Ph.D. Program in Biodiversity and Evolution
PhD in "Biodiversity and evolution" : Molecular systematics and reproductive biology of plants
Research line A : Molecular systematics and phylogeny of plants. This area deals with speciation patterns in different Spermatophytes. Species characterised by reduced or fragmented area of distribution are examined by means of molecular techniques in order to detect the amount and distribution of genetic diversity within them. Variability patterns generated by arbitrary or specific primers (RAPD, PCR-RFLP, ISSR) enlighten the consequences of historical processes affecting their structure. If they are classified as threatened taxa, knowledge of genetic data are a prerequisite for preserving their genetic resources and planning conservation strategies. Research line B : Pollination Biology in Angiosperms. The research deals with the reproductive processes in flowering plants, with special attention to the relationships plant-insect. The reproductive biology and pollination ecology of wild species are investigated with field tests as well as laboratory analyses. The following aspects are stressed: quantitative and qualitative evaluation of floral rewards; pollen presentation; spectrum of visitors and identification of true pollinators; pollinators specificity and fidelity; relationships autogamy vs. allogamy, with special regard to the physiological and mechanical structures that prevent self pollination; resources allocation and efficiency in the reproductive processes. Our attention is devoted mainly to Mediterranean species, to narrow endemics, and to endangered species. The relations among population size, genetic diversity and reproductive strategies are also considered.
Research Group
Annalisa Managlia (Technician)
Umberto Mossetti (Technician)
Alessandro Fisogni (PhD student)
Silvia Crema (PhD student)
Martina Rossi (PhD student)
Marta Galloni (Research Associate)
Lucia Conte (Research Associate)
Giovanni Cristofolini (Full professor)
