María José Villarroel Contreras
About me
I am a biologist interested in plant physiology, plant-microorganism interactions, and the conservation of native Chilean plant species. My research experience includes the study of native Proteaceae, plant-fungal interactions, bioinoculants to improve seed germination, and the conservation and health of native tree species. My current research focuses on Araucaria araucana and its associated disease. I am particularly interested in understanding plant responses to environmental and biological stress and applying this knowledge to plant conservation.
I am a biologist with a strong interest in plant physiology, plant-environment interactions, biodiversity, conservation, and plant-microorganism interactions. My academic and research experience has focused on native Chilean plant species and on understanding biological processes that influence plant development, health, and responses to environmental conditions.
During my academic training, I worked as a thesis student on native Chilean plant species, including the Proteaceae *Gevuina avellana* and *Orites myrtoidea*. This experience strengthened my interest in plant physiology and in understanding how native plants respond to their environmental conditions. I also worked as a thesis student studying fungi associated with the native Chilean orchids *Gavilea longibracteata* and *Gavilea odoratissima*, developing an interest in plant-fungal interactions and their potential role in plant development.
More recently, my research has focused on the use of bioinoculants to improve the germination of *Nothofagus obliqua* and *Nothofagus alpina*. This work has strengthened my interest in beneficial plant-microorganism interactions and in the application of biological approaches to support the propagation and conservation of native tree species.
Currently, I am working on the conservation of *Araucaria araucana*, focusing on the study of the disease affecting this species and its association with the fungal pathogen *Pewenomyces kutranfy*. Through this research, I aim to contribute to a better understanding of the factors affecting the health and conservation of this ecologically and culturally important native species.
My research interests encompass plant physiology, plant-microorganism interactions, environmental responses, biodiversity conservation, and plant health. I am particularly interested in understanding how biological and environmental factors influence plant development, adaptation, and survival, and in applying this knowledge to the conservation of native plant species in the context of environmental change and climate change.
My long-term goal is to continue developing as a researcher in plant physiology and plant-environment interactions, integrating physiological, ecological, and microbiological approaches to address challenges related to the conservation and sustainable management of native plant biodiversity.