Authors: Debnath, Anirban Jyoti [1] (presenting); Harenčár, Ľubomír [3]; Kučka, Matúš [4]; Kovár, Marek [1]; Ivanišová, Eva [2]; Mistríková, Veronika [3]; Gažo, Ján [1]; Ražná, Katarína [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
• 1. Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Institute of Food Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
• 1. Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, P. O. Box 39 A, Akademická 2, 950 07 Nitra, Slovakia
• 1. Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Mánesova 23, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia

Contact (presenting author): Anirban Jyoti Debnath — anirbandebnath@ymail.com

Abstract

The United Nations-predicted food scarcity creates an urgency in research to assess and improve agriculturally important plants under environmental stress conditions. In this context, lignans are powerful antioxidants that play defensive roles in plants under stress. The roles of lignans in salt stress mitigation are rarely studied or understood, particularly in the multipurpose crop flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Flax is a rich source of lignans. This study assessed the response to salt stress in two flax genotypes, Flanders and Astella. Astella has a higher content of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) than Flanders. The 3-week-old flax plants were stressed with a 100 mM NaCl solution for 1 week. Post-stress treatment, morphological analyses revealed suppressed growth in Flanders, indicating its better stress-adaptive, resource-saving behaviour than in Astella under salinity. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and associated cell damage were greater in Astella than in Flanders upon NaCl application. Under salinity stress, higher levels of antioxidants, osmoprotection, and lignan-related microRNAs reflected a superior ROS scavenging and superior cellular protection system of Flanders than Astella. However, multivariate analysis could not provide evidence for the direct involvement of lignans in stress adaptation. Instead, it was hypothesised that microRNAs play a pleiotropic role in the adaptation to salinity. These results depict Flanders’ superiority to Astella in salt stress tolerance. The findings could be used to improve the salinity tolerance of flax and other crop plants in future research.

Keywords: Biochemical analysis, MicroRNA, Morphological analysis, Reactive oxygen species, Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, Two-tailed quantitative PCR

Funding: This work was supported by the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic provided by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport, Government of the Slovak Republic (NSP-SAIA) and COST Action SUSTAIN (CA 22144).

Authors: Maximilian Fuchs [1] (presenting); Leah Wanja Gachao [1]; Daniela Sueldo [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Maximilian Fuchs — maximifu@stud.ntnu.no

Abstract

As a response to biotic and abiotic stress, a single plant cell can kill itself to increase the chance of survival for the whole organism. During these regulated cell death (RCD) processes, a dying cell communicates with its neighbors, which determines their fate. Being perceived by transmembrane purinoreceptor 2 kinase (P2K) receptors, extracellular ATP (eATP) is a signaling molecule that serves as a damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP). Interestingly, eATP perception can lead to opposite outcomes in the progression of RCD, leading to the survival or death of these neighboring cells, depending on the stress context and the tested plant organism. The objective of this master thesis is to characterize the response of Arabidopsis to artificially applied eATP. For this, a double mutant lacking both known P2Ks in Arabidopsis (P2K1 and P2K2) was tested in comparison to wild type Col-0. To quantify the occurrence of cell death upon eATP treatment, 14-day old seedlings of both genotypes were vacuum-infiltrated with ATP solution. Subsequently, a time course of electrolyte leakage measurements was conducted and complemented by Trypan Blue cell death staining. To identify novel genes involved in the signaling cascade induced upon eATP treatment, we monitored activity of serine hydrolases (including proteases, lipases and glucanases) using a fluorescent probe that targets enzymes with serine in their active site. Our results show that the wild type, as well as the p2k1/p2k2 double mutant, respond to a concentration of 2 mM artificially applied eATP with a statistically similar increase in electrolyte leakage. Further, preliminary results indicate no change in activity of serine hydrolases up to 60 minutes after eATP treatment. Overall, our data indicates that eATP responses in Arabidopsis are not entirely explained by P2K1/P2K2 function and may thereby suggest the presence of additional receptors or other mechanisms involved in eATP signaling.

Keywords: regulated cell death, stress response, extracellular ATP, electrolyte leakage, purinoreceptor 2 kinase, Arabidopsis thaliana

Authors: Dills, Michael [1] (presenting); Campbell, Karley [2]; Præbel, Kim [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Bioscience, Fisheries and Economics, Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Tromsø, Norway
• 1. UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Bioscience, Fisheries and Economics, Institute for Arctic Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Michael Dills — michael.s.dills@uit.no

Abstract

Marine Chlamydomonadaleans are a globally distributed clade of green algae populating nearly all photic habitats from sea ice to the tropics. Along with their key role as primary producers in biogeochemical processes, these organisms offer valuable insights into evolutionary processes. Despite being isolated from every major ocean basin, little is known about polar, marine strains – especially those found in the Arctic. This project investigates intraspecific genomic variability and adaptation by applying whole genome sequencing to characterize a selection of Arctic and Southern Ocean Chlamydomonas sp. isolates.

Keywords: ecology, adaptation, comparative genomics, microalgae

Authors: Okunnuga Sunday Abiodun (presenting)

Affiliations:

• Independent Researcher and Agricultural Entrepreneur, Nigeria

Contact (presenting author): Okunnuga Sunday Abiodun — sunday.okunnuga78@gmail.com

Abstract

Earthen pond aquaculture represents a complex ecological system in which algae, microorganisms, and aquatic plants play central roles in water quality regulation and fish health. Understanding how these biological components respond to environmental stress is essential for developing sustainable small-scale aquaculture systems. This study investigates algal–microbial dynamics and ecological stress responses in earthen ponds used for the culture of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) under tropical conditions in Nigeria.

Field-based observations were conducted across production cycles involving over 15,000 juveniles. The study examined relationships between nutrient input management, algal bloom development, water clarity, dissolved oxygen fluctuations, and fish stress indicators such as reduced feeding response and surface gasping. Practical interventions including organic input control, partial water exchange, and pond shading were applied to evaluate ecosystem resilience and biological stability.

Findings indicate that balanced algal growth supports pond productivity, while excessive nutrient loading triggers stress conditions associated with oxygen depletion and unstable microbial activity. Improved ecological management practices enhanced pond stability, reduced fish mortality, and supported healthier growth patterns.

This work highlights the adaptive responses of pond-based biological systems to environmental stress and demonstrates how ecological knowledge can guide sustainable aquaculture practices. The findings contribute to broader discussions on biological adaptation, ecosystem management, and nature-based solutions in food production systems.

Keywords: Earthen ponds, algae dynamics, environmental stress, aquaculture ecology, sustainable farming

Funding: Self-funded

Authors: Saffioti, Francesco [1] (presenting); Morghen, Sara [1]; Alonzo Baez, Luis [1]; Tichá, Michaela [1]; Hamann, Thorsten [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 5 Høgskoleringen, Trondheim, 7491, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Francesco Saffioti — francesco.saffioti@ntnu.no

Abstract

Climate change poses a major challenge to global agriculture, particularly because of its negative impact on water availability. The development of drought-resistant crops requires the identification and understanding of the key components of drought sensing mechanisms. Currently, the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is recognized as a key element acting as stress signal in response to drought. However, our understanding of how plants detect drought and trigger increases in ABA levels is still limited. Recent findings indicate ABA induction requires interactions between the cell wall and the plasma membrane and is negatively regulated by the receptor kinase THESEUS1 (THE1). THE1 is also required for cell wall integrity maintenance and regulation of cell wall mechanical properties in Arabidopsis thaliana. By combining omics experiments and hypersensitivity screens we have identified novel components for sensing drought conditions. At the same time, confocal Brillouin microscopy is used to determine how cell wall mechanical properties participate in drought perception and drought stress responses. This approach will help to uncover how alterations in cell wall mechanics can contribute to improving drought resistance. We will present an up-to-date overview of the components we have found and how they affect responses to drought stress.

Keywords: THESEUS1, drought, cell wall mechanics, abiotic stress, Brillouin microscopy

Funding: European Research Council, ERC HYDROSENSING project 101118769, granted to Thorsten Hamann

Authors: Minini, Leo [1] (presenting); Badis, Yacine [2]; Leblanc, Catherine [2]; Engelen H., Aschwin [3]; Weinberger, Florian [4]; Markov, Gabriel [2]; Dittami, Simon [2]; Nolsøe M.J., Jens [1]; Jueterbock O., Alexander [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Postboks 1490, 8049 Bodø, Norway
• 1. Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Roscoff, France
• 1. CCMAR, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
• 1. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, 24148 Kiel, Germany

Contact (presenting author): Leo Minini — leo.minini@nord.no

Abstract

Diseases pose a major challenge in kelp aquaculture worldwide, reducing biomass yield and quality, which impacts coastal communities that depend on this activity for income. The risk of disease in kelp is increased by human activities and farming intensification, highlighting the need to improve kelp’s tolerance to biotic stressors. Selective breeding and species hybridization are currently the main strategies for boosting disease tolerance in farmed kelp in Asia. In Norway, the use of these methods is limited by regulatory and ethical concerns over the risk of genetic pollution in wild kelp populations. Immune priming, which has been successfully used in land crops, could serve as a useful alternative or addition to traditional breeding methods. It is the process where previous exposure to a biotic stressor or an elicitor (such as DAMPs or PAMPs) boosts the speed and effectiveness of the subsequent pattern-triggered immune response against a biotic threat, thereby improving disease tolerance. While oligoguluronates elicit an immune response in kelp, it remains unknown whether they can prime gametophytes and sporophytes to be more resistant to microbial antagonists and biofouling. Additionally, it is unclear how long the priming memory lasts, if it depends on DNA methylation, and whether it can be transmitted from one life stage to the next. We will present ongoing work characterizing the priming effect and its underlying mechanisms in kelp using challenge experiments and multi-omic analyses. If a positive priming effect is observed at the laboratory scale, subsequent field trials in local kelp farms will be conducted to evaluate the potential of immune priming as a novel strategy to enhance kelp resilience and prevent biomass loss due to diseases.

Keywords: kelp aquaculture, disease tolerance, immune priming, innate immunity, oligoguluronates, multi‑omics

Funding: This work is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research through a PhD fellowship awarded to the Leo Minini at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, under the project “Sugar kelp priming for strengthening host immunity” (st. nr. 30237312)

Authors: Savov, Stefan [1]; Roach, Thomas [2]; Kranner, Ilse [2]; Teofanova, Denitsa [1]; Zagorchev, Lyuben [1] (presenting)

Affiliations:

• 1. Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
• 1. Institut für Botanik, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

Contact (presenting author): Lyuben Zagorchev — lzagorchev@biofac.uni-sofia.bg

Abstract

Cuscuta campestris is an obligate parasitic plant in the family Convolvulaceae, with North American origin, but is an introduced invasive pest around the globe. Being a parasite, it is also a subject to parasitism by gall-inducing weevils of the genus Smicronyx (Curculionidae). These galls are characterized by a notable increase in chlorophyll levels of this otherwise non-photosynthetic plant, and are also intriguing experimental object as a potential natural regulator of C. campestris fecundity. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the defense response of the parasitic plant at hormonal and transcription level by HPLC-MS/MS and quantitative PCR analyses. The most notable hormonal changes in the galls were an increase in abscisic acid (ABA), gibberelic acid 4 (GA4) and jasmonic acid (JA), and decrease in salycilic acid (SA) levels. These changes correspond to a typical response expected in insect-induced stress, in combination with growth promotion needed for formation of galls. The increase in α-carotene and lutein, concurrent with β-carotene depletion indicates a stress-induced redirection of carotenoid metabolism toward ABA biosynthesis and photoprotective antenna remodeling, consistent with enhanced ABA and JA signaling and suppressed SA-mediated immunity. Quantitative PCR analysis of defense related genes showed upregulation of osmotin-, thaumatin-, and defensin-like genes together with repression of chitinase, cystatin, and lipoxygenase, which reflects an ABA- and JA-biased stress-adaptation program with suppressed SA-dependent immunity and attenuated jasmonate biosynthesis, consistent with chronic stress or parasitic manipulation. In conclusion, Smicronyx-induced galls in Cuscuta campestris elicit a coordinated hormonal, metabolic, and transcriptional reprogramming, highlighting gall formation as a finely tuned interaction that facilitates insect development while constraining parasite fitness.

Keywords: Cuscuta, parasitic plants, pathogenesis-related proteins, plant galls, weevils

Funding: This study is financed by the European Union-NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, project No BG-RRP-2.004-0008 and grant KP-06-Slovakia/5 of the National Science Fund, Ministry of Education and Science, Bulgaria.

Authors: Tzvetelina Zagorcheva (presenting); Zagorchev, Tzvetelina [1,2]; Rusanov, Krasimir [2]; Rusanova, Mila [1,2]; Atanassov, Ivan [2]

Affiliations:

• 1. Research and Development and Innovation Consortium, 111 Tsarigradsko shose blvd., 1784, Sofia, Bulgaria
• 1. AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria, 8 Dragan Tsankov blvd., 1164, Sofia, Bulgaria

Contact (presenting author): Tzvetelina Zagorcheva — tzvetelina.zagorcheva@gmail.com

Abstract

The genus Hyssopus L. (Lamiaceae) consists of approximately 10–15 species, among which Hyssopus officinalis L. is the most commonly cultivated and studied. Hyssop essential oil is widely applied in the cosmetic, perfumery, and beverage industries due to its well-documented antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antimicrobial, antihemolytic, antiulcer, and antispasmodic properties. The strong bioactive potential of hyssop essential oil is primarily related to its high concentration of monoterpenoids, particularly pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, and β-pinene. To investigate the genetic determinants of essential oil yield and composition in hyssop, we analysed the genetic structure of two H. officinalis natural populations of a total of 59 individual plants employing sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers. Principal Coordinate Analysis and UPGMA clustering of Jaccard indices revealed good genetic differentiation between the two populations, while the delta K approach showed genetic homogeneity within populations. All plants were further characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of the essential oil constituents and PCA analysis, showing that essential oil composition varies significantly within populations. Furthermore, genotyping of a self-pollinating, segregating population of an interspecific hybrid Hyssopus officinalis ssp. aristatus x Hyssopus officinalis ssp. officinalis was employed to construct the first genetic map of the species, containing 14 linkage groups and a total of 89 loci. These findings provide a foundation for the sustainable exploitation of hyssop, an essential oil crop that remains relatively underutilised. Furthermore, the identification of elite, high-yielding genotypes with desirable characteristics supports the application of marker-assisted selection and offers a strategy to limit human pressure on natural wild populations.

Keywords: essential oil, genetic map, hyssopus, SRAP markers

Funding: This study is financed by project No. BG16RFPR002-1.014-0014-C01 “Development Program with a Business Plan for the Laboratory Complex of Sofia Tech Park,” which is implemented under the “Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation” Program, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

Authors: Wiszniewska, Alina [1] (presenting); Makowski, Wojciech [1]; Muszyńska-Sadłowska, Ewa [2]; Kiwer, Agata [1]; Mallepoola, Teja Sree [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. University of Agriculture in Kraków, Department of Botany, Physiology and Plant Protection, Kraków, Poland
• 1. Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Warsaw, Poland

Contact (presenting author): Alina Wiszniewska — a.wiszniewska@urk.edu.pl

Abstract

Extremophytes are valuable models for studying plant stress tolerance and have biotechnological and environmental potential but require reliable sources of uniform plant material. Micropropagation enables controlled production of uniform plants, facilitating physiological studies and analysis of intrinsic tolerance mechanisms. Bioreactor-based systems can enhance in vitro culture via improved process control, scalability, and biomass productivity, yet their use in extremophytes is underexplored. We evaluated bioreactor-based micropropagation for two Brassicaceae extremophytes: halophyte Lobularia maritima and metallicolous Alyssum montanum. Shoot biometry, biomass, biochemical parameters (stress markers, osmolytes, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity), DNA damage, and methylation were compared between conventional agar solidified medium culture (CC) and temporary immersion bioreactor Plantform (TIB) systems, along with acclimatization fitness of microplants. TIB cultivation enhanced A. montanum fresh weight, increased free amino acids, and oxidized glutathione, while reducing stress metabolites (proline, sugars, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids), indicating improved growth and metabolic efficiency with minimal oxidative stress. L. maritima also showed increased fresh weight and stress metabolite accumulation, but had elevated MDA, depleted glutathione, reduced phenolics, and activation of an extra SOD isoform, reflecting growth under higher oxidative stress. These contrasting responses highlight species-specific effects of TIB culture: A. montanum benefits from stress mitigation and metabolic optimization, whereas L. maritima shows a trade-off between growth and stress defence activation. TIB systems support micropropagation in both species, but culture conditions must be optimized to maximize biomass and maintain metabolic stability.

Keywords: halophyte, metallophyte, in vitro culture, temporary immersion bioreactor, stress response

Funding: Ministry of Science and Higher Education as apart of a research subsidy to the University of Agriculture in Kraków (050012-D011, 050012-D017)

Authors: Brown, Thomas Julseth [1,2] (presenting); Lillemo, Morten [1]; Alsheikh, Muath [1,2]; Windju, Susanne [2]; Dieseth, Jon Arne [2]; Mosleth, Ellen [3]; Ruud, Anja Karine [1]; Lin, Min [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Plant Sciences (IPV), Ås
• 1. Graminor AS, Ridabu, Hamar
• 1. Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (NOFIMA), Ås

Contact (presenting author): Thomas Julseth Brown — thbro3890@nmbu.no

Abstract

Norwegian spring wheat has high potential for good baking quality, yet this potential is frequently compromised by pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) – the premature germination of grain while still in the field during rainy or delayed harvest conditions. PHS reduces baking quality through enzyme activity that degrades starch and gluten, leading to substantial losses across the value chain. Climate variability around harvest and late grain development increases the risk of PHS by reducing dormancy.

WheatBoost (indsutrial PhD) integrates quantitative genetics, molecular breeding, and simulation-based optimization to accelerate the development of wheat varieties that combine high baking quality with enhanced resistance to PHS. The project builds on prior identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PHS resistance and on advances in phenotyping (including machine learning-enabled single-seed analysis), genomic selection, and speed breeding using single seed descent (SSD). The research expands this foundation through family-based and population-wide genetic analyses, practical marker development for early-generation selection, and simulation-driven optimization of the breeding pipeline. The primary objective is to implement advanced genomics-based speed breeding technologies in the Graminor wheat program to accelerate genetic gain, with a central focus on enhancing resistance to PHS. This will be pursued through specific secondary objectives: Identifying the major genetic factors behind PHS resistance using QTL mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS); evaluating and validating KASP-markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS); developing and applying a simulation tool for optimizing breeding under speed breeding; implementing and assessing multi-trait genomic selection (PHS, FHB, and yield).

Keywords: Wheat breeding, Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), Wheat genetics, Speed breeding, Genomic selection

Funding: Funders: Norwegian Research Council of Norway and Graminor AS Project name: Wheatboost Project number: Yet to be determined Authors: Alsheikh, Muath; Lillemo, Morten

Authors: Alexandra Kinnby and Gunnar Cervin (presenting); Kinnby, Alexandra [1]; Cervin, Gunnar [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Department of Marine Sciences, Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Strömstad, Sweden.

Contact (presenting author): Alexandra Kinnby and Gunnar Cervin — alexandra.kinnby@marine.gu.se

Abstract

Red macroalgae are key primary producers on rocky substrates as well as high-value aquaculture crops which are increasingly exposed to environmental stresses including potential changes to underwater light regimes or seawater chemistry due to climate change. However, the physiological and biochemical responses of different red seaweed species to these drivers remain poorly understood. We investigate how changes to environmental factors affect growth and biochemical traits in two aquaculture-relevant red macroalgal species. Using Palmaria palmata we conducted experiments in which spectral composition of light was manipulated to simulate depth-related changes in underwater light environments. Using Chondrus crispus we examined the effects of ocean acidification on physiological performance. Across both experiments, we quantified growth and analyzed biochemical composition, focusing on pigments and fatty acid profiles. This allows us to examine species-specific biochemical changes under changing light and ocean acidification conditions and how they affect seaweed physiology. We consider the responses across different environmental drivers and on different species to develop a more mechanistic understanding of how climate drivers may influence the performance, biochemical quality, and cultivation potential of red macroalgae. Such insights contribute to improving predictions of aquaculture resilience and inform management and cultivation strategies as the marine environment changes.

Keywords: Seaweed, climate change, ocean acidification, pigments, Palmaria palmata, Chondrus crispus

Funding: AK was funded by a Young Researcher Mobility Grant from the Research Council FORMAS (grant number 2022/02838) “Effects of ocean acidification on macroalgal forests” and AK and GC are funded by the SBEP project “PalmariaPlus” (grant number 2024/02712). Both grants were awarded to AK.

Authors: Berglund, Liv-Irene [1] (presenting); Bawin, Thomas [1]; Olsen, Stian [1]; Krause, Kirsten [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Liv-Irene Berglund — lbe107@uit.no

Abstract

Species within the Cuscuta genus (common name, dodders) have a heterotrophic lifestyle where they attach to other plants vascular tissues in order to get enough water, organic and inorganic nutrients. The study of these interactions between the parasites and their hosts have led to some interesting discoveries. One of them is their reaction to shade: shade avoidance is a common plant response whenever light becomes a limiting factor, while, in contrast, Cuscuta species are attracted by shade. This behavior is regulated by far-red light and is dependent on the photoreceptor Phytochrome. Transcriptional studies have revealed that several transcription factor (TF) families are among the genes that are upregulated during far-red-light exposure. Several are described in model plants like Arabidopsis and other species with other functions. To explore their potential function in Cuscuta, this study focused on selected candidates from one TF family and analyzed their transcriptional patterns as well as their localization in the Cuscuta cells upon transient expression of fluorescently labelled transgenes.

Keywords: Biolistics, Cuscuta, parasitic plants, photomorphogenesis

Funding: The Research Council of Norway (RCN), grant 301175 to KK.

Authors:Bergmann, Pepe [1] (presenting); Balios, Vasili [1]; Krause, Kirsten [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. UiT The Arctic University of Tromsø, Institute for Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Pepe Bergmann — pepebergmann@web.de

Abstract

Understanding the dynamic transport processes of vascular plants is important for many biological fields, such as plant physiology, plant parasitology or agricultural science. However, traditional methods for studying these processes are often invasive, damaging or even destroying the plants. This creates a need for repeatable non-invasive tools, capable of monitoring and measuring transport dynamics in real time. Infrared thermography (IRT) offers a promising alternative approach to previously established techniques, by enabling non-contact visualisation of temperature variations within plants, reflecting physiological processes. In this study, a custom-built heating device was used to apply repeated, localized heat pulses to a plant stem, while a thermal camera recorded the propagation of temperature change. Taking this a step further, the same method was applied to observe heat propagation between a host plant and the holoparasitic plant species Cuscuta reflexa. The results of this study demonstrate that IRT can capture xylem-transport dominated heat propagation within intact plants at speeds comparable to literature values, while highlighting technical challenges for long-term measurements. In host-parasite systems, testing with Cuscuta reflexa showed detectable heat propagation into the parasite, proving the potential, but also the complexity of applying IRT to such studies.

Keywords: Infrared thermography, Non-invasive imaging, Xylem transport, Plant physiology, Host–parasite interaction

Funding: The project did not receive any funding as it was a bachelor thesis, the lab and resources were provided by Prof. Kirsten Krause (UiT)

Authors: Tzvetelina Zagorcheva (presenting); Zagorchev, Tzvetelina [1,2]; Rusanov, Krasimir [2]; Rusanova, Mila [1,2]; Atanassov, Ivan [2]

Affiliations:

• 1. Research and Development and Innovation Consortium, 111 Tsarigradsko shose blvd., 1784, Sofia, Bulgaria
• 1. AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria, 8 Dragan Tsankov blvd., 1164, Sofia, Bulgaria

Contact (presenting author): Tzvetelina Zagorcheva — tzvetelina.zagorcheva@gmail.com

Abstract

The genus Hyssopus L. (Lamiaceae) consists of approximately 10–15 species, among which Hyssopus officinalis L. is the most commonly cultivated and studied. Hyssop essential oil is widely applied in the cosmetic, perfumery, and beverage industries due to its well-documented antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antimicrobial, antihemolytic, antiulcer, and antispasmodic properties. The strong bioactive potential of hyssop essential oil is primarily related to its high concentration of monoterpenoids, particularly pinocamphone, isopinocamphone, and β-pinene. To investigate the genetic determinants of essential oil yield and composition in hyssop, we analysed the genetic structure of two H. officinalis natural populations of a total of 59 individual plants employing sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers. Principal Coordinate Analysis and UPGMA clustering of Jaccard indices revealed good genetic differentiation between the two populations, while the delta K approach showed genetic homogeneity within populations. All plants were further characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of the essential oil constituents and PCA analysis, showing that essential oil composition varies significantly within populations. Furthermore, genotyping of a self-pollinating, segregating population of an interspecific hybrid Hyssopus officinalis ssp. aristatus x Hyssopus officinalis ssp. officinalis was employed to construct the first genetic map of the species, containing 14 linkage groups and a total of 89 loci. These findings provide a foundation for the sustainable exploitation of hyssop, an essential oil crop that remains relatively underutilised. Furthermore, the identification of elite, high-yielding genotypes with desirable characteristics supports the application of marker-assisted selection and offers a strategy to limit human pressure on natural wild populations.

Keywords: essential oil, genetic map, hyssopus, SRAP markers

Funding: This study is financed by project No. BG16RFPR002-1.014-0014-C01 “Development Program with a Business Plan for the Laboratory Complex of Sofia Tech Park,” which is implemented under the “Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation” Program, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

Authors: Lorentz Bloch Haugland (presenting) [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Lorentz Bloch Haugland — lha212@uit.no

Abstract

Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) can accumulate high concentrations of certain elements, including iodine and potentially toxic elements such as arsenic. In addition, sugar kelp exhibits substantial variation in mineral composition across seasons and growth locations. Consequently, accurate chemical analysis of mineral composition is essential for food safety, environmental monitoring, and aquaculture management. Conventional analytical methods, however, are often destructive, labor-intensive, and time-consuming, limiting their suitability for rapid or large-scale assessments. In this study, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is investigated as a potential alternative and complementary approach to traditional chemical analysis, with the aim of improving the efficiency of mineral-related assessments in sugar kelp. Mineral concentrations of fourteen elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES) and used as the ground truth reference. These measurements served as response variables in partial least squares regression (PLSR) models to evaluate whether hyperspectral reflectance data could be used to identify and predict the same elements quantified by chemical analysis. Kelp blades subjected to different mineral treatment levels were imaged using hyperspectral imaging follwed by chemical analysis. To assess the influence of tissue heterogeneity, spectra were obtained from intact blades and from specific blade sections. The results indicate that hyperspectral imaging captures treatment-dependent and spatial heterogeneity spectral differences in sugar kelp, while the ability of PLSR models to relate spectral data to ICP–OES–derived mineral concentrations varies among elements. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of HSI as an efficient screening tool for mineral-related variation in sugar kelp, while underscoring the continued importance of chemical analysis for accurate quantification and model calibration.

Keywords: Sugar kelp, Hyperspectral imaging, ICP OES, Mineral analysis

Funding: Master thesis at UiT Collaboration with Hanne Mærhe, NIBIO and Polar Alge AS.

Authors: Monika Saini (presenting)[1] Affiliations:

• 1. Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Mauritius & Sunrise University, Department of Biotechnology, Alwar, Rajasthan, India

Contact (presenting author): Monika Saini — monikasaini7375@gmail.com

Abstract

Microalgal biorefineries are limited by high nutrient costs, metal contamination in hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) bio-crude, and incomplete biomass valorization. This study integrates synthetic biology, microbial synergy, and circular processing to transform Chlorella minutissima into a multi-output platform for sustainable biofuels and bioproducts in water-scarce and coastal regions. Chelated trace metals (Fe, Ni, V) were optimized using response surface methodology, increasing lipid productivity by 42% and enabling >90% metal recovery post-harvest. GC-MS and FTIR characterization of HTL bio-crude revealed porphyrin-bound organometallic species, providing insights into refining challenges (Saini et al., Environ Technol 2025). Co-cultivation with native rhizobacteria enhanced biomass yield by 38% and triggered salinity-induced biosynthesis of antioxidants (phenolics ↑2.1-fold) and antifungal compounds, confirmed by DPPH, FRAP, and disc-diffusion assays. Spent biomass was valorized as biofertilizer in arid soils, improving wheat yield by 31% and soil organic carbon by 18% compared to chemical controls, with life-cycle analysis showing 64% reduced eutrophication potential. This zero-waste framework, combining metabolic engineering, microbial co-cultivation, and full biomass utilization, offers scalable biotechnological tools for microalgal biorefineries, supporting UN SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and 13 (Climate Action).

Keywords: microalgal biotechnology, Chlorella minutissima, trace metal optimization, microbial co-cultivation, HTL bio-crude, biofertilizer

Funding: University Grants Commission (UGC), India – NET-JRF fellowship awarded to Monika Saini (2022)

Authors: Gannestad, Kristin K. [1] (presenting); Bjerkan, Katrine N. [1]; Miller, Jason R. [2], Hornslien, Karina S. [1] and Grini, Paul E. [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. University of Oslo, Department of Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
• 1. Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Hood College, Frederick, MD 21701, USA

Contact (presenting author): Kristin K. Gannestad — k.k.gannestad@ibv.uio.no

Abstract

During double fertilization in flowering plants two fertilization products are generated, the embryo which gives rise to the next generation of plants and the endosperm which supports and nourishes embryo growth. The endosperm is a triploid tissue that requires tight control of the genome dosage (2 maternal:1 paternal) and balance disruptions can infer seed failure due to arrest in embryo development. Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon confined to the endosperm, and it has been postulated to regulate gene dosages in a parent-of-origin dependent manner. Deregulation of imprinted genes in the endosperm can be lethal and has been proposed to be a main cause of hybrid seed failure. Imprinting has been widely studied in the inbred model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, imbalances of maternal to paternal genomes in the endosperm might show stronger phenotypic severities in outbreeding mating systems. The outbreeder A. arenosa is a close relative to A. thaliana. Here, we developed tools to facilitate the analysis of imprinting in the A. arenosa endosperm. We have developed a methodology to generate transgenic A. arenosa using Agrobacterium transformation. Using this methodology we have generated transgenes expressing nuclear-localised GFP in the endosperm. To isolate pure endosperm tissue for analysis, we have used fluorescence-assisted nuclear sorting (FANS) to isolate endosperm nuclei based on nuclear-localised GFP. Transcript profiles from endosperm nuclei are used to investigate genomic imprinting.

Keywords: Seed, Endosperm, Genomic imprinting, Fluorescence-assisted nuclear sorting (FANS), A. arenosa

Funding: Funded by a Norwegian Research Council FRIPRO grant EPIHYBRIDS # 276053 to PEG.

Authors: Dominykas Šalvaitis [1, 2] (presenting); Hanne K. Mæhre [1]; Alexander Oliver Jüterbock [2]; Jens Mortansson Jelstrup Nolsøe [2]

Affiliations:

• 1. Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Food Production and Society, Department of Marine Bioresource Valorization, Bodø, Norway.
• 1. Nord University, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Bodø, Norway

Contact (presenting author): Dominykas Šalvaitis — dominykas.salvaitis@nibio.no

Abstract

Seaweed polysaccharides comprise a diverse group of carbohydrates with distinct structural and biological functionalities. Structural polysaccharides such as alginate, carrageenan, and agar are widely applied due to their gelling properties, whereas fucoidan, ulvan, porphyran, and laminarin exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other bioactivities. These functionalities are strongly influenced by monosaccharide composition. However, the commonly used two-step sulfuric acid hydrolysis has not been optimized for macroalgal biomass, and current monosaccharide analysis methods are often time-consuming or insufficiently adapted to complex seaweed matrices.

This study aimed to optimize hydrolysis and chromatographic conditions for the quantification of neutral sugars and uronic acids commonly present in macroalgae. Monosaccharides were analyzed using HPLC-DAD following pre-column derivatization with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP). Supplementary methods, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and the determination of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural, were developed to evaluate hydrolysis efficiency and sugar degradation. TLC was applied to assess hydrolysis efficiency through changes in degree of polymerization, while HMF and furfural served as indicators of excessive degradation of hexoses and pentoses, respectively.

The optimized analytical workflow enables consistent and accurate monosaccharide composition characterisation for seaweed biomass.

Keywords: Monosaccahrides, method development, chromatography, biotechnology.

Funding: The project is funded by NIBIO.

Authors: Assist. Prof. Dr. Boyka Andonova-Lilova (presenting); Andonova-Lilova, Boyka*[1,2]; Rusanova, Mila [1,2]; Rusanov, Krasimir [1]; Zagorcheva, Tzvetelina [1,2]; Atanasov, Ivan [1]

Affiliations:

• 1. Agrobioinstitute, Agrobiotechnology Department, Agricultural Academy, Sofia Bulgaria
• 1. Research and Development Innovation Consortium, In vitro laboratory for evaluation of biological activity and toxicity, Sofia Tech Park, Sofia Bulgaria

Contact (presenting author): Assist. Prof. Dr. Boyka Andonova-Lilova — boika_andonova@hotmail.com

Abstract

Rose oils distillation wastewater generated during Rosa damascena essential oil production is an waste by-product that may be valorized as a source of natural bioactives. The present in vitro study for the first time compares a polyphenol-rich extract from RODW with rose essential oil (RO) regarding cytocompatibility, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and regenerative activity The experimental design included nine cell lines (including HaCaT, BJ, IPEC-J2, CaCo-2) were exposed to concentrations up to 200 µg/mL for 24–72 h. Viability/proliferation (MTT), mitochondrial oxidative activity (JC-10), and morphopathological analisys (AO/PI) were assessed, DPPH radical scavenging and an H₂O₂-induced oxidative-stress model in IPEC-J2 by AlamarBlue. Antimicrobial effects were evaluated by disc diffusion and MIC with complementary OD600 growth kinetics, regenerative capacity by scratch assay in HaCaT and BJ (48 h). RO showed strong time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity (72 h IC₅₀: 1.871 µg/mL in IPEC-J2; 9.35 µg/mL in CaCo-2), whereas RODW was substantially less cytotoxic (72 h IC₅₀: 124.307 µg/mL in IPEC-J2; 46.82 µg/mL in CaCo-2; >100 µg/mL in HaCaT). In DPPH, RODW reached 46.09 µg/mL L-ascorbic acid equivalents at 200 µg/mL, while RO achieved 49.34 µg/mL at 100 µg/mL. In the cellular antioxidant model, RO protected against H₂O₂ (AOA-MTT IC₅₀ 31.23 µg/mL), whereas RODW was weak/moderate (AOA-MTT IC₅₀ >146.6 µg/mL). At 100 mg/mL, RODW produced inhibition zones of 10–16 mm (E. coli) and 12–20 mm (S. aureus) and reduced peak OD600 by ~40–80% across tested bacteria. RODW promoted HaCaT gap closure at 48 h, with modest effects in BJ. AO/PI double staining indicated that most cells remained viable after RODW exposure. Overall, RODW combines favorable cytocompatibility with measurable antioxidant, notably antibacterial, and keratinocyte-regenerative effects, supporting its development as a sustainable bioactive ingredient, while RO exhibits higher potency but a narrower safety margin.

Keywords: bioactivity, citotoxicity, rose oil, Rose oils distillation wastewater

Funding: This work is supported by the program “Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation, “ co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Grant Agreement No. BG16RFPR002-1.014-0014-C01, “Development and Sustainability Program with a Business Plan for a Laboratory Complex at Sofia Tech Park”. КП-06 ПМ66/7/ BG-175467353-2022-03-0066 „ Model systems of animal cell lines for evaluation of cytotoxicity effect and antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and essential oils with potential for application in pig breeding.”