The research group of Plant Physiology faces different aspects of basic and applied plant research, with particular reference to those aspects involved in technological transfer to industries. Research is performed at the Centre for Innovation were three thematic laboratories are equipped for Advanced Plant Physiology studies.

Metabolomics: we isolate and characterize bioactive plant products and we evaluate their possible use in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications as well as their potential as indicators for detecting environmental changes by using plants as biosensors.

Genomics: we study the expression and function of genes in plants undergoing biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant molecular biology studies are dealing with gene characterization and cloning, differential expression and quantitative analysis.

Geomagnetic field laboratory: a triaxial Helmholtz coil system placed in a environmentally controlled room allows the study of the effects of the geomagnetic field on plant growth, development and evolution.

The group of Plant Physiology collaborates actively with many international research centres belonging to the the most prestigious European and Japanese universities. Since 2009 a collaborative effort with industries allowed the creation of Spin-In projects to develop technologies and to test new breakthrough equipments. The objective is to promote technology transfer and training while creating conditions for job opportunities.

Coordinator: Prof. Massimo Maffei