In the Functional Genomics working group, we investigate which factors influence plant diseases. To this end, we use molecular biological, biochemical and bioinformatic methods.

We study how genetic information (genome) is related to the actual function and observable characteristics (phenotype) of organisms. Our research focuses mainly on plants and bacteria that are relevant to agriculture in South Tyrol.

The overarching goal is to decipher the molecular function of genes and understand how environmental influences, genetic variation and gene regulation interact to determine phenotypic traits such as disease susceptibility and resistance to stress and diseases.

The group takes an application-oriented approach and researches innovative strategies for controlling plant diseases. In particular, the focus is on:

• Plant diseases and their influencing factors: Which genes and molecular processes determine whether a plant is susceptible or resistant?
• Economically relevant organisms and bacteria that are important for fruit and wine production in South Tyrol.

This enables us to characterize gene functions across different species (plants and bacteria) and ultimately translate the knowledge gained into recommendations for plant breeding and plant protection.