Aging in Perennials
Compared with our knowledge of senescence in annuals and biennials, little is known about age-related changes in perennials. We are interested in exploring to what extent the “free radical” and “hormonal” theories of aging explain age-related processes in Mediterranean shrubs (Cistus clusii, Cistus albidus and Salvia officinalis) by measuring indicators of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, photosynthetic pigments, reduced and oxidized forms of antioxidants), and the phytohormones, cytokinins, auxins, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. More recently, we have expanded the study of the aging process at different levels of complexity and life forms, including studies in herbaceous perennials (Borderea pyrenaica and Urtica dioica) and trees (Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica). We are also interested in studying the aging process of seeds, especially in perennials. |
Borderea pyrenaica, an herbaceous perennial that grows in central Pyrenees can live more than 350 year old.
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Leaf and Flower Senescence
We are presently studying the role of phytohormones in leaf and flower senescence, studying different plant models, from Arabidopsis thaliana to ornamental species. Studies in Lilium and Iris are focused on (i) establishing differences between natural and artificial flower senescence, (ii) how flower production and senescence are affected by leaf senescence and (iii) determining the main factors regulating the longevity of cut flowers. The analyses basically include the HPLC-MS/MS analyses of the phytohormones, cytokinins, auxins, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid during the progression of floral senescence in different organs, as well as establishing senescence-related changes in flavonoids. |
Lilium Courier, an L.A. hybrid lily |
Antioxidants and Photoprotection
We are interested in studying mechanisms of photoprotection and the role of antioxidants in plant resistance to abiotic stresses, with a particular emphasis on tocopherols (vitamin E), carotenoids, ascorbate (vitamin C) and secondary metabolites (mainly isoprenoids and flavonoids). We use the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, to know more about the role of antioxidants and the interplay between antioxidants and phytohormones under different kinds of abiotic stress, including drought, high light or salt stresses. We are also studying the relationship between abiotic stress and leaf senescence. |
Iris x hollandica |
