Research
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IRD / Laurent Laplaze
The Joint international laboratory on adaptation of plants and associated microorganisms to environmental stresses (LAPSE) brings together a unique combination of researchers in plant sciences and microbiology working at different scales (from genes to ecosystems ) to develop integrative researches on the use of plant and microbial diversity to increase crop yields and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems. Work is carried on in close collaboration with several research teams from West Africa. The scientific objectives of the LAPSE are to 1) identify the genetic bases of adaptation to environmental stresses in plants and associated microorganisms and 2) understand the dynamics of plant-micorbe interactions and their impact on the resilience of agro- and eco-systems in a context of gobal changes.
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Theme 1: Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems
The aim is to analyze (i) the biological mechanisms that allow the reforestation of degraded lands and (ii) the impact of reforestation programmes on ecosystems.
Project 1 : Adaptation of Casuarinaceae to degraded soils
Project 2 : Role of mycotrophic plants in the etablishement of Acacia seyal and Prosipis jiliflora on salinized soils
Project 3 : Impact of ectomycorhizal fungi on natural forest regeneration
Project 4 : Impact of exotic trees on the resilience of ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions
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Theme 2: Adaptation of crops to abiotic stresses
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IRD / Adeline Barnaud
The aim is to understand the mechanisms involved in abiotic stress tolerance in important African crops: dry cereals (rice , pearl millet, sorghum, fonio), an important West African legume (Vigna unguiculata ) and date palm in order to develop new varieties more adapted to future climate conditions and to develop new agricultural practices to imprive soil fertility, increase food production and therefore contribute to food security.