Professor of Plant Physiology at the San Pablo CEU University.
In 1993 I began my scientific career in the Plant-Microbiome Interaction Biotechnology group at the University of San Pablo (https://www.biotecnologia-vegetal-microbioma-ceu.es). The framework for all the group's research is the relationship established between plants, soil and the microbiome that inhabits it. The use of PGPRs (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) to modify the microbiome composition can improve plant productivity in unstressed situations or in situations of biotic and abiotic stresses by helping plants to cope with them in better conditions, as they stimulate and enhance the intrinsic defence mechanisms of plants. Important results have been obtained under both biotic and abiotic stresses. Some PGPR or molecules synthesised by them are able to trigger the two pathways involved in the immune response describe in plants. Another line of research that we have carried out in the group is the elicitation of the secondary metabolism of species of pharmacological and agro-food interest. PGPR elicitation in these plants leads to an increase in the content of bioactive secondary metabolites beneficial to health, either through direct consumption or through the extraction of these metabolites.
I enjoy reading and contact with nature through different activities are the main occupations outside of my work.