variation and highly dynamic systems from a micro-evolutionary perspective. We aim at reconstructing main evolutionary forces and speciation processes acting in these crucifers, and in polyploid complexes in general. Particular topics and hypotheses, addressed in the project, concern (a) the rate of auto- and allopolyploidy in the studied species complexes, and independent/recurrent origins of the polyploids; (b) micro-evolutionary processes and population history of the polyploid complexes in the current centres of diversity, testing the “refugia-within-refugia” concept; (c) common and different patterns and mechanisms of the evolution in related diploid and diploid/polyploid species complexes evolving in the same area and environmental context; (d) invasive behaviour of plants of different ploidy levels within the same species/species groups; and (e) species circumscriptions and taxonomic concepts in the polyploid complexes. |
| Danube sturgeons management and protection | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2013 - 30. 9. 2017 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0820-12 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Pekárik Ladislav, PhD. |
| Analysis of origin and diversification of Western Carpathian elements of the genus Solenopsora (lichens,Catillariaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0034/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims to explore genetic variation patterns of the populations of placodioid species of the lichen genus Solenopsora occurring in the Western Carpathians. The research will look at this variation across European part of the distributional areas with a focus on the status of the populations situated on the periphery of the distributional range (e.g. Western Carpathians), at the distribution of the variation across various spatial scales and at the identification of significant breaks in gene flow and any geographical features which correspond to them. The results will also bring social profitability, as they will contribute to the assessment of total diversity of the studied habitats. The scientific goal of our project is to explore the genetic variation patterns of the placodioid species of the lichen genus Solenopsora A. Massal. which occur in the Carpathians with specific aims to: 1) disclose genetic variation of the populations of the Carpathian Solenopsora species in European part of their distributional area(s), with a specific focus on the status of the populations situated on the periphery of the distributional range (Western Carpathians, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain) – does it reflect e.g. genetic impoverishment due to restricted gene flow into the small and fragmented populations, or a) do the genetic patterns suggesting recent dispersal (range expansion) or b) suggesting presence of old, relict, isolated populations, or c) does the genetic differentiation take place due to random processes operating in small, peripheral populations - i.e., genetic drift; 2) find out how is the genetic variation distributed across various spatial scales (population, region, biomes) in European continent and whether we may observe any specific patterns in its distribution; 3) to find out whether there are any significant breaks in gene flow and hypothesize whether there are any geographic features (e.g. also barriers) which correspond to them. Important scientific issue will be to address the question whether the secondary substance profiles in the studied Solenopsora species, including difficult-to-identify or accessory substances, can provide an insight into diversification processes across their distributional range in Europe. |
| Biosystematics of Taphrina fungi (Ascomycota) in Western Carpathians and Pannonia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0051/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bacigálová Kamila, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is aimed at studying the systematics of the phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Taphrina. The goal of this project is to evaluate the genetic variability of the taxa occurring on the species of the families Rosaceae, Ulmaceae and Betulaceae in ecosystems of the Western Carpathians and the adjacent Pannonian area. Regarding the irregularity of their natural occurrence, it will be necessary to specify the knowledge of their biology, ecology, the area of occurrence and their host plants, in context with ongoing global changes and their impact on ecosystems. The obtained results will have the society-wide contribution, since they will contribute to knowledge of the total diversity of the studied fungal taxa, not only in the Western Carpathians but also in European and world context. |
| Biosystematics of the Geoglossum glabrum complex (Fungi, Ascomycota, Geoglossaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0000/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kučera Viktor, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Members of the genus Geoglossum are treated as rare and endangered taxa in all countries of their occurrence. G. glabrum, on of core taxa of the genus, comprises, as shown by preliminary studies, of several taxa (species). There were described 21 taxa in this complex but they delimitation is unclear. While the fungus collected in North America has been determided as Geoglossum glabrum and its varieties (Mains 1954, Durand 1908), in Europe at leaset 4 species are distiguished: G. cookeanum Nanf., G. sphagnophilum Ehrenb., G. glabrum Pers., G. ophioglossoides (L.) Sacc. (Ohenoja 2000, Nannfeldt 1942). Of course, data on morphological and anatomical characters are missing in original descriptions so the identification of these taxa is almost impossible. That‘s why focused studies based both on specimens in herbaria and collected fresh material must be carried out. Only analysis of data obtained both by classical and molecular methods will facilitate answers about taxonomy and variability of G. glabrum complex. |
| Flora of Slovakia – orders Caryophyllales, Polygonales and Ericales: biosystematic study of critical taxa | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0008/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project is focused on taxonomic revision of representatives of the orders Caryophyllales (families Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae), Polygonales (families Polygonaceae, Plumbaginaceae) and Ericales (family Primulaceae) in Slovakia. Special attention will be given to several polymorphic groups in the genera Cerastium, Chenopodium, Kali, Persicaria, Polygonum, Primula, Rumex, Silene and Soldanella in Central Europe. We will address their nomenclature, infrageneric and infraspecific morphological and karyological variability, systematic relationships, and current distribution, applying both traditional and modern taxonomic methods. The main output will be the monograph Flora of Slovakia VI/4. Papers in CC and other journals, and an update of the database Dataflos are planned as well. Slovak botanical nomenclature will be comprehensively revised, improving inadequate names and proposing new names. An open access database of Slovak current and historical names of vascular plants will be developed. |
| Fungal metabolits of facultative pathogens | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0005/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Repka Vladimír, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Mikušová Petra, PhD., RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc., RNDr. Repka Vladimír, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Isolation and identification of metabolites of toxigenic fungi, pathogens, a wide range of crop plants, particularly cereals and vine fruits. Impact of individual metabolites may or may not be part of the expression of pathogenic fungi on the plants during their ontogeny in host. The prevalent rate of those in higher concentrations in the seeds are, therefore, at a time when it is a wide array of features suitable for the survival of pathogens. Phytopathogenic fungus can penetrate mechanical, by enzymes , but probably with or without toxins.The question is also passed as further metabolites contained in the seeds after sowing. The role of toxic metabolites,we will examine the various plants on which the metabolites were isolated as a result of attack by these fungi, seeds, and thus in their early stages of germination and growing. |
| Alpine ponds – sensitive indicators of environmental changes: macroinvertebrates and determinants of their multilevel diversity | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0081/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana, PhD. |
| Management, restoration and diversity of grassland vegetation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0099/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Radical changes of land-use in Central Europe are reflected in the composition and structure of grassland vegetation. The process results particularly in the loss of semi-natural non-forest vegetation types, which have been formed under a long-term of human activities. There are also important changes in species composition. The project is aimed at evaluation of floristic changes and conditioning changes of environmental and ecological factors of selected grassland vegetation types. At the same time, by assessment of initial stage and monitoring of vegetation changes over time it is aimed at testing the impact of management activities on composition and the development of vegetation using the field experiments. The results obtained from experiments enable to propose optimal management for restoring the species composition of vegetation. Project results will be used in landscape ecological planning and conservation practices in order to maintain favorable state of habitats of European and national interest. |
| Optimization of somatic embryogenesis in conifer trees | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0136/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | In vitro approaches in vegetative propagation of woody plants provide us with fast and controlled way of reproduction of valuable species obtained either by selection, breeding or by genetic manipulation.In conifer trees the method of somatic embryogenesis is of great value because it is the only effective in vitro regeneration system that produces large quantity of trees in relatively short period of time. Despite numerous studies devoted to somatic embryogenesis of conifers unsolved problems still exist. The aim of submitted proposal is complex study of the process of somatic embryogenesis in Pinus nigra Arn., Abies alba (Mill.) and it hybrids, including factors affecting individual stages of somatic embryogenesis starting with initiation until complete regeneration of somatic seedlings. Special attention will be paid to the content of some endogenous growth regulators in the embryonic structures as well as to the protein profile during development of somatic embryos. |
| Island biogeography of the isolated water bodies | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0113/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Illýová Marta, PhD. |
| Perception and transduction of stress signals, structural and physiological responses of root cells to high heavy metal concentrations | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0023/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | In this project mechanisms of the responses of model plants (arabidopsis, maize, peas) to the toxicity of heavy metals (Zn, possibly also Cd, Ni) will be studied using an integrated approach, at the levels of cell biology and molecular processes of stress signal perception and transduction. Understanding the kinetics of plant cell responses to stress, identification of stress-responsive gene reactions, the detailed knowledge of both mechanisms of stress signal perception and transduction, and realization of induced structural and functional response of a plant cell will extend our knowledge in the field of stress physiology. Combination of the above mentioned knowledge with the existence and utilization of mutant lines, knock-out mutants, and ectopic expression open new areas of integrated attitude in studying the plant responses to stress and will provide substantial knowledge needed for creating a real image of regulation and re-programming of vital activities of cells in their effort to cope with a stress. |
| Proteomics mapping of clinically relevant proteins in wheat grain | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0016/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Gábrišová Daša, PhD., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Ing. Lancíková Veronika, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a widely used cereal for human consumption but belongs to a group of allergenic food ingredients. Wheat proteins are often associated with food intolerances and various allergies. For instance, gluten proteins (mostly gliadins) are responsible for most common food intolerance, celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Presently, quantitative methods for the determination of clinically relevant wheat grain proteins are mostly based on immunology techniques. However, techniques based on mass spectrometry are likely to provide more robust characterization of wheat grain proteins. This project proposal aims in the establishment of 2-DE quantitative maps of clinically relevant proteins in wheat grain. These maps will be established for three wheat varieties and will be used for intervarietal comparison of content clinically relevant proteins in wheat grain. |
| Regeneration and clonal propagation of Rubus and Prunus spp. under in vitro conditions | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0140/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., Mgr. Hunková Júlia, PhD., RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Raspberries and blackberries belong among the valuable fruit species with positive impact on human health. Although, there are proper conditions for cultivation of these species in Slovakia, their production is insufficient. Plums represent the fruit species which were grown broadly in Slovakia in the past. However, the situation is changed at present. Large-scale fruit plantations become rare. The main reason is Plum pox virus responsible for Sharka, considered as most serious viral disease worldwide affecting crop production of Prunus stone fruits. Use of tissue cultures provide possibilities for effective production of high quality healthy plant material and for targeted fruit tree breeding by application of genetic engineering. The aim of this project is development of procedures of efficient adventitious regeneration and micropropagation of selected Rubus and Prunus cultivars usable in large-scale propagation of planting material and genetic transformation. |
| Speciation and polyploid evolution in Alyssum (Brassicaceae): elucidating evolutionary processes in diversity hotspots | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0004/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | In the project we concentrate on Alyssum populations in diversity hotspots of the (Sub-) Mediterranean areas, addressing the polyploid A. montanum-A. repens complex, high-alpine polyploid A. cuneifolium s.l., and the predominantly diploid A. sect. Odontarrhena. Our goals are to revise species circumscriptions, reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history, identify and understand major processes that have driven diversification and speciation of the studied groups. We generated an online-available database of all chromosome number reports published so far in Alyssum, which was necessary to stimulate further evolutionary studies in the genus. We expect to obtain a first general picture of the evolution of Alyssum and confront it with other predominantly Mediterranean plant groups. Our studies will contribute to better understanding of plant diversity and evolution in the regions identified as Mediterranean biodiversity hotspots, as well as to effective biodiversity conservation. |
| Testing of genes for specific hydrolytic enzymes in plant transgenosis in order to use them to strenthen defense against pathogens | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2014 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0090/14 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin , PhD., Ing. Maglovski Marína, Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD., Ing. Rajninec Miroslav |
| Annotation: | Despite the great progress in plant disease control strategies, the food supply in the world is still threatened by a multitude of pathogens and pests.Project aims to explore the utilization of two genes for “pathogenesis-related” (PR) proteins coming from phylogenetically distant plant species Drosera rotundifolia for enhancement of plant defence. We will prepare the transgenic tobacco plants with constitutive expression of chitinase and glucanase genes, respectively. Then we will test whether their protein extracts can increasingly inhibit the growth of tested phytopathogenic fungi in in vitro conditions. In addition we explore the expression profiles of isolated promoter sequences of these genes in origin organism as well as in transgenic tobacco plants. The results of this project contribute to the search of genes with perspective application in plant trangenesis and reveal their participation in basic biology processes. |
| Zinc and silicon influence on growth, physiological and metabolic symptoms of salt stress in maize (Zea mays L.) plants | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2016 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0022/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Declining climatic and environmental conditions are responsible, that contamination of soils and surface water by heavy metals or salinity increases. Under certain conditions these environmental stresses can act simultaneously. In the present project we focused our attention on the study of growth, physiological and metabolic responses of roots and shoots of selected maize cultivars, exposed to high zinc or salt concentrations or to the combination of both stressors. Responses of experimental plants to silicon application, whose presence in the stress conditions helps plants mitigate the negative effect of stress was the particular goal dealing with the role of silicone in amelioration of heavy metal toxicity in plants. |
| Biopond - Biodiversity of small water biotopes: parallel, intersecting or skew? | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2012 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0059-11 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Oťaheľová Helena, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Svitok Marek Ing. PhD., Novikmec Milan Ing. PhD., Oboňa Jozef Ing., Očadlík Miroslav, Ing., Katedra biológie a všeobecnej ekológie FEE, Technická univerzita vo Zvolene – Hamerlík Ladislav, Ing. PhD., Katedra biológie a ekológie FPV, Univerzita Mateja Bela, Banská Bystrica |
| Annotation: | The project focused on biodiversity of natural and anthropogenic small size aquatic biotopes with stagnant water (ponds) in Slovakia. In Europe, ponds form a significant part of the continental freshwater resource with an enormous natural and social value. Ponds often represent "hot spots" of biodiversity and usually dwell more species than larger water bodies. The project had an ambition to reflect the all-European call for research of small water biotopes (European Pond Conservation Network manifesto), to which no appropriate attention have been paid both in Slovakia and worldwide. The main objective of the project was complex description of the diversity of macrophytes and important groups of invertebrates (Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Plecoptera and Diptera) inhabiting various types of ponds in Slovakia. Practical objective of the project was to characterize conditions, which will assure preservation of the highest biodiversity of ponds and to identify indicator taxonomic group or groups with potential to represent the overall biodiversity of these biotopes. We proposed a series of guidelines for conservation practitioners to preserve and maintain high biodiversity of ponds. |
| Biosystematic revision of the Sorbus hybrida group (Rosaceae) in the Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0071/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Perný Marián, PhD. |
| Habitats with occurrence of halophytes in the Pannonian lowland – vegetation, ecology, dynamics and possible options for restoration | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2012 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0003/12 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Slovenská Poľnohospodárska univerzita Nitra, Univerzita Mateja Bela Banská Bystrica |
| Annotation: | Project is focused on study of habitats with occurrence of halophytic species in Pannonian lowland. A comprehensive approach will be used to analyse this type of vegetation, its changes and threat by emphasizing the ecological requirements of characteristic plant communities. Particular attention will be given to saline lakes and periodically inundated (sub)halophytic habitats where specific plant communities related to their ecological requirements will be studied together with their typical seasonal dynamics. Possibilities for restoration of Crypsidetum aculeatae, a missing community in Slovakia, and changes in Hordeetum hystricis (critically endangered) will be examined by the means of field experiments. Sucession on variously managed stands of Artemisio-Festucetum pseudovinae will be monitored on permanent plots and succession on degraded stands will be studied, too. A complex survey of chorology and synecology of rare halophytes of Slovak flora will provide recent data about halophytic plant communities. |
| Flora of Slovakia Cyanobacteria II. Acidophilous species | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0073/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Current inventarisation of phototrophic microorganisms known from peat-bog waters in Slovakia was revised. One new genus (Neosynechococcus) and three new species (Neosynechococcus sphagnicola, Eucapsis pseudoprescottii, E. joostenii), 1 new combination (Eucapsis microscopica) were proposed. New genus was described using a combination of molecular, morphological (LM, EM) and ecological features. A phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene,16S-23S ITS and rbcL loci showed a separate position of the investigated strain and its close proximity to filamentous cyanobacteria. |
| Hybrid swarm populations of Scots pine and dwarf pine in Slovakia, genetic status and fertility | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0057/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Čamek Vladimír, PhD., RNDr. Vooková Božena, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | RNDr. Boleček Peter, PhD.(UKF, Nitra), Mgr. Braná Martina(UKF, Nitra), Mgr. Čelková Martina(UKF, Nitra) |
| Annotation: | Molecular analysis of the putative hybrid swarms of Scots pine and mountain dwarf pine occurring in the North Orava region will be done using simultaneous analysis of the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of individual trees as the most straightforward way of hybrid individuals screening. The objective of such approach is to quantify the proportions of both hybrid individuals and pure species individuals of Pinus sylvestris and P. mugo on tested localities. It is worth of mentioning that hybrid nature of these swarms is postulated on the basis of morphological traits of their cones and needles only. At the nuclear DNA microsatellite level the assessment of genetic structure of the putative hybrid swarms will be done aiming at description the degree of their divergency from control populations of the parental species. Fertility of hybrid swarms and parental species will be compared with regard to seed quality. Also, the crossability of P. sylvestris and P. mugo will be tested in the field. |
| The role of plant hormones and reactive oxygen species in abiotic stress-induced morphogenic response in barley root tips. | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0019/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Tamás Ladislav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | As sessile organisms, plants have to cope with their ever-changing environment. To survive, they evolved a large variety of distinct morphological and physiological adaptation mechanisms in order to overcome the toxic effects of numerous unfavourable external stimuli. In addition, hormones have been recently identified as a crucial and integral component of stress response. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are very important signals mediating developmental and stress responses through the regulatory action of plant hormones. In order to gain more insight into the role of hormones and ROS in abiotic stresses-induced morphogenic response, the aim of the present proposal is the analysis of potential relationships between stress-induced morphogenic response, altered hormone homeostasis and ROS accumulation under abiotic stresses in barley root tip. |
| Vegetation changes in alpine areas – the causes, trends and comparisons | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2012 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0090/12 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The species richness of the plant communities varies significantly in alpine regions. The interactions among plant species in various abiotic environments determine the productivity, vegetation structure and species composition of the communities, as well as the diversity of functional types. Human activities play a significant role in all the ecosystems on Earth, including alpine. In many cases, it is difficult to decide whether and which changes of biodiversity were caused by human impacts and which by natural processes. The study of the impacts of both could help us to understand the complicated relationships within high-altitude ecosystems. The main targets of the research are: I) the study of diversity and species interactions on both, species and population level, and their interactions with abiotic environment; and II) the study of impacts of grazing on presence and diversity of functional types in selected alpine plant communities along environmental and geographical gradients. The main targets of the research are: I) the study of diversity and species interactions on both, species and population level, and their interactions with abiotic environment; and II) the study of impacts of grazing on presence and diversity of functional types in selected alpine plant communities along environmental and geographical gradients. The interactions will be evaluated considering other habitat characteristics, paying particular attention to determining their role in individual plant communities across various mountain ranges, in relation to intensity of the interactions and their relative significance. This project has been evaluated by VEGA committee as a project with significant results. |
| The effects of arsenic and antimony on production and physiological characteristics of plants | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2012 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0817/12 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Lišková Desana, PhD. |
| Understanding of plant adaptation in the radioactive Chernobyl area | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2012 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0740-11 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Bekešová Slávka, PhD., Mgr. Fekecsová Soňa, Mgr. Gábrišová Daša, PhD., Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Ing. Lancíková Veronika, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., Ing. Škultéty Ľudovít, DrSc., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Miroslav Bauer, Katarína Ražná, Jana Žiarovská, Veronika Štefúnová, Jana Nôžková, Milan Bežo, Slavomíra Senková, Mária Labajová |
| Annotation: | Two serious nuclear accidents in Fukushima (2011) and Chernobyl (1986) in last 25 years increased importance of investigation of plant response toward radioactive contamination. The levels of released radioactivity in Fukushima are still not exactly known. However, Chernobyl accident released large amounts of radioactivity into the atmosphere. As consequences the vicinity of Chernobyl Power Plant is still contaminated with long-living radioisotopes, such as 137Cs and 90Sr. Interestingly, plants in Chernobyl area were able to adapt toward permanently increase level of radioactivity. Until 2009, most of the research investigated changes in DNA of Chernobyl plants. Our group was first that applied post-genomic methodology, proteomics, toward investigation of this long-standing mystery and identified set of proteins that potentially play role in plant adaptation toward permanently increased levels of radioactivity. The goal of this project is to further enhance this research and elucidate role of protein posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation and acetylation) in plant response toward Chernobyl radioactive conditions. Furthermore, this project will also screen crop plants for suitability to grow in Chernobyl area and investigate possibility to grow flax and canola for biofuel production in areas contaminated with radioactivity. |
| Project website: | www,chernobylproteomics.sav.sk |
| Exploitation of modern biotechnologies in amaranth breeding programme | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2013 - 31. 12. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0066/13 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD., Ing. Záhorský Michal |
| Other cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Gálová Zdenk |
| Annotation: | Over the last years natural products with nutritional even curative and medical effects are in the demand. Some of the neglected crops are a significant source of such nutraceutical compounds, amaranthus being one of them. This promising supplement to common grains have drawn a great interest of farmers, breeders and food processing in the last year. Amaranth species are resistant to diseases, tolerant to drought, salinity, high temperature what is an alternative in the actual global warming. The substances in amaranth have a positive effect on the human health and are specially important in prevention of chronic civilization diseases. Over the past years we have obtained by application of mutational breeding collection of putative mutant lines with significantly increased weight of thousand seeds. This project will help to broaden possibilities to develop novel amaranth varieties with improved production and nutritional value of amaranth grain and can greatly enhance breeding effort and make it faster. |
| AgroBioTech - Establishment of Research Centre "AgroBioTech" | |
| Duration: | 1. 4. 2013 - 30. 11. 2015 |
| Evidence number: | ITMS 26220220180 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Výskum a vývoj |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Čuláková Katarína, RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Ing. Kvapilová Henrieta, RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Slovenská poľnohospodárska univerzita v Nitre, Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre |
| Annotation: | The main goal of the project is establishment of the regional competent center of applied research and development in the field of agro-bio-technologies in Nitra (AgroBioTech) which will integrate the excellent applied research through partnership of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology SAS in Nitra.The Research Centre will be focused on covering of priority areas in agrobiology, biotechnology, genetic technologies, agro-food industry, technology of agricultural crop processing, agroecology, bioenergetics directed towards sustainable production and quality of agricultural products in changing environmental conditions, production of strategically important food resources in SR, effective use of plant and animal agrobiodiversity, as well as towards advanced technologies of crop processing and biotechnologies oriented on healthy human diet and utilizing of renewable resources. The Research Centre will be equipped by top level research infrastructure what enables realization of research at international level with possibilities of application in praxis. |
| Project website: | http://www.agrobiotech.uniag.sk |
| Diversity and taxonomy of diatoms of selected gravel and sand-pit lakes in Slovakia with respect to invasive species | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0113/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hindáková Alica, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The diatoms of about 40 gravel- and sand-pit lakes in W and S Slovakia were analyzed with respect to taxa featuring expansive or potentially invasive behaviour. Morphological variability, life cycle and ecology were documented and interpreted in selected taxa. According to our studies only some taxa can be designated as expansive species. Macroscopic water bloom of diatoms was observed rare, mostly in early spring. New data for the Flora of Slovakia were collected, 6 records of species were found new for our territory. Expansive taxa known from sub/ tropical regions were documented in some studied lakes, what can be probably connected with global warming. |
| Evolutionary and ecological significance of polyploidy in genera Cyanus and Pilosella (Asteraceae) – study on two systematic levels and two spatial scales | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0075/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project aims at study of evolutionary andecological significance of polyploidy in two model groups from the family Asteraceae - Cyanus sect. Perennes and Pilosella alpicola group, employing a wide spectrum of methods.The chosen groups provide an opportunity to study consequences of polyploidy at different systematic (inter-sinfraspecific), spatial (continent vs microregion) and timescales (probably ancient tvs recentorigin). Elucidation of the origin and relationships among chromosome races/cytotypes of C. sect. Perennes will enable ustore vise taxonomic delimitation of groups within the section proposed by previous authors. Inferring of detailed spatial distribution, mating interactions and differences in fitness and ecology among cytotypes inmixed-ploidy populations of P. rhodopea will contribute to understanding of dynamics of autopolyploidy. Study of morphological adaptations and ecophysiological traits will shedlight on the importance of environment as a speciation factor in both groups. |
| Determinants of rarity within Tephroseris longifolia agg.: biosystematic and population-biological approach | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0074/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project continues and extends the previous studies focussing on populations of rare endemic subspecies Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica in order to specify our knowledge on taxon life cycle and demography based on a long-term field observations. Experimental estimation of optimum conditions for seed germination and seedling establishment can serve to project the support of small populations. In order to understand the processes underlying the rarity of the Carpathian subspecies we would like to extend the previous study by observation of four other subspecies of Tephroseris longifolia agg. We suppose that the revealed differences between narrow endemic subspecies and widespread subspecies could explain the potential significance of geographically peripheral and ecologically marginal populations in the process of evolution of narrow endemism. The evaluation of morphological and karyological interspecific variation in T. longifolia agg. will elucidate the mutual evolutionary relationships of individual subspecies. |
| The catalogue of non-native species of vascular plants and the analysis of the level of invasion across habitats of Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0098/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Zaliberová Mária, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Research on the invasion of plants and animals is of growing importance. Intensive transport of people and goods eliminates natural geographic barriers and leads to massive transfer of species to new regions. Many alien species are competitively very strong in a new environment and may occupy ecological niches of native species. They may even crowd them out and thus reduce autochthonous biodiversity of the region. The project will bring fundamentally new information about the diversity, distribution, spreading, ecology and cenology of alien species of vascular plants in Slovakia. Our main aim is to assess current distribution of alien species and create a national catalogue of alien species, which is absent in Slovakia. That will enable us to make broader analyses of both habitat affinity of alien species and the level of invasion of habitats and their vulnerability to invasion, what is fundamental not only for our knowledge on the ecology of aliens but also for the purpose of nature conservation. |
| Catalogue of Ascomycetes described and/or referred to the genera Hymenoscyphus Gray and Helotium Pers.(Ascomycota, Helotiales) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2012 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0150/12 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Lizoň Pavel, CSc. |
| Annotation: | While working on the taxonomy and floristics of Inoperculate Discomycetes it became obvious that a checklist or a catalogue of core genera of the Helotiaceae is essential for effective further studies. It is hoped that the preparation of a catalogue such as this will remove the necessity for those interested in Inoperculate Discomycetes to research into scores of interconnecting references, some often obscure. This catalogue (checklist) contains all those validly published epithets (names of specific and infraspecific taxa) known to have been attributed, at some time, to the genera Helotium Pers. and/or Hymenoscyphus Gray. The checklist includes also a few unpublished or invalidly published names that have been erroneously introduced and used in the literature. Totally, there are listed and annotated more than 1200 epithets. |
| Plant Communities of Slovakia. Forest and shrub vegetation. | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0059/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The development of syntaxonomical survey of all vegetation units from the forest and shrubby vegetation occurred at territory of Slovakia. The project represents a last part and finalization of long-term program Plant Communities of Slovakia, which started at the beginning in last decade of twentieth century. The result of whole program will be a comprehensive Slovak vegetation survey – a work of highest national importance. At the same time this work will be a part of international efforts under the program European Vegetation Survey and modern tool and practical instrument for nature conservation and landscape management. The aims of project are (i) differentiation of vegetation units with application of relevant approaches and statistical methods, (ii) analyses of floristical and ecological variability and chorological characteristics, (iii) solution syntaxonomy of forest and shrubby communities in broadly Central-European region under international co-operation and by help of case studies. The main output of project will be a monography Plant Communities of Slovakia 6, presenting the result of classification and description of all recognized units including the occurrence (distribution), ecology, dynamics (succession) and threat. Large synoptic tables will be enclosed. This publication has ambition to be basic syntaxonomical work completing almost one hundred yearlong phytosociological research of forests in Slovakia and endeavours of several generations of botanists. |
| Volatile oil production in in vitro cultures of peppermint and the proteomics analyses of cultures | |
| Duration: | 2. 1. 2012 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0075/12 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Obert Bohuš, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Štefánia Vaverková, Eva Urgeová |
| Annotation: | Medicinal plants are currently the objects of innovated interest because of their content of bioactive compounds, which can be successfully used in human medicine as an alternative to the synthetically prepared chemical products. In vitro cultures posses a remarkable potential for plant multiplication and improvement. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) produces a high amount of volatile oil including the most essential – the menthol. The role of the proposed project is to optimize the culture conditions for profitable cultivation in vitro of different peppermint varieties, and also for maximal production of volatile oil (elicitation) in those. Plant proteomics will be used to identify proteins in relation to volatile oil production. |
| Changes of landscape connectivity in the contact zone of Small Carpathian Mts. and adjacent lowlands - CONNECA | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 1/1139/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| BIOFARM - Biological diversity of wheat, improvement for adaptability under global change and use of organic agriculture | |
| Duration: | 1. 5. 2011 - 31. 10. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0197-10 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Objectves of the project will be the co-operation in the research of wheat genetic resources and crop relatives, is routing towards problematic improvement and utilization of winter wheat in climatic conditions of Slovak Republic. The intraspecific diversity of diploid and hexaploid wheat itself is one of the main sources of genes for Triticum aestivum breeding. It could be assumed that collecting, saving, maintenance and study of wheat genetic resources can also affect breeding and releasing on new commercial cultivars in the future. The selected wheat genotyopes and species of tribus Triticeae will be identified and characterized using electrophoresis of reserve proteins, technological quality and screening of metal accumulation and tolerance to abiotic stress. In next stage we will analyze the growth production properties of wheat genotypes, acclimation capacity of genotypes and their molecular basic by means of detection of stress proteins that will be used as markers for breeding tolerant varieties.The result of the project is expected an improved biological material such as new varieties for ecological agriculture. The new genotypes arising from the research will be deposited in the Gene bank of SR, while the process of their registration and experimental testing will be continued in order to introduce them into agricultural practice. We expect that by evaluation, identification, and characterization of individual wheat species and genotypes we gain new valuable sources for breeding new varieties with potential use in organic agriculture. |
| MICRO-EVO - MICRO-EVO, Microevolutionary processes in Asteraceae | |
| Duration: | 1. 5. 2011 - 31. 10. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0320-10 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project was to address principal questions concerning microevolutionary processes, including speciation and polyploid evolution in selected representatives of the family Asteraceae. We addressed also confusing taxonomic treatments of the studied species complexes and proposed new taxonomic concepts reflecting their evolutionary history. Molecular methods and flow cytometric applications, together with the methods of multivariate morphometrics and hybridisation experiments were employed in the course of the project. We obtained significantly new insights and a comprehensive view on the evolution of the studied representatives of the genera Cyanus, Jacobaea, Picris, Pilosella and Taraxacum. The results obtained have a broader impact beyond the individual study cases, contributing towards a better understanding of various aspects of evolution in this highly variable plant family. |
| Plant ionome modification by silicon for improvement of the crop nutrition quality | |
| Duration: | 1. 5. 2011 - 31. 10. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | APVV -0140-10 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The main objective of the project was to find out the effect of silicon on ionome of plants and to broaden the knowledge and practical application of the protective role of silicon against toxic effect of some mineral elements. We focused mainly on the already known alleviating function of Si in toxicity of cadmium and increased concentration of zinc and we investigated this ability in other potentially toxic mineral elements (As, Sb). Important crop species represent experimental material (Zea mays;Sorghum bicolor) and eventually some additional selected model species. In evaluation of the effect of silicon on toxic influence of selected mineral elements we will investigate the following parameters: growth parameters, concentration of investigated elements, and other macro and microelements in relation with the changes of ionome in plant organs, tissues, cells and cell walls; physiological conditions of plants; structural characteristics and conditions of plants; oxidative status; deposition of Cd in plant cell walls and changes in expression of proteins under influence of silicon. |
| Implementation of the research of plant genetic resources and its maintaining in the sustainable management of Slovak Republic | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 3. 2014 |
| Evidence number: | 26220220097 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Výskum a vývoj |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kvapilová Henrieta, Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD., Mgr. Mistríková Veronika, PhD., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project supports research focused on real results and their use in agriculture, creates and supports the transfer of knowledge into practice. The newly designed task of development of science and technology in frames of the basic and applied research will be aimed at increasing production and improving the rentability in industries of plant and animal production, thus ensuring the competitiveness of the Slovak agriculture in the European Economic Area. Implementation of the project enables improvement of the infrastructure of the research institutes involved and creates better conditions for cooperation in the fields of basic and applied research, protection and reproduction of biological resources and agricultural biotechnology. |
| Flora of Cyanobacteria of the High Tatra Mts | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2012 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | APVV SK-CZ-0064-11 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| Comparative diversity of macrophytes in various aquatic habitats | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0004/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Oťaheľová Helena, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Botanická záhrada UK Blatnica - Kochjarová Judita, RNDr. CSc.; Prírodovedecká fakulta UPJŠ Košice - Paľove-Balang Peter, Mgr. PhD. |
| Annotation: | The following two main topics (based on two model areas) will be addressed within the project: 1) comparison of alpha, beta and gamma macrophyte diversity of various aquatic habitats and, 2) evaluation effects of the studied environmental factors on macrophyte diversity. |
| Berry research - Propagation in vitro and genetic transformation of less spread species of small fruits | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0040/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD., Ing. Súkeníková Miroslava |
| Other cosolvers: | Ostrolucká |
| Annotation: | Interest about small fruits has an increasing tendency because of their high nutritional value. The sufficient fruit production can be achieved by cultivation of productive cultivars. For this a big amount of planting material is needed, propagation of which can be reached by use of in vitro cultures. Project is oriented on elaboration of system for micropropagation of selected cultivars of Vaccinium sp., production of which wasn‘t till now extensive in Slovakia and on genetic transformation of Vaccinium and Rubus by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Improvement of fruit trees by classical breeding is limited by their long reproductive cycle. Genetic transformation is promissing technique which can guarantee relatively rapid acquirement of requested agronomic traits. But its application is highly dependent on successful plant regeneration from transformed cells. Genetic transformation and regeneration of transgenic plants are still limited in Vaccinium and Rubus, therefore they are the research aims of this project. |
| The elucidation of plant adaptation in contaminated Chernobyl area | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0126/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Berčák Michal, Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The explosion of one of the four reactors of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on 26 April 1986 was the worstnuclear accident in history. Now, 24 years after the accident, the soil in the vicinity of the CNPP remainscontaminated with long-lived radioisotopes. Despite this, the Chernobyl area-flora have adapted such that that theUnited Nations report on Chernobyl officially stated that the ecosystem has rebounded to its’ “natural” habitat.Thus, analysis of plants grown in the Chernobyl area provides a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms bywhich organisms adapt to ionizing radiation. During ongoing research in Chernobyl area we are followingadaptation of soybean and flax using proteomics since 2007. Up to date, we identified a set of proteinsdifferentially expressed in plants grown in the Chernobyl radio-contaminated environment. These initial resultsreceived considerable public attention. Herein we propose to continue and expand this on-going presentresearch, that funding expires in 2011. |
| Study of the defense responses of soybean (Glycine max L.) against ions of selected heavy metals | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0062/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD., Mgr. Cárach Martin, Ing. Ďurechová Dominika, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., Ing. Michalko Jaroslav, PhD., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD., Ing. Polóniová Zuzana, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Mgr. Patrik Mé |
| Annotation: | Toxic effects of some heavy metals to many different crops have previously been tested in various relationships. Large variability in plant responses to heavy metals is, however, bringing up more and more questions, solutions for which can play an important role with respect to preservation of environment and human health. The proposed project is focused on study of concretional defense mechanisms of soybean (Glycine max L.) to ions of cadmium and arsenic, and subsequent identification of cultivars with contrasting susceptibility/tolerance to given metals. The aim of further analyses at different levels (anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology) is to detect differences in the ongoing defence processes that might lead to tolerance to the studied type of stress. An important part of the project deals with studying of the possible role of chitinase enzymes during the plant defense processes against heavy metals. |
| Taxonomic revision and species delimitation of European members of Russula sect. Maculantinae | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0028/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| Annotation: | This phylogenetic study of fungi was based on sequences of ITS nrDNA region obtained from type, authentic and recent material of Russula subsect. Maculatinae originated from various European areas. The results suggested the polyphyly of this morphologically defined group – itsmembers appeared in four genetically unrelated groups. According to our results, none of morphological characters used fordelimitation of the subsection in the literature or its combination is suitable for defining of agenetically definedsingle group. The first group includes R. maculata, R. globispora and R. dryadicola and is defined by yellow brownish spots on surface of basidiomata; the second group includes R. rubra, R. badia, R. firmula and R. veternosa and is defined by pinkish incrustations of pileocystidia in sulfovanillin; the third group contains R. decipiens and other taxa with one-celled pileocystidia; and recently described boreal species R. aurantioflammans shows isolated position. Phylogenetically defined species were described morphologically and correct names have been assigned based on type studies. |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | 2-0144-11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Cárach Martin, Mgr. Fráterová Lenka, PhD., Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD., Ing. Petrovská Beáta, PhD., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc., RNDr. Vooková Božena, CSc. |
| Development of efficient transformation and regeneration protocol of Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2011 - 31. 12. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0139/11 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., Ing. Libiaková (Kullačová) Dagmara, Ing. Petrovská Beáta, PhD., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel (syn. Orobanche ramosa (L.)), broomrape, belongs to the group of economically important parasitic plants of genera Phelipanche with negative impact on crop production. P. ramosa parasitizes mainly tomato, rapeseeds, carrot, potato and tobacco. Infected crops can be heavily damaged before the parasites emerge above the soil. P. ramosa attach to the host root and acquire all nutrients and water from the roots of the host. The effective method of their control does not exist due to specific nature of broomrapes. Therefore the research is focusing on the molecular basis of the interaction between the host plant and theparasite. Development of efficient transformation protocol for P. ramosa will allow study of the genes and their functions involved in parasitism of P. ramosa (and other parasitic plants). Knowledge of the molecular processes and genes involved in the interaction will help in the development of new strategies and crop varieties to control broomrape parasitism. |
| BIOPOLE - - | |
| Duration: | 18. 5. 2010 - 18. 5. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | TT01326 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Vzdelávanie |
| Project leader: | Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD., Mgr. Obert Bohuš, PhD., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Project website: | http://www.biopole.sk/ |
| EFLES - - | |
| Duration: | 31. 3. 2010 - 31. 3. 2013 |
| Evidence number: | TT01359 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Vzdelávanie |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD., RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| Project website: | http://www.efles.sk/ |
| Hybridy - Interspecific hybrids of pines and firs, their status and characterization | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0076/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The mixed stands of Pinus sylvestris and P.mugo in northern Slovakia share the genetic status of the putative hybrid swarm populations which has been derived from the morphometric traits of their needles. The absence of species-specific marker of mtDNA for the parental species is a major obstacle preventing employment of a paralell analysis of the maternally inherited mtDNA and paternally inherited cpDNA in screening the hybrid or pure species nature of individual trees of the swarms. The proposed project aims at finding this marker for both species and at subsequent description of the genetic status of individual trees of the swarms on four different localities. Based on these results the extent of primary and introgressive hybridization will be assessed for each swarm. An extensive study on fertility of the putative hybrid swarms is also envisaged at both pollen and seed levels. Still other part of the project deals with interspecific hybrids of firs and with their resistance potentials. |
| Biosystematic study of the critical taxa of the families Caryophyllaceae and Asteraceae | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0026/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc., RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., RNDr. Letz Dominik Roman, PhD., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., RNDr. Michalková Eleonóra, CSc., Mgr. Mráz Patrik, PhD., RNDr. Peniašteková Magdaléna, CSc., Mgr. Perný Marián, PhD., RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD., RNDr. Šípošová Helena, CSc., RNDr. Ťavoda Ondrej |
| Annotation: | The project was focused on the biosystematic study of selected representatives of the families Caryophyllaceae and Asteraceae. Taxonomic revisions of the genera Arenaria, Cerastium, Dichoton, Lychnis, Myosoton, Sagina, Scleranthus, Polycarpon, Steris, Silene, Spergularia, Spergula and Stellaria from the family Caryophyllaceae, covering the area of Slovakia, contributed to their comprehensive treatment to the issue of the monograph Flóra Slovenska. Special attention was devoted to several polymorphic species complexes of the genera Arenaria, Cerastium and Stellaria, which were thoroughly taxonomically revised in the area of Central Europe using both traditional and modern taxonomic methods. Phylogeographic, systematic and evolutionary relationships within several taxonomically complex groups from the genera Cyanus, Senecio and Taraxacum (Asteraceae) were also solved in the frame of the project, applying molecular systematic methods and experimental hybridizations as well. |
| The spatiotemporal pattering of reactive oxygen species production in the extracellular spaces of barley root tips during abiotic stresses | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0050/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Tamás Ladislav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | In many cases root is the first organ of plants to encounter stress factors and also carrying out the first defence responses. For a long time it was thought that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were only toxic by-products of aerobic metabolism. Recently, it is well known that their basal level is necessary for plant development playing crucial role in the regulation of basic physiological processes. Since most ROS are highly reactive, any disturbance in the regulation of their concentration and spatial or temporal distribution lead to the perturbation of cellular function. Both decrease and increase is harmful for organisms. In order to gain more insight into the involvement of ROS in response to abiotic stresses, the aim of the present project proposal was the analysis of spatiotemporal pattering of ROS and oxidative damages, the expression and activity of ROS-generating enzymes and the activation of antioxidative defence during abiotic stresses along the longitudinal axis of barley root tips. |
| Flora of Slovakia: Cyanobacteria I., termophilous species | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0130/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The main goal of the project was to prepare manuscript of the first volume of the compendium Flora of Slovakia, Cyanobacteria/Cyanophyta, vol. VIII, part 1 Thermophilic taxa. Old published data on distribution of these microoganisms in Slovakia were critically evaluated. Life cycles and morphological variability of cells and thalli were studied in the field and in laboratory conditions. New clonal cultures were isolated and maintained in the culture collection of the Institute of Botany SAS. Taxonomic and floristic papers on selected genera or groups of Cyanobacteria/Cyanophyta were prepared and presented. |
| PhosphoprotChern - Phosphoproteomics analysis of mature seeds harvested from soybean grown in radioactive and control fields of Chernobyl area | |
| Duration: | 1. 4. 2011 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | SK-PT-0016-10 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Berčák Michal, Mgr. Gábrišová Daša, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Our previous proteomic studies of soybean seed have identified the major functional categories of proteins which undergo changes in expression during seed development. A subsequent comparison of mature soybean seeds grown proximal to Chernobyl with those grown in control areas has suggested a working model for plant adaptation to contaminated conditions. This model considered the differential expression of seed storage proteins (SSPs), a heavy metal-like response and an alteration in the glycine-betaine system for increased protection against radiation damage. It is now our intent to add to this model by analyzing how growth and adaptation to the radioactive Chernobyl conditions can effect protein phosphorylation in mature soybean seeds. |
| Phylogenetic relationships in the polyploid complex Alyssum montanum - A. repens (Brassicaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0087/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc., RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD. |
| Geoglossoid fungi of non-forest stands | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0062/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kučera Viktor, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Katedra botaniky Prírodovedecká fakulta UK Bratislava |
| Annotation: | Checklist of non-vascular and vascular plants lists only 2 species of geoglossoid fungi (members of the genera Geoglossum, Microglossum and Trichoglosum) from Slovakia. Field research has indicated that this group has higher representation in the country. Recently 10-12 taxa have been reported. Geoglossoid fungi are, together with members of the genera Hygrocybe and Entoloma and family Clavariaceae used as indikator species for the evaluation of natural value of non-forest habitats. That’s why it is important to determine the correlations between the occurence of geoglossoid fungi and species of Hygrocybe and eventualy confirm or disapprove the indicator value of these fungi. Monitoring of seminatural grasslands will contribute to the selection of IFAs (Important Fungus Areas) both in Slovakia and Europe following the project of identification of IPAs (Important Plant Areas). |
| Diversity of phytopathogenic fungi in selected biocentres of Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0106/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bacigálová Kamila, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on obtaining the knowledge of diversity of phytopathogenic micromycetes - parasitic and saprophytic biota in selected biocentres in Slovakia. The goal of this project is to study the fungus species diversity and their host plants, their chorology, ecology, developmentdynamics and their role in natural ecosystem of plant communities. This project will contribute to the collection of new and original information on current state of occurrence of components of microscopic phytopathogenic fungi, achieved by own mycofloristic research, which will fill up historical data on their diversity in the given area. From the mycofloristic point of view, the comparison of species diversity of phytopathogenic biota in two time horizonts will be significant. The results achieved will be a contribution to the knowledge of species spectrum of phytopathogenic fungi in Slovakia and they will be used for the evaluation of the quality of important territorial units. |
| Tip growth of the cells: its regulation and modifications under heavy metal influence | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0200/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Ovečka Miroslav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project aims at comparing the basic root growth parameters in response to stress factors of the root medium (Al, Zn). The initiation, course, and regulation of the tip growth of root hairs will be characterized in Arabidospis species differing in their adaptation strategies to heavy metals (Arabidopsis thaliana - sensitive, A. halleri, A. arenosa - tolerant), with the emphasis on membrane domains , particularly determination of sterols and mobile endozomal compartments . Data on root hair responses to adverse environmental conditions are still limited. The results of this project will extend our understanding the regulation of establishing and maintaining the polarity of the growing root hairs from the view of the changing environmental conditions. |
| Systematics and biogeography of the genus Solenopsora (lichenized fungi) in the Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0071/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD. |
| Annotation: | We aimed to study systematics and biogeography of lichens of the genus Solenopsora (Catillariaceae) in the Carpathians. These lichens have been known from this mountain range only since the 70s of the 20th century. The members of the genus occur mainly in the temperate and subtropical regions of the world with centre of its distribution in the Mediterranean. The principal aim of the project was to broaden the knowledge on the occurrence of the species of the genus Solenopsora in the Carpathians and assess their genetical variability. Multilocus DNA sequence data revealed two major lineages that are differentiated by thallus organisation, rhizines on lower side of the thallus, secondary chemistry and anatomy of the upper cortex. To reach the final conclusion, however, all Solenopsora species need to be analyzed, considering especially the diversity centres in North America and Southern Hemisphere. Our results clarified the relationships between the taxa treated under the genus Solenopsora and occurring in Europe. We recognize eight species in Europe – S. candicans, S. cesatii, S. grisea, S. holophaea, S. liparina, S. marina, S. olivacea and S. vulturiensis. We showed that there is no support for recognition of the species S. carpatica; the collections from the Western Carpathians Mts, including the type, and from the Alpi Bergamasche Mts represent the species S. cesatii. The name S. carpatica falls into synonymy of S. cesatii. Our results confirm Kotlov´s concept, that S. carpatica is a synonym of S. cesatii and moreover, bring supporting molecular, morphological, chemical and ecological arguments, which were missing so far. Solenopsora cesatii is not a complex of infraspecific taxa, as it was treated in the past. It represents a well delimited, genetically homogeneous entity. The collection from the Sudety Mts was grouped with the specimens representing the species S. liparina. We gathered molecular, morphological, chemical and ecological evidence to recognize S. liparina as a separate species, being an edaphic vicariant of S. candicans, confined to ultramaphic rocks. We disclosed so far unknown sister relationship between S. grisea and S. vulturiensis and confirmed infraspecific taxa within S. olivacea – subsp. olivacea and subsp. olbiensis. Moreover, we disclosed two new entities, Solenopsora sp. 1 collected from perpendicular calcareous rock faces in Turkey as a sister taxon to S. candicans, and Solenopsora sp. 2 collected on silica-carbonate rocks in California, USA, being a closest relative to S. liparina. |
| The effect of different silicon concentrations on plants exposed to stress | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2010 - 31. 12. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0024/10 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Prírodovedecká fakulta UK Bratislava |
| Annotation: | Recently a great attention is paid to silicon, the element of plant nutrition which is not considered as essential; however, its positive effect on yield of some crops is clearly demonstrated. There are indications that not only the stress type, but also Si concentration has an important role in the effect of this element on the alleviation of stress. We continued research in stress physiology in connection with the results of our previous project focused on the salinity stress. In the salinity stress the metabolism of nitrogen is negatively influenced, mainly due to the decreased nitrate reduction. The presence of Si may modify this effect. Formation of reactive oxygen species occurs under the effect of stress; we have observed this phenomenon under the influence of drought and salinity. For this reason investigated the effect of various Si concentrations on the antioxidative response of plants. The dynamics of Si uptake and transport under the influence of stress were studied. |
| EVO-PICRIS, Taxonomy and phylogeny of the European representatives of the genus Picris | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2009 - 31. 8. 2012 |
| Evidence number: | LPP-0239-09 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD. |
| Annotation: | We have studied taxonomic relationships of two subspecies of highly polymorphic Picris hieraciodes, particularly subsp. hieracioides and subsp. umbellata, and their phylogenetic relatedness to closely allied species, P. hispidissima, P. japonica , P. olympica and P. nuristanica. Karyological analyses involving direct chromosome counting, estimation of DNA ploidy level and absolute DNA content; and genetic analyses, particularly sequences of coding and non coding regions of nuclear and chloroplast DNA were applied to resolve outlined questions. Concerning the karyological variation all studied species are diploids with 2n=2x=10. The exception presented two populations of Picris hieraciodes subsp. umbellata which harboured triploid (2n=3x=15) and tetraploid individuals (2n=4x=20). Absolute DNA contents of diploids, triploids and tetraploids varied considerably. Genetic markers revealed large and complex variation within both subspecies of P. hieracioides, which most probably reflects evolution of this species during and after Pleistocene glaciations. In addition, hybridisation between both subspecies and among their internal genetic lineages was proved. Genetic and karyological variation of other analysed taxa (P. hispidissima, P. japonica, P. olympica and P. nuristanica) indicated very close relationship of all those species to polymorphic P. hieracioides. |
| Cell biological and proteomic characterization of the maize gametic embryogeneis and microspore derived structures for improvement regeneration ability and dihaploid plant development | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0114/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Obert Bohuš, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Within frame of proposed project we will focuse on improvement of the process of regeneration of fertile DH maize plants. We will define correlations between morphological pathways, ploidy level, regeneration ability of different structures and fertile DH plnats. One of the main tasks of the project will be cell biological, histological, and proteomic studies of the prosess of gametic embryogenesis. The outcome of our planned investigations will be not only in the level of basic science, but also may have impact in improvement of efficiency of anther culture method for breeding purposes. The selection of microspore derived structure resulting in the largest number of spontaneous doubled haploid plants from maize can lead to increase of fertile dihaploid maize plant production. |
| Dynamics and succesion of grassland vegetation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0181/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD., RNDr. Dúbravková Daniela, PhD., Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD., RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD., Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD., RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Zaliberová Mária, CSc. |
| Saline habitats in Pannonia: ecology and taxonomy of selected halophytes and their communities | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0030/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Perný Marián, PhD., RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD. |
| Island phenomenon of the Carpathians’ high mountains in relation to environmental factors, synecology of plant communities and phytogeography of selected plant species | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0121/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD., RNDr. Dúbravková Daniela, PhD., RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc., Mgr. Jegorovová Natália, Mgr. Košuthová Alica, PhD., Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., RNDr. Májeková Jana, PhD., Mgr. Podroužková Medvecká Jana, PhD., RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD., RNDr. Svitková Ivana, PhD., RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD., RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Zaliberová Mária, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Prírodovedecká fakulta UK Bratislava Katedra botaniky, Botanická záhrada UK Bratislava |
| TAXONÓMIA-FYLOGE - Taxonomy of selected groups of vascular plants of the Carpathians and adjacent areas | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2008 - 31. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0368-07 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc., RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., RNDr. Letz Dominik Roman, PhD., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., RNDr. Michalková Eleonóra, CSc., Mgr. Perný Marián, PhD., Mgr. Slovák Marek, PhD., RNDr. Šípošová Helena, CSc., RNDr. Ťavoda Ondrej, Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the taxonomic revision of selected vascular plant groups in the Carpathians and adjacent areas (the Pannonian lowland, Alps and the Balkan Peninsula) using both traditional and modern taxonomic methods, and will include the development of a new database application for management of plant distribution data based on herbarium specimens and literature records. The common feature of the taxa chosen for the present project is their uresolved taxonomy in the Carpathians that would consider also relationships to the populations from adjacent areas. The project is composed of three main research subtopics: (A) Comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the families Phytolacaceae, Portulacaceae and Caryophyllaceae in Slovakia, with special attention devoted to polymorphic species complexes of the genera Arenaria, Stellaria and Cerastium. The results will be compiled and presented in the new issue of Flóra Slovenska IV/3. (B) Detailed biosystematic studies of two taxonomically complicated groups, Cyclamen purpurascens s.l. and Viola suavis s.l., in the Carpathians and adjacent areas, including phylogeographic and evolutionary studies using methods of molecular systematics. (C) Development of a new SQL database application, the Database of Herbaria- and Literature-based Distribution Data of Vascular Plants in Slovakia, that will be available online and compatible with other databases of the Botanical Information System of Slovakia. |
| Project website: | www.ibot.sav.sk |
| Exploitation of genomics and proteomics approaches in characterization of amaranth mutant lines. | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0109/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc., Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Amaranth species have drawn a great interest in the last year. They are resistant to diseases, tolerant to drought, salinity, high temperature what is an alternative in the global warming. Amaranth has a promising nutritional potential compared to cereals or legumes. A multidisciplinary approach was initiated over the past years at the Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology in cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna to improve quality and quantity of amaranth production through radiation mutagenesis. As result, the IPGB has collection of mutants, with significantly increased weight of thousand seeds (WTS). The putative mutants have not yet been genetically or molecularly characterized. The overall objective is to characterize them on genetic, biochemical and molecular level using genomics and proteomics approaches. Development of markers and identification of candidate genes for particular trait(s) would be of a great interest to make breeding efforts faster and more efficient. |
| Toxigenic fungi and their metabolites | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2009 - 12. 12. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0002/09 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šrobárová Antónia, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Mikušová Petra, PhD., RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Toxigenic fungi are that one which beside pathogenic effect (rot or mould) produce a wide range of secondary metabolites .The most known genus are Aspergilus, Penicilium , Alternaria and Fusarium. Some of their secondary metabolise -mycotoxins can affect animals and human health. The excellent knowledge of their life cycle and mechanisms of toxin action may be a very important base for their control. Identification of fungus responsibility in different type of diseases during plant ontogenesis compared to the impact of toxins may explain prevention again them.However, to this time impact of toxins and its role in pathogenicity is not fully understood according to nowadays knowledge’s. Till now the herbicidal effect of fumonisins was searched and deoxynivalenone and fusaric acid are active in pathogenesis. Others- trichothecenes, fusaproliferin, beauvericin and ochratoxins resp.aflatoxins will be studied in this project. |
| KraBio - Center of excellens for protection and use of landscape and for biodiversity | |
| Duration: | 1. 5. 2009 - 30. 11. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | NFP26240120010 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Bratislavský kraj |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Senko Dušan, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Mentha culture - Study of essential oil content in tissue culture of some Mentha species | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2009 - 11. 6. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | LPP 0026-09 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Jamnická Zuzana |
| Annotation: | Species of genus Mentha are a good source of essential oils. The quality and quantity of synthisized essential oils depends on many factors. The aim of the project is to establish in vitro culture system of Mentha and observe the influence of the cultivation conditions and culture media on quantity and quality of the esential oil mixture. The plant proteomics approach will be used to define the key proteins related to synthesis of the essential oil components. Besides, the content and composition of the essential oils will be compared to those in intact Mentha plants. |
| Phylogenetic relationships of the Alyssum montanum – A. repens complex (Brassicaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 11. 2006 - 31. 5. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | LPP-0085-06 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The genus Alyssum belongs to poorly studied Brassicaceae genera, in spite of its species richness and a wide distribution area.It comprises 170-195 species distributed almost entirely in Eurasia. In this project we concentrated on the A. montanum - A. repens group in Central Europe, Balkan and ApenninePeninsula. Using a broad spectrum of methods (karyological, morphometrical, molecular) we (1) circumscribed subspecies of A. montanum, explored their morphological and genetic variation and differentiation, delimited their distribution areas; (2) clarified phylogenetic relationships within the A. montanum - A. repens group, revised taxonomic position of doubtful taxa; (3) explored cytotype distribution patterns and frequency of polyploidization events, analyzed correlations of ploidy levels with morphological and genetic variation; and last but not least (4) identified local endemics and critically endangered species important for biodiversity conservation. |
| Management models for grassland habitats | |
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2009 - 30. 3. 2011 |
| Evidence number: | SK 0115 |
| Program: | Mechanizmus EHP |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel, PhD., RNDr. Dúbravková Daniela, PhD., Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc., Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD., RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc., Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Demographical, coenological and ecological analysis of Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica - the threatened taxon of European importance | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0017/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | RNDr. Judita Kochjarová, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Tephroseris longifolia subsp. moravica is a critically endangered endemic taxon of Carpathian flora included in the European list of important species. Altogether there are 14 recent localities, 6 of them in the Moravia and 8 in Slovakia. Even when the abundance of its populations has been monitored during last 3 years, reliable information on its life cycle is still missing and the interpretation of the results is vague. The recorded population abundance is very variable, what complicates the evaluation of population development and establishment of effective conservation means. The demographical analysis will ensure the relevant information for proposal of optimal monitoring and objective evaluation of the recent knowledge. Moreover, we plan cultivation experiments, seed bank survey, estimation of ecological requirements and limiting factors of the taxon. The phytosociological material will enable the ecological analysis based on interspecific associations and ecological indicator numbers. |
| The distribution and diversity of aquatic macrophyte vegetation in water-bodies of Slovakia in relation to environmental factors and anthropic disturbance | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0013/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Dúbravková Daniela, PhD., RNDr. Oťaheľová Helena, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Botanická záhrada Univerzity Komenského, Blatnica - RNDr. Judita Kochjarová, CSc. |
| Long-term maintenance of embryogenic tissues of selected conifer species by the method of cryopreservation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0025/08 (VEGA) |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Salaj Terézia, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Fráterová Lenka, PhD., Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD., RNDr. Matúšová Radoslava, PhD., Ing. Petrovská Beáta, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc., RNDr. Vooková Božena, CSc. |
| Annotation: | Cryopreservation – storage of biological material in liquid nitrogen at temperature of – 196 °C – is an efficient method, providing ideal conditions for the maintenance of in vitro propagated plant material. In recent years the method has been applied to different in vitro handled cells and tissues (protoplasts, callus and suspension cultures, meristems, zygotic and somatic embryos). Recent progress in cyropreservation has provided potentially valuable cryogenic procedures such as slow-freezing, dessiccation, encapsulation/dehydration and vitrification. To conifer embryogenic cultures mostly the slow-freezing method has been used. Cryopreservation by slow-freezing regime allowed successful tissue regrowth and subsequent plantlet regeneration in many conifers. The aim of the submitted project is elaboration of an efficient protocol for succcessfull cryopreservation of embryogenic tissues of Pinus nigra and hybrids of Abies by slow-freezing method. The vitrification procedure will also be tested for selected cell lines. The project also aims to study different physiological and structural parameters (growth, maturation capacity, origin of somatic embryos) of cryopreserved tissues. The project also includes study of genetic stability (very important feature of in vitro cultured cells) after cryostorage. |
| Evolutionary trends and taxonomy of the genus Onosma (Boraginaceae) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0012/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Natura 2000 in lifelong education | |
| Duration: | 1. 3. 2009 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | NFP24150120003 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Životné prostredie |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., RNDr. Kubinská Anna, CSc., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD. |
| New methods of evaluation and mapping biotic harmful agents in urban greenery | |
| Duration: | 2. 9. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0421-07 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šrobárová Antónia, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Woody plants in urban greenery are damage with biotic and abiotic harmful agents that reduce their stability and cause premature withering, reduce their etestic and decorative value.The aim of project is to develop to determine the present health and conditional state of woody plants to prevent their sudden windfall, branch breaking off which endanger health,safety and property of inhabitans.It requares the erly diagnostis of demage originators and knowledge about originators distribution in urban greenery and important dendrological objects.National Forest Centre in Zvolen deal with woody plants in forests. |
| Origin and evolution of mountain and alpine flora of the Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0028/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Mráz Patrik, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., Mgr. Mráz Patrik, PhD., RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora, PhD. |
| Habitat requirements of Otter (Lutra lutra L.) on Slovak streams | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0836/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| Structural and physiological characteristics of roots in three Arabidopsis species with diverse strategies in their response to metal toxicity | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0149/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiamporová Milada, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Baluška František, DrSc., RNDr. Banásová Viera, CSc., RNDr. Čiamporová Milada, CSc., Mgr. Ďurišová Eva, RNDr. Gurinová Erika, RNDr. Illéš Peter, PhD., RNDr. Machlicová Adriana, Mgr. Nadubinská Miriam, PhD., Mgr. Ovečka Miroslav, PhD., RNDr. Staňová Andrea |
| Annotation: | The species Arabidopsis thaliana, the best known model in plant-sciences molecular and genetic research, and the two related species, A. halleri, and A. arenosa, differ in their response strategies to elevated concentrations of metal ions. In contrast to non-accumulating A. thaliana, the species A. halleri as Zn, Cd hyperaccumulator and A. arenosa as indicator plant tolerate heavy metals in the soils. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of metal tolerance are studied mostly in A. thaliana (Al) and A. halleri (Zn) and occasionally compared to A. arenosa. This project will provide new data on structural and physiological traits of the roots and root hairs that are primarily responsible for uptake of metal ions, using A. thaliana, A. halleri, and A. arenosa as model plants. Most of the experimental plants will originate from their natural habitats on the territory of Slovakia. Thus the results will also extend the data based on accessions from other (mostly European) localities. |
| Embryogenéza in - Study of cellular events during embryo formation in situ and in vitro conditions in maize and arabidopsis | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0115-7 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Ďatko Miroslav, Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., RNDr. Jamnická Zuzana, Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Obert Bohuš, PhD., prof. RNDr. Šamaj Jozef, DrSc., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Annotation: | Project aims to cell-biological characterization of embryo development in vitro conditions, as well as the zygotic embryo formation. The spatial and temporal distribution of cytoskeletal components and positioning of the nucleus during polarity determination are in focus. Using the proteomic analysis the proteins active in the different embryogenic stages will be defined and the differences in zygotic and somatic embryo development will be highlighted on the proteomic level.The role of the oxidative stress and ROS, as well as the involvement of PCD in embryogenesis are evaluated. |
| The study of efficiency of selectable marker gene removal via Cre/lox technology in transgenic plants | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0011/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Boszorádová Eva, PhD., Ing. Jopčík Martin, PhD., Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc., RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., Mgr. Matušíková Ildikó, PhD., Ing. Michalko Jaroslav, PhD., doc. RNDr. Salaj Ján, DrSc. |
| Annotation: | In the process of plant transformation dominant selectable markers are used to select transgenic cells. However following the transformation their presence in genetically modified plants becomes unnecessary and may also be undesirable. The project is focused on the development and evaluation of novel strategy for generating marker-free transgenic plants. This includes the vector construct preparation containing except for desired gene the loxP-embedded self-excising cassette with cre recombinase gene driven by seed-specific cruciferin promoter linked to a selectable marker gene. Following the regeneration of transgenic plants, during the seed formation together with the self-excision of the cre gene the selectable gene will be also deleted. In this approach the offspring of selectable marker-free transgenic plants will be in accordance with Slovak legislation concerning to releasing of GMO into environment. |
| Study of the changes in plant species, communities and habitats diversity in the contact zones of agrocoenoses | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 1/0672/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc. |
| Taxonomic revision of the Cyanus triumfettii group (Asteraceae) in the Carpathians and Pannonia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0053/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., Mgr. Perný Marián, PhD., RNDr. Skokanová Katarína, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to evaluate complex taxonomic relationships in the Cyanus triumfettii group in the Carpathians and Pannonia. Treatment of the taxa from this group is highly controversial in national floras and identification keys from this area. The taxonomic revision will be based on evaluation of morphological and karyological variation of populations from the studied area, including the localities of the nomenclatural types. Results of these analyses will be compared with AFLP data, which weintend to use also for inferring evolutionary relationships among the studied taxa. The project will include determination of reproduction modes and reproductive isolation among the taxa, as well as evaluation of their ecological differentiation. Synthesis of the data will result in the taxonomic classification of populations from the C. triumfettii group in the Carpathians and Pannonia, including preparation of anidentification key and delimitation of distributionareas of the taxa. |
| Taxonomical studies on selected species of Russula sect. Xerampelinae | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | 2/0140/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| Transformácia dr - Elaboration of efficient transformation and regeneration protocol in selected cultivars of small fruits (Rubus sp. a Vaccinium sp.). | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | VEGA 2/0004/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Libiaková Gabriela, CSc., doc. Ing. Moravčíková Jana, PhD., Ing. Ostrolucká Mária Gabriela, CSc., Ing. Súkeníková Miroslava |
| Annotation: | Berry fruits are biologically valuable species of small fruits with great importance in human nutrition because of their high nutritional value. Increasing demand on the market requires effective production of high quality planting material. The use of genetic engineering permits the introduction of useful agronomic traits without altering the cultivar features, what requires the development of in vitro systems for the genetic transformation and transgenic plant regeneration. By application in vitro propagation can be achieved large-scale multiplication of improved cultivars and elimination of rapid spread of diseases connected with traditional propagation methods. In spite of considerable progress in plant genetic engineering, the available genetic transformation techniques for Rubus and Vaccinium spp. Are inefficient and unreliable. Threfore the proposal objectives are considered as original and innovative. |
| Use of proteomic and cellomic approach to study embryogenesis of higher plants (arabidopsis and flax) | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | Projekt VEGA:2/0005/08 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Ďatko Miroslav, Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., RNDr. Jamnická Zuzana, Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Obert Bohuš, PhD., prof. RNDr. Šamaj Jozef, DrSc., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Annotation: | In the project the cellomic and proteomic approaches are used to highlight the processess in plant embryo development, predominantly in the early stages of zygotic and somatic embryogenesis, when the embryo polarity is established. The stress is put also on reprogramation of the actin cytoskelet in arabidopsis and flax. Using the proteomic analysis the proteins active in the different embryogenic stages will be defined and the differences in zygotic and somatic embryo development will be highlighted on the proteomic level. |
| Limitation of Eurtrophication Process in Water Basin Using Composite Sorbent | |
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2008 - 31. 12. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0566-07 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| Biosafe transgenic oilseed rape through innovative biotechnology. | |
| Duration: | 1. 12. 2008 - 31. 10. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | SAV-FM-EHP-2008-02-01 |
| Program: | Mechanizmus EHP |
| Project leader: | Ing. Libantová Jana, CSc. |
| Annotation: | One of the priorities of EU is the production of nutritionally more valuable crops that are more resistant to various types of environmental stress. Genetically modified plants represent a potential tool to achieve this goal under condition of solved questions concerning their bio-safety. Especially the presence of genes for resistance to antibiotics in the genome of transgenic plants represents a risk due to their potential to spread into environment. The proposed project is focused on implementation of the Cre/loxP excision system on oilseed rape that is an important crop with increasing production and consumption as both food as well as bio-fuel. In our system the excision of undesired gene is trigged by the strong, specific cruciferin (cruC) promoter that is solely active in developing seeds of transgenic plants. The result of this process is expected to be a transgenic oilseed rape with eliminated risk of undesired gene flow into environment. |
| PHYLO-TAXON - Phylogeography, postglacial history and taxonomy of model groups of taxa in Europe | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 30. 6. 2010 |
| Evidence number: | RPEU-0003-06 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | PRiF UK, Katedra zoológie |
| Flax proteomics - Biochemical and proteomics characterization of flax morphogenesis with stress to redox regulation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | LPP-0197-06 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Prof., RNDr. Preťová Anna, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Takáč Tomáš, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The aim of the project is to characterize the strategies of flax morphogenesis influenced by components of redox regulation and to analyze the protein spectra of tissues and media during the morphogenic processes. |
| Diversity and distribution of cyanobacteria and algae according to their dependence on the temperature gradient in selected thermal waters at Piešťany and Sklené Teplice Spa | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7069/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| Diversity of selected orders of phytopathogenic fungi in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7067/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Bacigálová Kamila, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Záletová Eva, CSc. |
| Species structure of lichens as important biodiversity components of selected areas in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7068/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Lackovičová Anna, CSc., RNDr. Lisická Eva, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is targeted to complex research of lichens, species structure, taxonomic questions and phytogeography within selected areas in Slovakia. Substantial contribution of the project is acquisition of unique information on lichen species structure. The information will be gathered by personal field work. All relevant historical entries on the occurrence of lichens will be summarized as a complement to the knowledge of total lichen diversity within the selected areas. Significant contribution from lichenological viewpoint will be to solve relevant taxonomic problems, which will refine hitherto knowledge on representation of particular species in Slovakia. The obtained results will be applied for habitat status assessment in Slovakia and for solving of further obligations of Slovakia resulting from its memeberhship in European Union. |
| Isoperoxidases of barley roots cultivated in the presence of heavy metals and their role on growth and structure of roots | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7073/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Tamás Ladislav, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Huttová Jana, Mgr. Liptáková Ľubica, PhD., doc. RNDr. Mistrík Igor, CSc., RNDr. Ollé Marta, PhD., RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc., Mgr. Valentovičová Katarína, PhD., Mgr. Zelinová Veronika, PhD. |
| Macrofungi described from the Western Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7071/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Lizoň Pavel, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD., Mgr. Kučera Viktor, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Ripková Soňa Mgr. PhD. |
| Annotation: | Fungi are, besides of insects, taxonomically the richest and the less known group of organisms. There are reported about 5000 species of fungi in Slovakia but the estimated number of should be over 24000 taxa.More that 300 taxa were described as new from Slovakia during past two centuries. Their biosystematics, phylogenetic relationships and their identity and delimitation are unknown or doubtful.Expected results and data will be implemented to the international project “Fungal Tree of Life” reconstructing phylogeny of fungi and associated organisms, as well to evaluations of biodiversity and changes of environment. |
| Lowland and submontane bryophyte flora and bryocoenoses in Slovakia – present state and threat | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7070/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kubinská Anna, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | K. Mišíková , Prírodovedecká fakulta UK v Bratislave, A. Petrášová - Fakulta prírodných vied UMB |
| Plant communities of the Muránska planina National Park 2. The forest vegetation | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 1/4349/07 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc., RNDr. Zaliberová Mária, CSc. |
| POLKOV - The participation of endomembranes in the maintenance of root hair polarity in response to abiotic stress | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | APVV-0432-06 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Ovečka Miroslav, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Baluška František, DrSc., RNDr. Banásová Viera, CSc., RNDr. Čiamporová Milada, CSc., RNDr. Gurinová Erika, RNDr. Illéš Peter, PhD., RNDr. Machlicová Adriana, Mgr. Mikolajová Lucia, Mgr. Nadubinská Miriam, PhD., RNDr. Staňová Andrea |
| The effect of selected stress factors on physiological and biochemical characteristics of crop | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2007 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | 2/7072/07 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Luxová Miroslava, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | PharmDr. Franková Lenka, PhD., RNDr. Gašparíková Otília, CSc., RNDr. Kolarovič Lukáš, PhD., RNDr. Valentovič Peter, PhD. |
| Impact of changes in air quality of urban agglomeration Bratislava on lichens | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 31. 12. 2009 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-040805 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Lackovičová Anna, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna, PhD., RNDr. Lisická Eva, CSc. |
| Critical taxa of the flora of Slovakia from orders Asterales, Campanulales, Dianthales, Liliales, Poales and Violales | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 31. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | 2/6054/06 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., RNDr. Kmeťová Eva, CSc., RNDr. Letz Dominik Roman, PhD., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., Mgr. Miháliková Tatiana, RNDr. Michalková Eleonóra, CSc., Mgr. Mráz Patrik, PhD., RNDr. Peniašteková Magdaléna, CSc., Mgr. Perný Marián, PhD., RNDr. Šípošová Helena, CSc., RNDr. Ťavoda Ondrej |
| Other cosolvers: | P. Mártonfi Univerzita |
| Annotation: | The project represents the basic taxonomic-chorological research of selected critical taxa of from the orders Asterales, Campanulales, Dianthales, Liliales, Poales, Violales (genera Pilosella, Taraxacum, Senecio, Camapanula, Scleranthus, Cerastium, Polycarpon, Allium, Avenula a Viola) not in the territory of Slovakia, but in the other parts of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe (i. g. in the Carpathians, .Alaps and Rodopy region). The aim of the project is taxonomic revision and solution of problematic polymorphic groups, including the nomenclature, typification, karyology, morphometry, cenology and chorology of invastigated taxa. In the group Pilosella alpiciola the izozyme analysis for the taxonomic classification will be used. In the genus Taraxacum the poidy level of populations from the section Ruderalia and Erythrosperma will be evaluated. The actual occurrence and the general distribution of some invasive species ans neophytes from the order Asterales in Slovakia will be extended. |
| Non-forest vegetation of mountain and subalpine belt of Krivánska Malá Fatra Mts | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 31. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | 2/6057/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Jarolímek Ivan, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Svitková Ivana, PhD., RNDr. Šibík Jozef, PhD., RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Ján Kliment, RNDr., CSc., Bota |
| Annotation: | Despite high diversity and atractivity, the vegetation of the Malá Fatra Mts has not been studied thoroughly up to now. Extraordinary habitat diversity, position on the boundary of important biogeographic units, at the crossroad of migration routes and, consequently, also great species richness characterize the Malá Fatra Mts as one of the most interesting and most valuable territories in the Western Carpathians. It represents an outstanding region which belong to the European Union NATURA 2000 Network of Protected Areas. Main goals for this project are as follows: sampling of phytosociological and ecological data on the poorly explored non-forest plant communities; their temporal and spatial comparisons; publication of a detailed review of non-forest vegetation of the Malá Fatra Mts; evaluation of the importance of results in terms of biogeography, ecology and nature conservation and management recommendations for the Malá Fatra National Park. Anthropogenic pressure on the nature is getting stronger and this is the reason of great importance of this theme. |
| The role of fusariotoxins in pathogenesis of their producents | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 31. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | 2/6056/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šrobárová Antónia, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Pavlovkin Ján, CSc. |
| Annotation: | The species of Fusarium beside pathogenic effect produce a wide range of secondary metabolites in seeds of cereals and maize. The excellent knowledge of their mechanisms of action may be a very important base for their producer control. The significant differences in toxins concentration production among species of Fusarium to produce nivalenone or deoxynivalenone, which probably play a role in the aggressiveness of the pathogen and promote pathogen colonization in wheat seedling and caryopsis.ŠROBÁROVÁ, Antónia - ŠLIKOVÁ, S. - ŠUDYOVÁ, V. Diversity of the Fusarium species associated with head and seedling blight on wheat in Slovakia. In Biologia. ISSN 0006-3088, 2008, vol. 63, no. 3, p. 332-337. (0.207 - IF2007). Typ: ADCAŠROBÁROVÁ, A.- BUŚKO, M.- PERKOWSKI, J. - PAVLOVKIN, J.Diversity of Three Isolates of Fusarium culmorum (W. G. Smith) Sacc. Cereal Research of Communication, Vol.36,Suppl.B, (2008), pp.645-646. (1,190 - IF 2007) Typ: ADCAŠROBÁROVÁ,A.- BUŚKO,M.-PERKOWSKI,J.- PAVLOVKIN, J.Diversity of Three Isolates of Fusarium culmorum (W. G. Smith) Sacc. 4nd International Symposium on Fusarium Head Blight Incorporating the 10th European Fusarium Seminar ,Szeged, Madarsko,September 1-5, 2008 – výveska |
| Identification key of ferns and flowering plants of Slovakia and solving the problems of critical species groups in Central European area | |
| Duration: | 1. 2. 2005 - 31. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-026404 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva, CSc., RNDr. Mereďa Pavol, PhD., Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | P. Martonfi, L. |
| Selected evolutionary and taxonomic questions within the genus Cardamine (Brassicaceae) in different parts of its distribution area | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 31. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | 2/6055/06 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Zozomová Judita, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Kučera Jaromír, PhD., prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc., RNDr. Španiel Stanislav, PhD. |
| Annotation: | The genus Cardamine in its world-wide diversity, high proportion of polyploids and evidences for reticulate evolution provides an excellent object to study the role of interspecific hybridization, polyploidization, and geographic redistributions for diversification and speciation processes. The present project focuses on taxonomic, evolutionary and phylogeographic questions in selected representatives of the genus. The research topics will include (1) study of interspecific hybridization and introgression in NW Spain and its microevolutionary implications, (2) investigation on eastern Asian polyploids, their relationships to European polyploid complexes, (3) study of morphologically diverse populations from the Caucasus and Turkey, potentially representing basal diploids for European polyploids, (4) phylogenetic and phylogeographic study in arctic-alpine diploid species in Europe and eastern Asia. Combination of morphological, karyological and molecular methods will be applied to address these topics. The results obtained here will contribute to the knowledge of taxonomic diversity, evolutionary and biogeographic history within the genus Cardamine, but would also be important for a better understanding of plant evolution in general. |
| Genetic structure and reproduction potential of silver fir virgin forests in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 1. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Kormuťák Andrej, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Demánková Beata, Ing. Maňka Peter, RNDr. Vooková Božena, CSc. |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2006 - 1. 12. 2008 |
| Evidence number: | |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Šamaj Jozef, DrSc. |
| Diversity of macrophytes along ecological gradients of watercourses and alluvial wetlands in Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | 2/5083/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Oťaheľová Helena, CSc., RNDr. Valachovič Milan, DrSc. |
| Diversity and distribution of cyanobacteria and algae of thermal springs at Piešťany and Sklené Teplice in relation to the temperature | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | : 2/7069/27 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| Diversity of vegetation in the Veľká Fatra Mts. in relation to the neighbouring regions. Non-forest phytocoenoses | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | 1/2347/05 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard, DrSc. |
| Formalized classification system for identification of grassland vegetation | |
| Duration: | 1. 2. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-015804 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Participation of endomembranes and components of cell wall in the maintenance of plant cell polarity | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | 2/5085/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Ovečka Miroslav, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | prof. RNDr. Baluška František, DrSc., RNDr. Čiamporová Milada, CSc., RNDr. Illéš Peter, PhD., Mgr. Mikolajová Lucia |
| Classification and ecological differenciation of the mesophilous and xerophilous grassland communities in the Slovak part of Western Carpathians | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | 2/5084/05 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Škodová Iveta, PhD., Mgr. Vantarová Katarína, PhD. |
| Plants from heavy metal polluted habitats: their communities, structural and physiological adaptations | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | 2/5086/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiamporová Milada, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Banásová Viera, CSc., RNDr. Illéš Peter, PhD., Mgr. Nadubinská Miriam, PhD., Mgr. Ovečka Miroslav, PhD. |
| Other cosolvers: | Jozef Krištín Doc. RNDr. CSc., Prírodovedec |
| Annotation: | Plants from heavy metal polluted habitats: their communities, structural and physiological adaptationsCombined methodical approaches provided data from selected localities with high Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb soil concentrations in Slovakia and Austria, on floristic composition of communities, populations, and species with diverse heavy-metal tolerance strategies: Silene vulgaris - nonaccumulator, Acetosella vulgaris - accumulator, Thlaspi caerulescens, Arabidopsis halleri - hyperaccumulators. The results on population density, metal uptake and accumulation in T. caerulescens completed the missing data from Slovakia. Novel data are on both Acetosella vulgaris ecotypes with increased Zn accumulation in the leaves and leaf structure. Inventing fluorescence detection of Zn in live cells, and using also analytical electron microscopy showed differences in Zn sequestration: hyperaccumulators into the vacuoles preferably of leaf epidermis, and non-accumulator S. vulgaris into the apoplast. Vital staining and vacuolar membrane marker showed development-dependent aluminum accumulation in root cells of the nontolerant Arabidopsis thaliana. |
| Project website: | www.metaltolerantplants.sav.sk |
| Taxonomy and Biogeography of the Genus Flammulina in Central Europe | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 31. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | 2/5087/25 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | RNDr. Lizoň Pavel, CSc. |
| Other cosolvers: | Soňa Ripková, Prírodovedecká fakulta UK, Bratislava |
| Innovative biotechnological approaches for improvement in the flax breeding | |
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2005 - 1. 12. 2007 |
| Evidence number: | |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea, PhD. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Bleho Juraj, Mgr. Hajduch Martin, DrSc., Mgr. Klubicová Katarína, PhD., Ing. Kováčová Zuzana, Mgr. Obert Bohuš, PhD., Ing. Szepeová Martina, prof. RNDr. Šamaj Jozef, DrSc., Ing. Takáč Tomáš, PhD., Mgr. Uváčková Ľubica, PhD. |
| Diversity of the flora of Slovakia with special attention to the trees | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2006 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-000702 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Goliašová Kornélia, CSc. |
| SAS cosolvers: | Mgr. Miháliková Tatiana, RNDr. Michalková Eleonóra, CSc., RNDr. Peniašteková Magdaléna, CSc., RNDr. Šípošová Helena, CSc., RNDr. Ťavoda Ondrej |
| Other cosolvers: | Benčať Tibor, Doc., Ing., CSc. |
| Annotation: | The biodiversity is the variation of all organisms living in ecosystems and ecological coplexes.The project represents the basic taxonomic-chorological research of native, alien and cultivated timber-species and herbs from the orders Juglandales, Betulales, Fagales, Platanales, Salicales and Urticales.The results of the project will cotribute to the knowlidge about their generic and specific diversity and provide taxonomical, nomenclatural, biological, chorogical, coenological and ecological ata to the evaluation predominantly endemic, threatened and invasive taxa as well. The complicated nomenclature and variation of critical taxa will be solved copletely and the new chromosome numbers, and the actual floristic recordsrom the territory of Slovakia will be gained. The nothern border of the distribution of some thermophilous species in Central Europe will be clarified. |
| Project website: | www.ibot.sav.sk |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2006 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-005102 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Lackovičová Anna, CSc. |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2006 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-009202 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šípošová Helena, CSc. |
| Chromosome numbers survery of the ferns and flowering plants of Slovakia | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2006 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-006002 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol, DrSc. |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2005 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-009102 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Hindák František, DrSc. |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2005 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-023902 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Lizoň Pavel, CSc. |
| - | |
| Duration: | 1. 10. 2002 - 31. 12. 2005 |
| Evidence number: | APVT-51-001002 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Mistrík Igor, CSc. |