Project
Plant Science and Biodiversity Center SAS
International Projects
FULLRECO4US - Cross-border transfer and development of sustainable resource recovery strategies towards zero waste
Cezhraničný prenos a rozvoj stratégií trvalo udržateľného využívania zdrojov smerom k nulovému odpadu
| Duration: | 28. 9. 2021 - 27. 9. 2025 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea PhD. |
| Annotation: | Waste is being generated as a result of population growth, industrialization, and improvement of human standard of living. In the absence of efficient waste management systems, waste ends in landfills and in the environment (through informal discharges) leading to pollution and to a linear economy. Due to increasing awareness of the deleterious effects on the environment and human health, policies are being gradually implemented to motivate a mindset shift from linear to circular (bio)economies and decouple economic growth from use of resources. Full waste recycling and valorization will play a crucial role in the establishment of sustainable circular (bio)economies. Although waste recycling and valorization strategies have started to be implemented across borders within Europe, their implementation level is not homogenous and harmonization is needed. FULLRECO4US is an answer to this need and will function as a discussion platform centred on holistic approaches to waste recycling and valorization, and on the development of new cross-border interdisciplinary and intersectoral networks. These networks, in turn, will cooperate in the development of feasible and environmentally-friendly resource recovery approaches that can be translated into, e.g., competitive research funding applications and contribute to building research and innovation capacity within Europe and beyond. FULLRECO4US will include a set of networking activities such as Short-Term Scientific Missions, Workshops, Conference and Symposium attendance, supported by Working Groups focused on genesis of holistic approaches for waste recycling and valorization, engagement of stakeholders, and on dissemination and communication of Action’s results to enhance impact, consensus, and harmonization of newly built strategies. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA20133/ |
EPI-CATCH - EPIgenetic mechanisms of Crop Adaptation To Climate cHange
Epigenetické mechanizmy adaptácie plodín na klimatickú zmenu
| Duration: | 17. 9. 2020 - 16. 9. 2024 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Ing. Lancíková Veronika PhD. |
| Annotation: | The ultimate objective of this proposed COST action is to define, develop, generate and share new breaking knowledge and methodologies for the investigation of epigenetic mechanisms modulating plant adaptation to environmental stresses driven by climate change. So far, no international network has been created with the aim of standardizing methodology in plant epigenetics/epigenomics and better integrate these data with other “omic” approaches. EPI-CATCH will create a pan-European framework for networking in this under-investigated research field. This COST Action will use a unique cross-disciplinary approach that brings together industrial developers, molecular geneticists, molecular biologists, crop breeders, agronomists, plant pathologists, and bioinformaticians. EPI-CATCH will explore new frontiers on both innovative and translational research targeting the new challenges in plant epigenetics. Four main specific objectives will be addressed by four working groups : 1) update of the most recent findings in crop epigenomics related to climate change, 2) development of new concepts and approaches in crop epigenetics and epigenomics that can be transferable in other living organisms, 3) establishment of common standardized pipelines, methods and workflows for generation, analysis and interpretation of epigenetic/epigenomic data, 4) an intense output dissemination and training for early-career scientists. The methodologies, concepts and ideas developed by EPI-CATCH will assist stakeholders to develop future innovative technologies to enhance environmental sustainability of agriculture in a rapid climate change scenario. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA19125/#tabs|Name:overview |
COPYTREE - European Network for Innovative Woody Plant Cloning
Európska sieť pre inovatívne klonovanie drevín
| Duration: | 24. 10. 2022 - 23. 10. 2026 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Perniš Miroslav PhD. |
| Annotation: | In vitro culture of woody plants is leaving the academic laboratories and is now being developed in a range of commercial applications in horticulture and forestry that respond to the challenges of climate change and changing global food and wood consumption habits. It is therefore urgent that the research challenges, public acceptance, risk assessment and commercial application are confronted now in order to establish a well informed scientific community, policy makers and market place. This proposal concerns the following challenges, whose solution will have a significant scientific, social and economic impact: How can we overcome recalcitrance in a lot of woody plants? What are the best tools for diagnosis, sanitation and storing clean stocks? How can the production of elite clones be scaled up at a acceptable price? What are the real risks of this technology and how can the public be informed so that they appreciate and accept the applications ? How can foresters and landowners be persuaded to invest in planting poly-clonal forests? Taking these aspects into account, it seems more than urgent to us to set up a European network to connect the researchers involved from various domains, so that they can share innovations and develop new research strategies, assess the risks of the technology and improve communication with stakeholders and the general public. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21157/ |
ELTtoEFDi - Evolutionary legacy of the Turkish flora and its influence on formation of the European plant diversity: Evidence from genome to ecology
Evolučné dedičstvo tureckej flóry a jej vplyv na formovanie diverzity rastlín v Európe: od genómu až k ekologickým vzťahom
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2024 |
| Program: | JRP |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol DrSc. |
| Annotation: | xx |
Ex situ conservation of conifer tree species using in vitro cultures and cryopreservation techniques - in the frame of An integrated approach to conservation of threatened plants for the 21st Century
Ex situ konzervácia druhov ihličnatých drevín použitím in vitro kultúr a kryokonzervačných techník - v rámci projektu Integrovaný prístup konzervácie ohrozených rastlín pre 21. storočie
| Duration: | 15. 10. 2019 - 14. 10. 2023 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Salaj Terézia DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The overarching aim of this Action is to improve plant conservation in Europe through the establishment of a network of scientists and other stakeholders who deal with different aspects of plant conservation, from plant taxonomy, ecology, conservation genetics, conservation physiology and reproductive biology to protected area's managers. The aim of research group at IPGB PSBC SAS is the study of somatic embryogenesis, including initiation of the process, maturation as well as plantlet regeneration in Pinus nigra, Abies alba and Abies hybrids. The study will be focused on physiological, biochemical as well as structural aspects, important for understanding of the mechanism underlying somatic embryogenesis. For cryopreservation of embryogenic tissue the slow-freezing method, suitable for unorganised cell and tissue cultures, will be used. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18201 |
An integrated approach to conservation of threatened plants for the 21st Century
Integrovaný prístup k ochrane ohrozených rastlín v 21. storočí
| Duration: | 15. 10. 2019 - 14. 10. 2023 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Šibíková Mária PhD. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18201 |
PLANTMETALS - Trace metal metabolism in plants
Metabolizmus kovov v rastlinách
| Duration: | 8. 10. 2020 - 7. 10. 2024 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Vaculík Marek PhD. |
| Annotation: | Many trace metals (TMs) (e.g. Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) are essential for organisms as active centres of enzymes, as about one third of all proteins are metalloproteins. Therefore, TM homeostasis in plants is at the core of many challenges currently facing agriculture and human societies. Low TM bioavailability in many soil types of large world areas causes a reduction in crop production and diminishes nutritional value of food. Some essential TMs (e.g. Cu) have narrow beneficial concentration ranges, while others (e.g. Cd, Hg) are usually only toxic, and in many areas of the world metal toxicity is a severe agricultural and environmental problem. For environmental risk assessment and remediation, as well as improved agriculture (targeted fertilisation and breeding), the mechanisms of TM uptake, distribution, speciation, physiological use, deficiency, toxicity and detoxification need to be better understood. This Action aims at elucidating them by the combined expertise of researchers (physiologists, (bio)physicists, (bio)(geo)chemists, molecular geneticists, ecologists, agronomists and soil scientists). It furthermore aims at making this knowledge applicable to the needs of farmers and consumers, with input from companies for translating laboratory results into applied products. This shall be done by integrated scientific, communication and dissemination activities, pooling together our research efforts. Regular meetings within and between the workgroups of this COST Action, training workshops for young scientists, as well as by technology transfer meetings will be organised in cooperation with the partner companies within the Action, as well as producers and merchants of micronutrient fertilisers. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA19116/ |
SOURDOmiCS - SOURDOugh biotechnology network towards novel, healthier and sustainable food and bioprocesses
Network biotechnológie kvasných procesov smerom k novým, zdravším a udržateľným potravinám a bioprocesom
| Duration: | 10. 4. 2019 - 9. 10. 2023 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea PhD. |
| Annotation: | Traditional sourdough bread resorts to spontaneous fermentations leading to natural selections of microorganisms, mainly yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Such microorganisms are essentially beneficial to humans and, concomitantly, inhibits propagation of undesirable microbiota. Sourdough fermentation was probably one of the first microbial processes employed by Man for food production and preservation. Sourdough bread stills widely manufactured at farm level across Europe and worldwide and is highly appreciated by consumers for its distinct flavour, texture and healthy attributes. Through a bottom-up approach, this COST Action network brings together a multidisciplinary group of scientists and SMEs/LEs dedicated for many decades to study cereals and sourdough technologies. In upstream, it aims at exploitation autochthonous (pseudo)cereals with good baking, nutritional and healthy attributes, while promoting a sustainable agriculture and preserving genetic diversity. Simultaneously, aims at contributing to develop new business opportunities to local farmers through their engagement into food processing with shared small-scale breadmaking facilities, and the integration into industrial and trade chains. Such features are in agreement with European Agenda for Food and Environment. In downstream, the biotechnological sourdough fermentation exploitation comprises several objectives: design starter cultures with a wide range of biotechnological applications; production of healthy and tasty varieties of bread, thus catalysing changes in consumers' diets and market orientations; production of high-added value metabolites resorting to sourdough microbiota; and valorisation of by-products from cereal production and sourdough technologies. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18101/#tabs|Name:overview |
Network on water-energy-food Nexus for a low-carbon economy in Europe and beyond
Network voda-energia-potraviny „NEXUS“ pre nízkouhlíkovú ekonomiku v Európe a vo svete
| Duration: | 25. 5. 2021 - 24. 5. 2025 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | Ing. Lancíková Veronika PhD. |
| Annotation: | An international network of researchers is working with policymakers and the business sector to better understand how the water-energy-food Nexus fosters policy coherence in the domains of water, energy and food, supporting the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy in Europe. Focus is on job creation, enhancing wellbeing and care for the environment. The Nexus concept is tested at different scales (i.e. local, regional, national, European), while the international dimension is explored through the involvement of international proposers. More Nexus-compliant practices are foreseen through a knowledge sharing hub at European level and beyond. Public-private initiatives pave the path for Nexus compliant practices, building on network members’ advice. NEXUSNET will deliver examples of nexus compliant decision making, and recommendations to best achieve them, to come-up with an overview of Good Nexus Practices in Europe (policy coherence, Nexus-compliant practices and more coherent nexus evaluations). Transdisciplinary approaches are adopted to test Nexus compliant practices with the involvement of relevant stakeholders, while interaction and engagement with current and finished Nexus-related projects will be pursued. Academic Nexus knowledge will be translated into practical and applicable knowledge for the private sector or policy makers. A series of intense knowledge transfer and dissemination actions are planned to ensure that the network will have a significant impact in Europe and beyond. |
ConservePlants - Biodiversity of temperate forest taxa orienting management sustainability by unifying perspectives
Zjednocujúci pohľad na udržateľný manažment druhovej diverzity lesov mierneho pásma
| Duration: | 13. 11. 2019 - 12. 11. 2023 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef PhD. |
| Annotation: | The main aim and objective of the Action is to The Action challenge is to substantially increase the degree of management sustainability of European forest ecosystems in order to maintain their social, environmental and economic values in the long-term. It will be addressed by establishing a knowledge platform able to standardize and apply the existing information on forest biodiversity. |
| Project web page: | https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18207 |
SMILES - Enhancing Small-Medium IsLands resilience by securing the sustainability of Ecosystem Services
Zvýšenie odolnosti malých a stredných ostrovov zabezpečením udržateľnosti ekosystémových služieb
| Duration: | 22. 9. 2022 - 21. 9. 2026 |
| Program: | COST |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef PhD. |
| Annotation: | xx |
National Projects
Genetic analysis of juniper species Juniperus communis var. communis, J. sibirica and their putative hybrids J. communis var. intermedia in Slovakia
Genetická analýza borievok Juniperus communis var. communis, J. sibirica a ich predpokladaných hybridov J. communis var. intermedia na Slovensku
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Galgóci Martin PhD. |
| 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. |
How environmental DNA (eDNA) reflects life in alpine lakes and their catchments: DNA metabarcoding in the Tatra lakes research
Ako environmentálna DNA (eDNA) odráža žvot v alpínskych jazerách a ich povodiach: DNA metabarkóding vo výskume tatranských plies
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová Zuzana 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. |
Comparison of various DNA regions (molecular markers) in fungal metabarcoding of diverse groups of soil fungi (the Agaricomycotina) on Illumina sequencing platform
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 |
| 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. |
What we (do not) know about the genus Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina, fungi)
Čo (ne)vieme o rode Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina, huby)
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír 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. |
Diversity of urban biota in the Carpathian-Pannonian region
Diverzita bioty miest v karpatsko-panónskej oblasti
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Májeková Jana 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 endophyte fungal symbionts in the root system of endemic Daphne arbuscula (Thymelaeaceae) from extreme rocky habitats
Diverzita endofytných hubových symbiontov v koreňovom systéme endemického druhu Daphne arbuscula (Thymelaeaceae) na extrémnych skalných biotopoch
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| 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. |
Diversity of grassland habitats in Slovakia after two decades in the EU
Diverzita lúčnych a pasienkových biotopov Slovenska po dvoch dekádach v Európskej únii
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Vantarová Katarína 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
Diverzita spoločenstiev húb a rias asociovaných v lišajníkoch s centrom rozšírenia v Mediteráne na ekologickej a priestorovej úrovni
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Bérešová Anna 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. |
Drive4SIFood - Demand-driven research for the sustainable and innovative food
Dopytovo orientovaný výskum pre udržateľné a inovatívne potraviny
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2020 - 30. 6. 2023 |
| Program: | Štrukturálne fondy EÚ Výskum a inovácie |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Gajdošová Alena CSc. |
MEADOW - Species-rich Carpathian grasslands: mapping, history, drivers of change and conservation
Druhovo bohaté lúky a pasienky Karpát: mapovanie, história, príčiny zmien a ochrana
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika 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. |
Evolutionary dynamics of the (Sub-)Mediterranean flora: uncovering causes of high species diversity in Alyssum and Odontarrhena (Brassicaceae)
Evolučná dynamika (sub)mediteránnej flóry: odhalenie príčin vysokej druhovej diverzity v rodoch Alyssum a Odontarrhena (Brassicaceae)
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Španiel Stanislav 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. |
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?
Evolučné a ekologické dôsledky rastlinných invázií: aké sú potenciálne dopady hybridizácie a polyploidizácie po invázii na inváznosť taxónov rodu Solidago (zlatobyľ) v Európe?
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šingliarová Barbora 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. |
Flora of Slovakia – Asteraceae family (Part 2): biosystematic study of critical taxa
Flóra Slovenska – čeľaď Asteraceae (2. časť): biosystematické štúdium kritických taxónov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Hodálová Iva CSc. |
| 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 an extended and supplemented electronic edition of the biographical dictionary Botanical Personalities of Slovakia (cca 630 personalities). |
Gemstones of biodiversity: taxonomy, evolutionary relationships and life strategies of target earth tongues (Fungi, Ascomycota)
Hrozienka v koláči biodiverzity jazýčkovitých húb (Ascomycota): taxonómia, evolučné vzťahy a životná stratégia
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Kučera Viktor PhD. |
| 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. |
FUNPOXHYB - Fungal hybrid heme peroxidases from primeval forest with application in environmental biotechnologies
Hybridné hémové peroxidázy húb z pralesa s využitím v environmentálnych biotechnológiách
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír PhD. |
| 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. |
Hydrolytic enzymes of carnivorous plants and their potential for application in biotechnology
Hydrolytické enzýmy mäsožravých rastlín a ich potenciál pre biotechnologické využitie
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Libantová Jana CSc. |
| 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. |
Characterization of biochemical and antifungal characteristics of forked sundew (Drosera binata)
Charakterizácia biochemických a antifungálnych vlastností chitinázy z rosičky rozvetvenej (Drosera binata)
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 30. 12. 2023 |
| 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. |
AQUARAD - Chronic ionizing radiation compromises resistance to pests in wild aquatic plants: Discovery and validation of biochemical mechanisms
Chronické ionizujúce žiarenie narúša odolnosť vodných rastlín voči škodcom: Štúdium a validácia biochemických mechanizmov
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Danchenko Maksym PhD. |
| 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. |
Chronic ionizing radiation affects susceptibility to pests in wild aquatic plants: Discovery and validation of biochemical mechanisms
Chronické ionizujúce žiarenie ovplyvňuje odolnosť divorastúcich vodných rastlín proti škodcom: Objav a potvrdenie biochemických mechanizmov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Danchenko Maksym PhD. |
| 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. |
Combined management as a tool for conservation and restoration of grassland habitats
Kombinovaný manažment ako nástroj na ochranu a obnovu travinnobylinných biotopov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2026 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Janišová Monika 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. |
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of adventitious root differentiation
Molekulárne a bunkové mechanizmy diferenciácie adventívnych koreňov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | doc. RNDr. Jásik Ján DrSc. |
| 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. |
NGS data in aquatic animal taxonomy: new approaches to researching the diversity of aquatic beetles in a time of massive global insect decline
NGS dáta v taxonómii vodných živočíchov: nové postupy vo výskume diverzity vodných chrobákov v čaase drastického celosvetového úbytku hmyzu
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor 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. |
CARBODNA - Aptamer-based analytical platform for in vitro and in situ analyses of complex carbohydrates
Nová analytická platforma pre in situ a in vitro analýzy komplexných sacharidov na báze aptamérov
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2027 |
| Program: | IMPULZ |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Mravec Jozef 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. |
Unraveling of functional diversity and ecological role of fungi of the family Clavariaceae
Objasnenie funkčnej diverzity a ekologickej úlohy húb čeľade Clavariaceae
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Caboň Miroslav PhD. |
| 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. |
Barley root responses to heavy metals: defense or toxicity. Chemical biology approach
Odpovede koreňov jačmeňa na ťažké kovy: obrana alebo toxicita. Aplikácia metód chemickej biológie
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 21. 12. 2023 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Tamás Ladislav |
| 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. |
Olena Bielikova, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow
Olena Bielikova, R2 – Postdoktorand
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2025 |
| 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). |
Olha Lakhneko, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow
Olha Lakhneko, R2 – Postdoktorand
| Duration: | 1. 8. 2022 - 31. 7. 2025 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Lakhneko Olha PhD. |
| Annotation: | XX |
Islands of continental saline vegetation in temperate Europe – what they have in common and in what they differ?
Ostrovy vnútrozemskej slanomilnej vegetácie v temperátnej zóne Európy – čo ich spája a čo delí?
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Dítě Daniel 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. |
Amaranth plasticity in response to heavy metals: multi-scale analysis from ecophysiological to molecular aspects
Plasticita láskavca v odpovedi na ťažké kovy: viacstupňová analýza od ekofyziologických po molekulárne aspekty
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hricová Andrea 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
Pochopenie komplexnej odpovede biodiverzity na lesný manažment: integrácia multi-taxonomického prístupu v hodnotení ekosystémových funkcií
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Šibík Jozef PhD. |
| Annotation: | XX |
Polina Dayneko, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow
Polina Dayneko, R2 – Postdoktorand
| Duration: | 1. 9. 2022 - 31. 8. 2025 |
| 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. |
URPON - Ponds in the urban environment - biodiversity, non-native biota and ecological quality
Pondy v mestskom prostredí – biodiverzita, nepôvodná biota a ekologická kvalita
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Čejka 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. |
Plant calpains and their molecular mode of action in cell fate control
Rastlinné kalpaíny a ich molekulárny mechanizmus kontroly bunkovej identity. Plant calpains and their molecular mode of action in cell fate control
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | 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
Retikulátna alebo divergentná evolúcia? Objasnenie procesov, ktoré stoja za veľkou druhovou bohatosťou a endemizmom v rodoch čeľade Brassicaceae
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | prof. RNDr. Marhold Karol DrSc. |
| 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. |
Impact of climate change on the distribution of selected pathogens of Pinus sp. trees
Rozšírenie vybraných škodlivých patogénov Pinus sp. vzhľadom ku klimatickej zmene
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Senko Dušan PhD. |
| Annotation: | XX |
STRAKA - Tree and country – influence of trees on diversity of soil microorganisms in agricultural land
Strom a krajina – vplyv drevín na diverzitu pôdnych mikroorganizmov v poľnohospodárskej krajine
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2021 - 30. 6. 2025 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Adamčík Slavomír PhD. |
| 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. |
Worlds in a world - from microcosms to ecosystems
Svet vo svete - od mikrokozmov k ekosystémom
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2020 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| 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 role of silicon in metabolic and biochemical processes of plants exposed to stress induced by toxic and potentially toxic elements
Úloha kremíka v metabolických a biochemických procesoch rastlín vystavených stresu z toxických a potenciálne toxických prvkov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2021 - 31. 12. 2024 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Fialová Ivana 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. |
POLINES - Bees cannot make it all - DNA metabarcoding analysis of pollinator biodiversity for improving their protection and ecosystem services
Včely všetko nestihnú – DNA metabarkódingová analýza biodiverzity opeľovačov pre zlepšenie ich ochrany a ekosystémových služieb
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2022 - 30. 6. 2026 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | RNDr. Čiampor Fedor 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. |
PLANTin - Aliens among us: Spatio-temporal dynamics of plant invasions and their adverse impact on ecosystem
Votrelci medzi nami: Časovo-priestorová dynamika rastlinných invázií a ich nepriaznivý dopad na ekosystémy
| Duration: | 1. 7. 2020 - 30. 6. 2024 |
| Program: | APVV |
| Project leader: | Ing. Hrivnák Richard DrSc. |
| 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 |
Influence of the cell wall proteins on embryogenic capacity of selected of conifers
Vplyv proteínov bunkovej steny na embryogénnu kapacitu pri vybraných druhoch ihličnanov
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Mgr. Klubicová Katarína PhD. |
| 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 is investigation 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. |
The impact of artificial snowmaking on topsoil properties in mountainous areas
Vplyv umelého zasnežovania na vlastnosti vrchnej vrstvy pôdy v horských oblastiach
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2023 - 31. 12. 2023 |
| 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. |
Yuliia Kutsokon, R2—Postdoctoral Fellow
Yuliia Kutsokon, R2 – Postdoktorand
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 7. 2025 |
| Program: | Iné projekty |
| Project leader: | Kutsokon Yuliia PhD. |
| Annotation: | xx |
Living on the edge. Evolutionary and bioecological aspects of narrow endemic Daphne arbuscula Čelak. (Thymelaeaceae) inhabiting extreme rocky habitats
Život na hrane. Evolučné a bioekologické aspekty stenoendemického druhu Daphne arbuscula Čelak. (Thymelaeaceae) obývajúceho extrémne skalné biotopy
| Duration: | 1. 1. 2022 - 31. 12. 2025 |
| Program: | VEGA |
| Project leader: | Ing. Kučera Jaromír PhD. |
| Annotation: | xx |
Projects total: 55