Jordi Bort Pie

Research interests:
The ecophysiological characterisation of the response of large collections of genotypes in cereals of extensive crops (barley and wheat) to the environmental conditions is compulsory for a proper implementation of breeding programs. Our collaboration with molecular biologists that obtain new variability using biotechnological tools allow evaluating in the field the behaviour of the new varieties, and recognise which could be introduced in breeding programs. Our research scope for extensive crops in cereals is the Mediterranean Basin.
Phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals is a technique with great possibilities. The use of plant species tolerant to high levels of heavy metals in soils and waters, and with high capacity of bioaccumulation allows intervention and restoration activities with lower environmental impact on the contaminated soils than other traditional techniques, more invasive and with adverse secondary effects.

Current research projects:
Responsible Scientist of projects of the V FrameWork Program of the European Commission (MABDE until December 2006, WASAMED until December 2006, IDUWUE until March 2007); projects of the VI FrameWork Program of the European Commission (IRRISEASOIL until March 2007, MEDINDUS until September 2007, TRITIMED until September 2008). Collaboration in Spanish CICYT CGL2005-08175-C02-01 and AGL2006-13541-C02-01/AGR