This group focuses in the study of the molecular mechanisms that underlie hormone signaling, the interactions between signaling pathways, and their physiological relevance in the context of plant development.

We study the molecular mechanisms of action of polyamines. We are currently studying the roles of thermospermine and spermidine as meabolites involved in the regulation of translation in processes of cell division, differentiation and cell death.

The research group is interested in the design of innovative agricultural goods using genomics and biotechnology tools.

The 'Tissue Culture and Plant Breeding' group includes a Full Professor, two Senior Lecturers and two Postdoctoral Fellow Researchers. In addition, we currently have two PhD research students and eight performing the final master's or degree's work. The objectives of the group are the development and application of plant tissue culture techniques and genetic transformation for breeding of horticultural species (tomato, watermelon, melon, and cucumber) and ornamentals plants. We are characterized by the facility to collaborate with other national and foreign groups.

Molecular disection of the life cycle of plant viruses and viroids with special emphasis to the intracellular and vascular movement and to the host responses.

The Evolutionary and Systems Virology Group investigates fundamental genetic, ecological and epidemiological mechanisms driving the emergence and evolution of viruses. Our approach to viral evolution is three-fold: (1) development of mathematical and simulation models describing virus population dynamics, (2) experimental evolution of viral populations and characterization of the molecular basis of adaptation to new host species, and (3) molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of plant viruses.

Plants host a large variety of infectious agents that frequently cause enormous damage in crops and natural ecosystems. The first goal of our research group is to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the interaction between plants and some of these pathogens, such as viruses and viroids. From this knowledge we expect to develop new biotechnological strategies for crop protection and innovation. We believe that we can take advantage of the remarkable properties of plant viruses and viroids by converting them into useful biotechnological devices.

Ion homeostasis is a dynamic process and a fundamental requirement for all organisms. Many different minerals are required for essential biochemical processes, but accumulation of these elements is toxic. Thus, all living organisms have developed efficient systems to acquire and store these elements and robust mechanisms to maintain homeostatic concentrations to avoid toxicity and to respond to environmental changes.