ABIoTIC stress

Using molecular and genomic approaches, we pursue the following goals:

1. To understand the molecular, biochemical and physiological mechanisms used by plants of agronomic importance, specially Citrus, in response to abiotic stress. We are mainly interested in those environmental disturbances with strong impact on citrus fruit productivity in the Mediterranean area, such us salt stress, iron deficiency and water deficit. Regarding salt stress in Citrus, salt tolerance has been clearly associated with the ability to restrict chloride (Cl-) transport from root to shoots. Since the molecular mechanisms of Cl- uptake and transport in the plant kingdom remain unknown, we have initiated the characterization of the genes involved in Cl- homeostasis.

2. To design tools for the identification of the stressful agents limiting Citrus cultures in the field. Functional genomic technology is being employed to identify genes whose expression is clearly associated with environmental and nutritional stresses. The most representative genes will be used to generate diagnostic chips.

3. To use genetic transformation of Citrus rootstocks with a double aim: i) the functional characterization of stress-responsive genes and ii) the generation of new rootstock lines of economic importance in order to improve particular deficiencies without altering their agronomic traits.