Plant-rhizobia interaction studies

Scientists from the Institute of Biology conducted research which described, among others, the reaction of the symbiotic system to drought stress in the case of root nodules, and the presence of new types and species of nodule bacteria was demonstrated.

A team led by dr hab. Barbara Lototska from the Department of Botany, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, described the reaction of the symbiotic system to drought stress using transcriptomics and microscopy. The conducted research focused on anatomical-developmental and ultrastructural observations of the root nodules. Classical and confocal microscopy techniques were used for localization in situ chemical compounds important for the development and functioning of root nodules, including metabolites important in the alleviation of oxidative stress. Currently, using transgenic plants and mutants, the team is working to determine the role of plant PIN proteins responsible for polar auxin transport in this system. Works are carried out on useful and wild plants belonging to Fabaceae , also on model grades ( Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus ).

Layout tests Fabaceae -rysobias have been conducted for several years by a team of microbiologists under the supervision of Dr. Hab. Tomasz Stępkowski from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences. This team deals with the molecular phylogenetics of the genus Bradyrhizobium . Studies involving metagenomic analyzes of papillary bacteria occurring in various areas of the globe (South America, Africa, Australia) have shown the presence of new genera within the order Rhizobiales as well as new species within the genus Bradyrhizobium . The group conducts extensive international cooperation.