Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research
The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research ( MPIPZ ) in Cologne (until November 30, 2009 "Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research " ( MPIZ ) ) is one of the world's leading research institutes in the field of plant molecular biology. It is part of the Max Planck Society and employs over 350 people.
The MPIPZ operates basic molecular research on plants with the aim to develop effective breeding methods and environmentally sound pest management strategies for crops.
History
Initially founded by the Kaiser Wilhelm Society for the Advancement of Science and escorted Institute for Plant Breeding Research is continued by the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science since 1948. Since the year 1951, it is named Max - Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research.
The Kaiser Wilhelm Society decided in 1927 to establish an Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Muencheberg east of Berlin and to appoint the first director Erwin Baur. Baur (1875-1933) was an eminent plant geneticist and is regarded as the founder of plant virology and discoverer of Plastidenvererbung. He laid the foundations of genetics snapdragon (Antirrhinum ). Under his leadership emerged in Miincheberg Institute many new varieties such as lupine.
In March / April 1945, the Institute was after Voldgsen, Circle Hameln, laid. 1956 Moves to Cologne on the grounds of the estate Vogelsang. After the retirement of William Rudorf in 1961 under Joseph Straub was a first major reorientation of the Institute: The focus of the scientific work was shifted from primarily application-oriented sector on basic research. Scientists at the Institute developed this important methods of cell and tissue culture of higher plants. After the retirement of Joseph Straub and Wilhelm Menke, in the years 1978 to 1985 Jozef Schell, Heinz Saedler, Klaus Hahlbrock and Francesco Salamini appointed as new directors. With its renewal, the research focus shifted again, now on the molecular genetic basis of research and its application in plant breeding. This work focus was further expanded by the appointment of Paul Schulze- Lefert and George Coupland, who are directors at the MPIPZ the time. In November 2009, it was agreed, " for Plant Breeding Research Max Planck Institute " to rename the Institute. Thus, it follows on from its well-known abroad the name "Max - Planck - Institute for Plant Breeding Research ," and its focus on plants.
In 1998 the Institute was affected by a fraud scandal.
Departments
Four academic departments at MPIPZ edit questions of the evolution of plants, their genetic blueprint, their development and their interactions with the environment.
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Paul Schulze- Lefert examines the Department of Molecular Phytopathology, as the plants interact with the harmful for them microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, and what defense mechanisms they have developed against the disease. Here, researchers pay special attention to the molecular mechanisms of signal processing in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis thaliana ) and in selected crops.
The Department of Molecular Plant Genetics, headed by Prof. Dr. Heinz Saedler deals with the molecular analysis of developmental and evolutionary processes of plants. The researchers want to understand the genetic control networks flower formation in snapdragon and in arabidopsis. The focus of the study is a special class of proteins which act as transcription factors. In addition, the scientists are interested in the molecular mechanisms which give rise to morphological novelties.
The Department of Plant Developmental Biology, headed by Prof. Dr. George Coupland, examines how environmental signals are transmitted and affect the timing of flowering. Of particular interest are those mechanisms, which enable plants in a position to perceive seasonal changes in day length and initiate flowering in response thereto. Thale cress and barley ( Hordeum vulgare) and perennial plant species serve as model organisms.
The central research theme of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics ( Maarten Koornneef Prof. Dr. ) is the study of genetic variability in livestock and model plants. The researchers analyze characteristics such as seed dormancy ( dormancy), disease resistance and branching, which are of importance for plant breeding. Objective is to understand the genetic, physiological and molecular basis of the properties and their variations, which are relevant for the performance and adapt to specific conditions of crops.
Public relations
For groups and school classes the MPIPZ constantly offers guided tours of the institute. The program will be coordinated with the educational background and interests of the visitors.
In the educational gardens of the Institute visitors in the summer breeding Hands-on Research: There about 100 crop species are grown. At selected specimens can be observed, for example, differences between wild forms, ancient culture and modern species cultivated forms. One can also see fruits like the Jostabeere, a bred in the Institute intersection between currant and gooseberry. A summary of important information about the most famous crop is also located on the website under the following link: crop exhibition at MPIPZ
Science barn
The barn Science ( WiS ) is an institution of MPIPZ can experience science first hand in the visitor. The spectrum of research ranges from the DNA molecule to the cultivation of new crop varieties. Topics of basic research and visitors can discover in a playful worlds of experience both in the barn of the farm as well as in the show garden.
International Max Planck Research School ( IMPRS )
Since January 2001, is located at the Institute, the International Max Planck Research School on the Molecular Basis of Plant Development and Environmental Interactions. The interdisciplinary doctoral program in English is aimed at highly motivated students with the purpose of promoting new, groundbreaking research. Within this " research school " cooperates, the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research at the University of Cologne (Institute of Botany, Institute of Biochemistry ), the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry ( Poznan, Poland ), the Institute of Plant Sciences ( Gif- sur- Yvette, France ) and the Biological Research Center ( Szeged, Hungary). Speaker of the IMPRS is George Coupland, who is also director of the Institute. End of 2012, the IMPRS was extended by six years for the period 2014 to 2019.