Plant reproductive biology

Plant reproductive biology is a crucial area of research for understanding how environmental factors influence the regeneration niche of species. Exposure of plants to abiotic stress can compromise reproductive processes with negative effects on seed and fruit yield and quality.

At the physiological and molecular level, the mechanisms that regulate pollen development and pollen-pistil interactions are analysed, evaluating morphological, functional and genetic alterations induced by stress, opening up prospects for the improvement of cultivated plants and the development of more resilient varieties. Particular attention is paid to the study of recently discovered extracellular pollen vesicles (pollensomes) and their role in germination and fertilisation.

At the species level, we analyse how the plant-pollinator relationship affects seed viability and fitness, determining reproductive success. Furthermore, the analysis of plant-pollinator networks allows us to explore the biotic mechanisms that contribute to defining the structure of plant communities.