The NEMATO-lab of the Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, Associate Laboratory Terra, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra develops research in phytoparasitic nematodes. |
Main research lines:
- morphological, biochemical/molecular characterization/identification of the phytoparasitic nematodes Bursaphelenchus, namely B. xylophilus (pinewood nematode-PWN), Globodera and Heterodera (cyst nematodes), Meloidogyne (root-knot nematodes), and Pratylenchus (root-lesion nematodes);
- development of alternative and innovative methodologies that increase cultivar resistance to phytoparasitic nematodes and that can be applied in horticulture, floriculture and fruit crops;
- identification of genes/proteins related to plant-phytoparasitic nematode interaction;
- resistance mechanisms of Pinus spp. to PWN infection;
- sustainable strategies for the control of phytoparasitic nematodes based on biological control agents, plant defence activators, trap crops and natural phytochemicals;
- monitoring and/or development of wood treatments to eliminate PWN.
Furthermore, NEMATO-lab is open to both public and private entities for conducting nematological analyses on soils and plant material (aerial part, roots, wood, bark, chips, pine biomass). It also facilitates services for the installation, monitoring, and analysis of pot/greenhouse and field assay results, as well as organizing training sessions (lectures, seminars, workshops) and science dissemination activities.
Research areas
- Detection and identification of phytoparasitic nematodes
- Nematode pathogenicity and host resistance/susceptibility mechanisms
- Plant-nematode Omics
- Plant-nematode interactions
- Sustainable strategies for nematode control
Team
Contacts
E-mail: nema.iatv@gmail.com
Address: NEMATO-lab, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra
Phone: +351 239 240 760