EVA is specialized in the study of plants. Its mission is to acquire, through applied research projects, scientific knowledge that makes it possible to improve plant productions (forestry, agriculture or horticulture) for various objectives. The effects of stresses of biotic origin (fungi, viruses and bacteria) or abiotic origin (effect of heat, cold, drought, salinity, and global climate change) are studied using the tools of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Plant biodiversity is also studied so as to better characterize the properties with socio-economic benefits, in order to demonstrate the importance of its conservation. Moreover, the group makes considerable efforts to better understand the factors that regulate populations of major pests on the main crops in Luxembourg. One last aspect of research in this field aims at optimizing biomass production systems in view of a sustainable usage for energy production (biogas, bioethanol, and biodiesel) or the development of biomaterials that are easier to recycle than polymers of petroleum origin.

 

Research subjects

 

• Adaptation and response of plants to stresses
• Improvement of plant productions
• Exploration and preservation of plant genetic resources
• Epidemiological studies and integrated management of the main diseases and pests affecting major crops
• Development and optimization of sustainable systems for biomass production
• Optimization of the conversion of biomass into energy and biomaterials

 

Head

 

Dr Lucien Hoffmann

E-mail: hoffmann@lippmann.lu

Phone: (+352) 47 02 61 – 400

Fax. : (+352) 47 02 64