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Genome research for a clean environment
| Project type: | Research Project |
| Programme: | Life Sciences |
| Call: | Life Sciences Call 2003 |
| Start: | 01.03.2004 |
| Duration: | 3,50 years |
| Grant awarded: | 750.000 € |
Joseph Strauss
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Centre of Applied Genetics
| Project partners: | Walter Wenzel (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna - Institute of Soil Science) Marie-Theres Hauser (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna - ZAG-Plant Genetics) Angela Sessitsch (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Division of Environmental and Life Sciences/Biotechnology) |
The goal of the project is to explore the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between willows accumulating heavy metal and the associated microorganisms. The results should lead to the development of efficient land reclamation measures (phytoextraction).
Plants that are able to absorb and store high concentrations of heavy metals from the soil are a cost-effective and environmentally sound way of reclaiming contaminated soil. By studying willows growing in contaminated and not-contaminated locations, a genetic profile for heavy metal absorption is to be created. As absorption capacity is influenced not only by the plants themselves but also by the microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) associated with their roots, these interactions will be studied at the molecular level. Finally the results will be tested in a pot trial with young willow plants.
