ILEE Lunch Seminar

A regular seminar for researchers affiliated to ILEE.
  • When Dec 04, 2018 from 12:45 PM to 02:00 PM (Europe/Brussels / UTC100)
  • Where B33 - Biology, 3rd floor
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2 Talks of ± 20 min plus 10 min discussion.

Speakers

Sophie Moreaux & Géraldine Van Aubel (Biology, URBV, team of Pierre Van Cutsem)
Oligosaccharides as plant protection tools: probing the mode of action and the efficacy in vitro

Stimulating the plant defense via molecules of biological origin, such as elicitors, is a promising alternative to chemical pesticides. Elicitors offer many advantages because they are not toxic to pathogens; instead, they are recognized by the plant membrane receptors and mobilize an entire array of plant defenses through innate immunity stimulation. The protection conferred is not specific and potentially protects against multiple pathogens. Despite the big potential of this solution for integrated pest management and organic farming, not many efficient solutions reach the field.          
Our research focuses on an elicitor which physicochemical characteristics mimic the natural plant-pathogen interactions. The so-called “COS-OGA” active substance of this product combines plant non self-molecules, i.e. chitooligosaccharides (COS), and plant self-compounds called oligogalacturonides (OGA). Our studies aim at a deeper understaning of the mode of action, the spectrum of activity and the signaling pathways triggered by COS-OGA on crop plants. Indeed, a better comprehension of its mode of action improves field application strategies but also guides development for novel plant’s disease control.


Martin Vastrade (Biology, URBE, team of Karine Van Doninck)
Asexuality and invasiveness in Corbicula mussels 


Asexuality is not widespread in animals, and androgenesis – also called all-male asexuality – is still less common. In this mating strategy, the males use female eggs as resources to clone themselves; this usually induces a depletion of female resources leading to extinction. However, androgenesis seems to be a good option for Corbicula clams, as some androgenetic lineages have become invasive while all sexual lineages remain restricted to their native area. This can only be explained by some specific features of Corbicula.

 

Do not forget to command your sandwich - offered by ILEE!