Science and Research

The laboratory focuses on the anatomical and morphological structure of both aboveground and underground plant organs and their hydraulic functions. Comprehensive anatomical and morphological studies contribute to a deeper understanding of tree physiology. For instance, the flow in sapwood is linked to the structure of xylem. Detailed anatomical, morphological, and ecophysiological studies enable the analysis of stress factors and risks that environmental disturbances may cause. The goal of anatomical and ecophysiological studies is to establish fundamental methods for addressing potential forest destabilization.

Offer of expertise:

Comprehensive anatomical, morphological, and ecophysiological analysis of stress factors affecting the vitality of woody plants.

prof. Ing. Roman Gebauer, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 545 134 043
e-mail: roman.gebauer@mendelu.cz

Ing. Roman Plichta, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 545 134 043
e-mail: roman.plichta@mendelu.cz

The laboratory deals with the determination of the age of trees, the demographic structure of tree populations and their climatic and growth responses.

Offer of expertise:

Determination of the age of woody plants and their growth response to various ecological factors, particularly climatic responses.

Ing. Martin Šenfeldr, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 545 134 500
e-mail: martin.senfeldr@mendelu.cz

The shared laboratory is located within the premises of the Institute of Forest Botany, Dendrology, and Geobiocoenology and was established in collaboration with the Institute of Forest Protection and Game Management. The laboratory focuses on the application of DNA and RNA methods in forestry and related fields. The laboratory is equipped for the mechanical homogenization of biological material (Retsch ball mill) for nucleic acid isolation and subsequent amplification through enzymatic PCR (Eppendorf and Bio-Rad thermal cyclers; Qubit fluorometer), followed by analysis using separation methods (horizontal and vertical electrophoresis, including a transilluminator and documentation system). A dedicated room is reserved for RNA-based methods. DNA sequencing is outsourced to external service providers. The laboratory’s research activities focus on the genetic diversity and systematics of plants, fungi, and oomycetes, as well as the identification of tree pathogens and agents responsible for biotic wood damage. Advanced research also addresses the occurrence of viruses in tree pathogen genomes and fungal diversity in the rhizosphere. The laboratory primarily supports research activities conducted by faculty staff and students in collaboration with numerous national and international research institutions.

Ing. Peter Mendel, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel. +420 545 134 557, +420 545 134 053
e-mail: peter.mendel@mendelu.cz

prof. RNDr. Michal Tomšovský, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management
tel. +420 545 134 115
e-mail: michal.tomsovsky@mendelu.cz

Ecophysiological studies primarily focus on the dynamics of transpiration flow and growth changes in tree trunks measured using dendrometers. We also investigate photosynthesis (measured both via gas exchange and derived from chlorophyll fluorescence), water potential, and spectral reflectance at leaf level. Ecophysiological measurement is complemented by mineral analysis of foliage and the analysis of non-structural carbohydrate concentration.

Offer of expertise:

Comprehensive anatomical, morphological, and ecophysiological analysis of stress factors affecting the vitality of woody plants.

doc. Ing. Josef Urban, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 776 041 3030
e-mail: josef.urban@mendelu.cz

prof. Ing. Roman Gebauer, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 545 134 043
e-mail: roman.gebauer@mendelu.cz

The Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology, and Geobiocoenology professionally manages a herbarium and a collection of unique woody plants, including a living botanical collection.

The herbarium contains approximately 100,000 specimens of plants, as well as conifer cones, fruits, and seeds of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants from around the world. It serves as a resource for studying plant morphology and identification. The most notable part of the collection is the global assortment of herbarium specimens of willows (Salix).

The living collections are located in the arboreta at Řícmanice and Křtiny within the Křtiny Forest Enterprise area. The arboreta aim to care for the unique collection of woody plants (approximately 800 species from most continents), including testing the growth of potential of exotic tree species in local conditions.

Offer of expertise:

The public can book a guided tour of the Křtiny or Řícmanice arboretum. All information is available here.

Ing. Martin Šenfeldr, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 545 134 500
e-mail: martin.senfeldr@mendelu.cz

doc. Ing. Radomír Řepka, Ph.D.
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology
tel.: +420 545 134 057
e-mail: radomir.repka@mendelu.cz

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