Danijela Poljuha

Title : Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Two-Faced invasive plants

Abstract:

The economic costs of the ecological harm caused by invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are substantial. However, it is important to recognize that IAPS also hold considerable social, economic, landscape, and ecological value, contributing to various ecosystem services. One crucial factor influencing their invasive capabilities is the phytochemical composition, which primarily drives their environmentally detrimental effects. Conversely, this abundance of phytochemical compounds represents a vast and largely untapped potential for extracting active ingredients, offering significant opportunities for their utilization as phytopharmaceuticals. This presentation will provide an overview of the results of the research project "NATURe as an ALLY: Alien invasive plants as phytopharmaceuticals – NATURALLY" (IP-2020-02-6899) funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. The results of the first LC-MS phytochemical screening and biological activity testing of IAPS extracts in the Istria region (Croatia) will be presented. The presentation will shed light on the possible utilization of investigated IAPS (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Robinia pseudoacacia L., Helianthus tuberosus L., and Solidago canadensis L.) as potential sources of phytopharmaceuticals.

What will audience learn from your presentation?

• Given the current difficulty in preventing the introduction and spread of alien species, we are confronted with the demanding objective of establishing and sustaining balance within the "New Ecosystems." This presentation will propose innovative approaches to achieve sustainable management of invasive species.
• The presentation aims to explore how invasive plants can serve as providers of new ecosystem services, offering valuable insights into their potential utilization as a source of phytopharmaceuticals.
• By presenting these results, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of invasive species management, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of the significance of global climate change's impact and highlighting the need to enhance resilience and adaptability in response to these consequences.

Biography:

Dr Poljuha graduated from molecular biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (Croatia), where she also holds a PhD degree in natural sciences in the field of biology. She has worked as a researcher at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, The Institute of Agriculture and Tourism Porec, and The Materials Research Center METRIS Pula. She has participated in 29 national and international projects and has published over 50 scientific papers. She is the founder of two laboratories and a Biotechnical Department. Her research interests are focused on invasive plants' phytochemistry, plant genetics, and molecular markers' application in the conservation of plant genetic resources. She is also involved with the popularization of science.