FungiSem

The transmission to seeds and seedlings is a critical step in the life cycle of numerous phytopathogenic fungi and in the epidemiology of diseases caused by these pathogens. This step is also crucial for the survival and dispersion of seed-borne fungi. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in seed colonization and seedling infection are still largely unknown. 

The central topic of the research conducted by the FungiSem team focuses on the identification of pathogenicity factors, particularly those related to fungal adaptation to environmental (chemical and physical) stresses, including the host plant microhabitat. The seed colonization process is thoroughly examined considering both partners of the interaction and, in particular, the seed microbiome. 

The FungiSem team works mainly on seed-borne Alternaria species that are pathogenic on Brassicaceae crops (cabbage, radish, rapeseed) and wild species (included Arabidopsis thaliana), and on Apiaceae crops (carrot).

The applied objectives of these studies are to develop innovative control methods (e.g. application of biocontrol and potentiating agents) and to improve plant resistance to fungal diseases. More recently, the FungiSem team explores the possibility of high-throughput screening of strains for their antagonistic potential against various pathogenic agents using newly isolated strains and strains with known antagonistic properties, and of new plant elicitors that trigger the production of defense metabolites in the host plants.