CSIC. Estacion Experimental del Zaidin

The Zaidín Experimental Station (EEZ) is a research center of the CSIC. The activity of the EEZ focuses mainly on the field of Agricultural Sciences and is organized into four departments. The main objective of the EEZ is to carry out cutting-edge research in Biology (Plant, Animal and Microbiology), as well as promote the development of environmental and sustainable agriculture and livestock applications.

The center's research groups maintain an outstanding scientific production, both in terms of publications and in raising resources through regional, national and international projects, and agreements with companies. This activity of the groups is complemented by the support of scientific services, library, information technologies, and the administrative and management structure of the center.

Within the Department of stress, signaling development in plants, the Group of Reproductive Biology and Advanced Plant Imaging (BReMAP) aims to advance the knowledge of the reproductive biology of the olive tree and other plants of agro-economic interest. Using biochemical, cellular biology, molecular and proteomics techniques, the aim is to: a) Identify, characterize and analyze the function of gene products involved in the development of pollen and pistil and in the germination and growth of the pollen tube; b) Study pollen-pistil interactions (recognition, compatibility/incompatibility, cell death); c) Study signaling mechanisms involved in the orientation and route of the pollen tube in the pistil; d) Characterize the genetic and functional variability of allergenic proteins in pollen and determine the clinical and physiological implications of this polymorphism and its application for discrimination between olive varieties; e) characterization of storage proteins in the olive seed and f) identify and characterize the genetic material of the olive tree, its variability and the possible use of the molecular markers generated for authentication of oils and other derived products. All these studies are aimed at generating knowledge to achieve effective manipulation of the reproductive cycle of plants and thus improve their productivity.

The group has intense transfer activity, with 6 licensed patents, 10 projects led in calls with companies, and 14 contracts for technological support, licensing or transfer of biological material.