Research groups: Department of Botany

Seed biology and plant domestication

The transformation of wild plant species into crops can be considered an accelerated evolution, the result of human and natural selection. These processes have led to the so-called domestication syndrome, which includes changes in the appearance of plants, their defenses and their usefulness. Two traits are considered key: the reduction of spontaneous dispersal and the removal of seed dormancy. The reduction of dispersal has been selected for in most crops to facilitate harvesting, while in wild plants, seed dispersal is a crucial survival strategy. Similarly, in the wild, seeds germinate only after certain conditions have passed, while crops tend to germinate immediately after sowing.

Seeds have contributed significantly to the improvement of the reproductive potential and dispersal ability of plants. Of particular importance is the seed coat, which protects the embryo hidden in the seed from the ingress of pathogens or adverse environmental influences. The coat represents a physicochemical protective barrier for seeds. Seeds of wild and cultivated plants differ markedly in their appearance and properties, and in particular the properties of their seed coat have changed fundamentally during domestication. The ability of seeds to persist in the soil for a long time without decomposition is largely determined by the properties of the seed coat. We study these processes using a combination of comparative anatomy, metabolomics, genetic mapping and transcriptome profiling of wild ancestors and relevant crops with the aim of identifying genes and pathways involved in the loss of seed dormancy and pod dehiscence in peas, lentils and chickpeas.

We are also interested in crop wild relatives (CWR), especially legumes. It is known that diversity was reduced during domestication. This has led to modern crops being susceptible to diseases and pests. CWR remain an important source of genetic diversity for crop improvement and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Current projects

Hilum - the seeds Achilles heel? The enigma of hilum formation and polyphenol oxidase function in seeds (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic, 24-10730S, 2024-2026, PI: Petr Smýkal)

Towards Next Generation Crops (TANGENC) (OPJAK, MSMT CZ, 2024-2028, PI: Petr Smýkal)

International cooperation

Eric von Wettberg, University of Vermont, USA

Kirstin Bett, Thomas Warkentin, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Donal O´Sullivan, University of Reading, UK

Jerome Verdier, INRAE, Angers, France

Juan Pablo Renzi, INTA, Bahia Blanca, Argentina

Jens Berger, Matthew Nelson, CSIRO Perth, Australia

Clarice Coyne, USDA, Pullman, USA

Charlotte Seal, Millenium Seed Bank, Kew, UK

People

Principal investigator

prof. Ing. Petr Smýkal, Ph.D.

Researchers

Mgr. Jana Balarynová, Ph.D.

Mgr. Barbora Fousková, Ph.D.

Ph.D. students

Ing. Denisa Konečná

Ing. Lenka Zablatzká

RNDr. Pavel Kopecký

Plant biosystematics and ecology

Plant diversity on Earth is associated with three major evolutionary phenomena. These are hybridization, polyploidization, and apomixis. Our group investigates how these phenomena manifest themselves in plant evolution, how they influence their properties, and how they are reflected in their diversity. We focus on plant genera with the occurrence of polyploidy and at the same time with different proportions of asexual and sexual reproduction: (a) taxa with a predominant asexual mode of reproduction through apomixis (Hanguana, Poa, Rubus, Taraxacum), (b) taxa combining sexual and vegetative modes of reproduction (Allium, Ficaria, Gagea, Muscari, Ornithogalum, Salix), and (c) taxa with a predominant sexual mode of reproduction (Crocus, Dactylorhiza, Pulmonaria, Sciaphila, Thismia).

We also study the ecology of vascular plant populations and communities with an emphasis on climate change. As a result, environmental conditions change, and subsequently the mutual relationships between species in communities and overall biodiversity at various spatiotemporal levels. We base the study of the dynamics of forest plant communities and their biodiversity on information about changes in communities over a period of decades, which allows for another round of systematically collected information. All data are evaluated using statistical methods and with a focus on changes in biodiversity - taxonomic and functional changes in plant communities.

In our research, we use a wide range of field, laboratory and statistical methods and approaches, such as morphometric analysis, phytocenological imaging, chromosome counting, flow cytometry, methods based on DNA sequencing, statistical niche modeling and many others. We use well-equipped laboratories, greenhouses, an experimental plot and a herbarium (OL). We study plants at all levels of organization, from their DNA to plant communities. We focus primarily on plants in Central and Southern Europe and Southeast Asia.

We are also actively involved in teaching botanical subjects at the department and in popularizing botany to the general public and in primary and secondary schools.

Current projects

Genetic diversity of the critically endangered Ornithogalum pyrenaicum subsp. sphaerocarpum as a basis for action plan designation (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, 2024–2026, PI: Michal Hroneš)

Discovering new species – don’t we really care? The genus Thismia (Thismiaceae) in Borneo and Sumatra (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic, 2023-2025, members of the team: Michal Hroneš, Michal Sochor).

A good servant, but a bad master: brambles (Rubus L., Rosaceae) as a model for studies on apomixis and plant invasions (Junior grant UPOL, 2024-2026, PI: Michal Sochor).

People

Principal investigator

RNDr. Martin Duchoslav, Ph.D.

Researchers

Mgr. MgA. Radim Hédl, Ph.D.

RNDr. Michal Hroneš, Ph.D.

Mgr. Lucie Kobrlová, Ph.D.

Mgr. Michal Sochor, Ph.D.

Doc. RNDr. Bohumil Trávníček, Ph.D.

Doc. RNDr. Radim J. Vašut, Ph.D.

Lectors and technicians

Bc. Terezie Hahnová

Mgr. Martina Oulehlová, Ph.D.

PaedDr. Ing. Vladimír Vinter, Ph.D.

Ph.D. students

Mgr. Michaela Konečná

Mgr. Barbora Kovalová

Mgr. Marika Halmová

Evolution and systematics of cyanobacteria and algae

Planet Earth is inhabited by billions of species of microorganisms. A significant part of them are cyanobacteria and algae, which are responsible for half of global primary production. In our group, we deal with issues related to the biodiversity and evolution of cyanobacteria and algae (especially diatoms and diatoms). We are specifically interested in factors that influence the distribution, diversification, development of cyanobacterial and algal species and their adaptation to inhospitable conditions, such as drought. To clarify evolutionary phenomena, we use methods at the level of phenotype (especially morphology), genome, transcriptome, epigenome and proteome. We reconstruct evolutionary relationships using individual genes and entire genomes. An important part of our research is also expanding our knowledge of cyanobacterial taxonomy. Every year, we find new genera and species of cyanobacteria from the tropics to the polar regions. Furthermore, over the years, we have accumulated an extensive collection of cyanobacteria, which includes almost a thousand strains. Some of them are maintained within the collection of phytopathogenic microorganisms (UPOC), which also contains cyanobacteria and algae. We are developing a method for rapid identification of cyanobacteria using mass spectrometry.

Current projects

Factors driving global diversification of cosmopolitan cyanobacteria Microcoleus (Grant agency of the Czech Republic, 2023-2025, PI: Petr Dvořák)

The aim of this project is to understand the origin of species within the terrestrial cyanobacteria genus Microcoleus. We are gaining a comprehensive picture of the factors influencing diversification by analyzing genome, transcriptome, epigenome and phenotype levels in our global dataset.

Website: https://cyano-olomouc.github.io/CyanoPal-Website/index.html

People

Principal investigator

doc. Mgr. Petr Dvořák, Ph.D.

Researchers

prof. RNDr. Aloisie Poulíčková, CSc.

doc. RNDr. Petr Hašler, Ph.D.

Mgr. Svatopluk Skoupý, Ph.D.

Aleksandar Stanojković, Ph.D.

Ph.D. students

Mgr. Eliška Dřímalová

Mgr. Barbora Hájková

Mgr. Adéla Kovalíková

Phytopathology and microbiology

Phytopathology and microbiology research group has been scientifically focused on comprehensive research into the biology of phytopathogenic fungi and the variability of plant-phytopathogenic organism interactions for a long time. Research activities can be divided into five main parts: 1) Creation and maintenance of collections of phytopathogenic organisms, especially biotrophic plant parasites and some other groups. 2) Study of biological and genetic variability of phytopathogenic fungi and their dynamics at various levels (individual and population, local and at the level of large geographical areas), including their resistance to fungicides and sensitivity to biological preparations. Attention is also paid to the diagnosis of plant disease agents using classical and molecular methods. In particular, these are representatives of the orders Peronosporales (Bremia, Peronospora, Pseudoperonospora, Plasmopara), Erysiphales (Erysiphe, Podospahera, Sphaerotheca) and selected groups of necrotrophs (Fusarium sp., Ramularia collo-cygni, Oculimacula yallundae, Mycosphaerella graminicola). 3) Collection of plant gene resources (Cucurbitaceae, Lactuca, Solanum) and research into their taxonomy, biology, ecology, biogeography and genetic variability, as a basis for comprehensive research into plant-pathogen interactions, but also for their practical use as sources and donors of resistance in plant breeding. 4) Biodiversity and genetic variability of host-pathogen interactions in natural and cultural pathosystems on model objects of the above-mentioned groups of plants and pathogens. 5) Research into the mechanisms of plant resistance to biotic and abiotic influences at all levels of biological organization (molecular and genetic, physiological and biochemical, cellular and tissue, individuals, populations and communities).

Current projects

Národní program konzervace a využívání genetických zdrojů mikroorganismů a drobných živočichů hospodářského významu. Sbírka fytopatogenních mikroorganismů UPOC (51834/2017-MZE-17253) (Ministry of Agriculture, 2023-2027, PI for UPOL: prof. A. Lebeda).

Hilum - the seeds Achilles heel? The enigma of hilum formation and polyphenol oxidase function in seeds (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic, 24-10730S, 2024-2026, member of the team: Dr. P. Matušinský).

Application of biologically active natural compounds in storage of agricultural products (QK21010064) (NAZV, 2021-2025, PI for UPOL: Dr. P. Matušinský).

Endophytic microorganisms for the ecologization of modern agriculture (QL24010008) (NAZV, 2024-2028, PI for UPOL: Dr. P. Matušinský).

People

Principal investigator

prof. Ing. Aleš Lebeda, DrSc.

Researchers

doc. Ing. Eva Křístková, Ph.D.

doc. RNDr. Barbora Mieslerová, Ph.D.

doc. RNDr. Michaela Sedlářová, Ph.D.

Mgr. Pavel Matušinský, Ph.D.

RNDr. Božena Sedláková, Ph.D.

Lab technicians

Monika Holotíková

Jana Víšová, DiS

Ph.D. students

Mgr. Patrik Mlčoch

Conservation botany

Our group studies the population genetics of endangered plant species. As part of our research, we try to describe the relationships and differences between populations, and then explain the causes that led to this diversification. We also try to identify the main factors negatively affecting the populations of the studied species. In our research, we monitor differences between organisms at the level of changes in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA. We obtain this information both using classical Sanger sequencing of short genomic regions and using whole-genome genotyping methods. At our workplace, we also carry out studies using microsatellite or AFLP markers. We also use these methods to study the genetic variability of gene pool collections of wild plants and phytopathogenic fungal organisms. Our activities are linked to the activities of other working groups of the Department of Botany.

Current projects

Whole-genome genotyping of residual populations of Pulsatilla patens, Dracocephalum austriacum and Campanula cervicaria, critically endangered plant species of the Czech Republic (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic , 2023-2025, PI: Miloslav Kitner)

The project aims to determine the populations' genetic structure and the level of genetic diversity of three critically endangered plant species of the Czech Republic. These species are 1) actively protected in the CZ by Action Plans; 2) protected within the EU; 3) dramatically disappearing at both number of localities and number of individuals (Pulsatilla patens - meets points 1,2,3; Dracocephalum austriacum - 1, 2; Campanula cervicaria - 3). The main output of the project will be a certified method of identification of evolutionarily significantt units (ESU) of endangered plant species using whole-genome genotyping with DArTSeq markers, as a tool for effective planning of monitoring and practical protection of endangered species in the Czech Republic by population-genomic approaches.

People

Principal investigator

RNDr. Miloslav Kitner, Ph.D.

Researchers

RNDr. Ľuboš Majeský, Ph.D.

Mgr. Lucie Vaculná, Ph.D.

Ph.D. students

Mgr. Agata Čurná

Mgr. Tereza Křivánková

Tissue cultures and plant biotechnologies

Tissue cultures and plant biotechnology research group has been scientifically focused on applied research in the field of in vitro plant cultures for a long time. Research activities include the study of the regeneration of plant protoplast cultures and zygotic embryogenesis in vitro at the cellular and transcriptional level. An essential part of the research activities is also experimental work associated with the micropropagation of medicinal and aromatic plants and the preparation of their new genotypes using artificial polyploidization methods. New lines of medicinal plants are tested for changes in gene expression in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and also for qualitative and quantitative changes in the spectrum of secondary metabolites contained in plants. The main medicinal plants studied include, for example, hemp, thyme, creeping yarrow, yarrow, borage and representatives of the genus Gentian.

The department's research activities are reflected in its teaching activities, both in the spectrum of offered and taught subjects in the field of tissue cultures and biotechnology, and also in the range of topics for student qualification theses, from bachelor's to doctoral theses.

Current projects

Medicinal plants in the food industry - a new direction for the prevention of civilization diseases (QL24010019) (NAZV, 2024-2028, PI for UPOL: doc. RNDr. Vladan Ondřej, Ph.D.)

People

Principal investigator

doc. RNDr. Vladan Ondřej, Ph.D.

Researchers

RNDr. Božena Navrátilová, Ph.D.

Ing. Josef Baltazar Šenkyřík

Ph.D. students

Mgr. Daniel Král

Ing. Josef Baltazar Šenkyřík

Department of Botany

Research groups

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