Plant and biomolecular lab
The Bioresources unit in Tulln offers a comprehensive biomolecular, microbiology and plant science laboratory infrastructure which enables us to develop new technologies and tools for improved exploitation of plant and microbial resources.
Biomolecular lab
Our biomolecular laboratories are equipped to carry out the most important biomolecular and protein / enzyme based biochemical techniques. We develop genetic marker systems using modern multi-omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, phenomics) and the subsequent integrative bioinformatic data analysis. The developed markers are used for a wide variety of genotyping purposes and questions. In addition to classic microsatellites (STRs / SSRs), we also rely on technologies such as SNP-based MassARRAY® multiplex genotyping (Agena Bioscience®) or genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). The latter in particular enables us to identify genes which are associated with certain properties and which are subsequently used for breeding and selection by means of a genome-wide association studies (GWAS) through the intersection of genotype and phenotype data.
Automated liquid handling systems (ISO 9001: 2008) enable safe, efficient and precise high-throughput DNA extraction and analysis. Our DNA bank with an integrated data management system is available for long-term storage of biological material (www.dnabank.at).
Plant microbiome lab
Plants are associated with complex microbial societies, so-called microbiomes, which interact closely with their host plants. In our laboratories we examine these microbial communities, by carrying out microbiome and metagenome studies including bioinformatic and statistical analyzes. This enables us to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between microorganisms and plants. We also analyze genomes, transcriptomes and functions of individual bacterial or fungal strains and carry out phylogenetic and genomic analyzes for strain identification. To study the microbial behavior of plant colonization, high-resolution microscopy methods are used or molecular analyzes of strain-specific markers are carried out.
To develop specific microbial applications for plant improvement, extensive plant experiments are necessary. In our climate chambers, our greenhouse and wire house we are able to perform in planta trials under (semi-) controlled conditions. If field tests are necessary, local fields are available through our partners.
Bioaerosol lab
The bioaerosol lab at Bioresources Unit in Tulln is equipped with a unique bioaerosol chamber which allows establishing a controlled environment of single organisms or mixes thereof with a defined number of microbial particles. Thus, we are able to test and validate air sampling devices and methods reproducibly in controlled environments. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic our scientists lay special focus on the development and validation of efficient air and surface decontamination strategies. Furthermore, our activities in the sector of bioaerosol research focus on the detection of biological particles from the air: pollen or plant material, fungi, bacteria, spores and viruses as well as the development of specific detection systems thereof.
