The group was created in 2011 and the group members are specialized in forest biotechnology. Our research focuses on gene regulation of regeneration processes in woody species and the development of methodologies for micropropagation, conservation and improvement of woody species using biotechnological and molecular tools. Our goals are to prevent biodiversity loss, reduce deforestation and promote the sustainable use of woody species. The species under study include native forest species (Castanea spp., Quercus robur, Q.

The Biochemistry and Soil Quality Group (GBCS) was established more than 40 years ago by T. Carballas and has focused its research on: a) organic matter, paying special attention to microbial biodiversity, responsible for the functioning and, consequently, , the quality of the soil and the provision of ecosystem services related to it, b) the impact of degradation processes and the implementation of soil conservation/recovery practices that promote the sustainable management of agricultural and forestry ecosystems in the new scenario of the climate change.

CibiCed research group is formed by 1 Senior Scientist. Its research line falls under the theme 7 "Impact of Global Change (V+M+S)" addressing the challenge 7C "Biogeochemical Cycles" (in addition to 7A,7D,7E,7F,7G) and focusing especially on the C cycle in forest soils and the potential of these ecosystems as CO2 sinks. The group has been collaborating with the Unidade de Xestión Forestal Sostenible (UXFS) for more than a decade, participating in various forestry projects with the Departments of Agroforestry Engineering and Plant Production of the USC.

Group created in January 2017, following the merger of three groups of the Soil Biochemistry department (Soil Enzymology, Soil Microbiology and Nutrient cycling in the soil-plant system). The team's research focuses on the study of the soil-plant-microorganism system and its contribution to ecosystem services. More specifically, the group is currently focusing its research on: 1. Development and testing of the effects on soil of environmentally friendly flame retardants to be used in forest fires.

The group studies the genetic mechanisms that control maize resistance to stresses, kernel quality and production in order to optimize the improvement of maize for food (animal and human) and industrial uses. Maize biodiversity will be used to make agriculture more sustainable. The team is made up of three officials (1 Research Professor and 2 Scientific Researchers), an Ad Honorem Research Professor and a staff member (Research Assistant), one Research Assistant hired indefinitely by court ruling, three Technicians and one Graduated hired with research funds and an FPI.

The Group of Genetics, Breeding and Biochemistry of Brassicas (https://brassicas.mbg.csic.es/) investigates in strategic lines of high social impact such as agricultural sustainability, healthy and safe food, climate change or exploitation of plant waste.

Botanic, histological, agronomic and molecular description of grapevine, olive and old rose (perfume) autochthonous varieties. Quantification of innate resistance to grapevine fungal diseases.Plant defence mechanisms (biochemical/physiological) against fungi (Biotic stresses). Intra/Intervarietal variability-terroir-new technologic crop managements(TICs, IoT, robotics, drones) and other sustainable managements (sheep with induced aversion).

Genetics and ecology of pine resistence to insect herbivores and pathogens. Factors influencing phenotypic variation in resistance and tolerance traits. Implications for the sustainable management of forest health.

The Agrosystems Biology Group (BAS) proposes transdisciplinary objectives and strategies, to face global problems of cultivated species that can be the object of horizontal transfer of knowledge and technology, incorporating plant genetic resources as a source of studies of diversity and genetics, and carrying out improvement programs for the development of new genetically improved varieties.

Dr. José Julio Ortega, Senior researcher (ORCID 0000-0003-1672-5199), is the head of the group, composed by Drs. R. Posada and J.L. García, and Alicia Fernandez (FPI Fellow). The group collaborates permanently with Drs. Magdalena Grifoll and Quim Vila (Univ. Barcelona) in the national projects, and, recently, with Dr. Carmen Fernandez, professor and researcher of the University Center of Defense at the General Air Academy of San Javier (Murcia).