Forest Resources Unit

Forest Genetics, dealing with the analysis of biodiversity; conservation, management and charactherization of forest resources; identification and selection of genes of interest by using classic and moleculars methods. Forest ecophysiology, with the aim of improving the knowledge of the functional mechanisms that explain the resistence of different forest tree species to drought and to propose ways for mitigating the effect of drought on tree survival. Moreover, this research line is applying the knowledge derived from forestry to crops, especially by developing tools for optimizing irrigation water investment.

Medicinal and aromatic plants which works at the development of these species with a special interest in obtaining a high quality processed row material, to be applied in a vary range of industries: Chemical, pharmaceutical, veterinarian and alimentary. Its usage as an alternative growth and as a boost to activities economically sustainable and finally as an alternative controlling method (insecticides) are a fundamental part of the developed tasks in this area.Truficulture and mycology based on the analysis of the ectomycorryzal and fungal biodiversity of natural truffle populations as well as of trufle plantations. Moreover, this research line aims to extend the studies to other edible mushrooms. The truficulture and mycology is also involved in the analysis of truffle pests and diseases, the charactherization of the microbiota associted to truffle populations and in the study of the influence of such microbiota on the performance of truffle populations. Finally, the group is also involved in quality control and certification of mycorrhized plants and truffles.