Danijela Poljuha

Title : Alien invasive plants as food and phytopharmaceuticals

Abstract:

The economic cost of ecological damages caused by invasive alien plant species (IAPS) is significant, but IAPS also have significant social, economic, landscape and ecological value and provide a range of ecosystem services. Some positive aspects of IAPS are their possible use as food and a source of pharmaceutically active compounds. 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. It will also offer an insight into the potential use of invasive plants Robinia pseudoacacia and Helianthus tuberosus found in Istria (Croatia) as food and phytopharmaceuticals.

Audience Take Away Notes: 

• Since today it is very difficult to avoid the introduction and spread of alien species, we are faced with the challenging task of achieving and maintaining balance in the so-called “New Ecosystems”. This presentation will offer new solutions in invasive species management.
• The presentation will provide insight into the potential use of invasive plants as new ecosystem services providers.
• The presented results will contribute to raising awareness of the importance of invasive species management.

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 Poreč, and The Materials Research Center METRIS Pula. She has participated in 27 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.