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Dr. JUAN DE DIOS ALCHÉ RAMÍREZ

I use plant biochemistry and cell biology to improve knowledge of the genes and processes underlying plant reproduction. The olive tree is the species I consider my plant model, because of its large involvement in Mediterranean economy, its history, health benefits and ecological importance. I also try to contribute to minimize the allergenic counterpart of the pollen of this plant. This will be essential to ensure a sustainable and affordable supply of food and wellness.

Estación Experimental del Zaidín. CSIC. Profesor Albareda 1, 18008 Granada, Spain.   Tel. +34 958 181600 (Ext. 215) juandedios.alche@eez.csic.es
Microscopy at the Frontiers of Science MFS2017 
5-8 Sept 2017 Zaragoza (Spain)
Focus on Microscopy 2017
9-12 April 2017 Bordeaux (France)

UPCOMING EVENTS

MedPalyno 2017
4-6 Sept 2017 Barcelona (Spain)

MY LATEST RESEARCH

Improved DNA Tracing Puts Olive Oil Adulterers on Notice.

Spanish scientists claim they are close to offering “paternity tests” for virgin olive oil which would be a

powerful ally against fraud. Their advances in the art of DNA fingerprinting mean they now need only relatively small samples  (typically 100-200ml) to verify if virgin olive oil is really of the variety and origin claimed.

The presence of ROS and NO was analyzed in the olive floral organs throughout five developmental stages by using histochemical analysis at light microscopy, as well as different fluorochromes, ROS and NO scavengers and a NO donor by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The stigmatic surface (particularly the papillae and the stigma exudate), the anther tissues and the pollen grains and pollen tubes were the tissues accumulating most ROS and NO. The mature pollen grains emitted NO through the apertural regions and the pollen tubes. In contrast, none of these species were detected in the style or the ovary.

The results obtained clearly demonstrate that both ROS and NO are produced in the olive reproductive organs in a stage- and tissue- specific manner. The biological significance of the presence of these products may differ between early flowering stages (defence functions) and stages where there is an intense interaction between pollen and pistil which may determine the presence of a receptive phase in the stigma. 

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