My research goal is to understand the hormonal mechanisms that induce and regulate plant vascular differentiation, focusing on improving fiber production and wood quality formation in forest trees.

The research addresses fundamental issues of plant hormone biology: hormone production, transport pathways and hormonal mechanisms that control the differentiation of various cell types in the xylem and phloem of organized tissues, tumors and galls. We analyze pattern formation of various cell types in trees and herbaceous model plants; study their function, environmental adaptation and evolution from conifers to ring-porous trees.

Currently, endogenous hormonal concentrations are being modified with molecular and physiological tools for improving wood quality, increasing long fiber production and reducing resin cavities.