Prof. Dr. Katalin Posta - MATE Research
Overview
She is the Head of the Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology. Her research activity is structured around two distinct yet complementary research lines, both addressing key biological interactions within the plant–animal–environment continuum.
One major research focus is arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, exploring their fundamental role in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Her work examines AM fungal diversity, plant–fungus symbiosis, interactions with helper and other rhizosphere microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling, and relationships with plant pathogenic microbes. Special attention is given to the role of AM fungi in mitigating biotic and abiotic stress in plants. She was among the pioneers of mycorrhizal research in Hungary, establishing a research group nearly 30 years ago that has trained numerous PhD students now active in academia and applied research both nationally and internationally.
In parallel, she leads an independent research line in microbial biotechnology and microbiomics, focusing on gut microbiota, antimicrobial resistance (ARG), mycotoxins, and environmental stressors such as microplastics. This work investigates how dietary and environmental factors shape microbiota composition and function, affect animal physiology and health, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. A central aim is the development of non-antibiotic strategies, including feed additives and microbiome-based interventions, to reduce antibiotic use while maintaining productivity and gut health in animal and human systems.
Her research is highly interdisciplinary and strongly connected to applied and translational outcomes. She collaborates extensively with national and international research groups, has secured numerous competitive research grants, contributed to the development of three patents, and serves as Editor and former Associate Editor of Cereal Research Communications.
Research keywords:
Publications
Szentpéteri, V., Mayer, Z., & Posta, K. (2023). Mycorrhizal symbiosis-induced abiotic stress mitigation through phosphate transporters in Solanum lycopersicum L. Plant Growth Regulation, 99(2), 265-281. DOI: 10.1007/s10725-022-00906-w
Duc, N. H., Szentpéteri, V., Mayer, Z., & Posta, K. (2023). Distinct impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal isolates on tomato plant tolerance to drought combined with chronic and acute heat stress. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 201, 107892. DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107892
Duc NH, Vo HTN, van Doan C, Hamow KÁ, Le KH and Posta K (2022) Volatile organic compounds shape belowground plant–fungi interactions. Front. Plant Sci. 13:1046685. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1046685
Magurno, F., Malicka, M., Posta, K. et al. (2019). Glomalin gene as molecular marker for functional diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil. Biol Fertil Soils 55, 411–417. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-019-01354-x
Nguyen Hong Duc, Zsolt Csintalan, Katalin Posta. (2018). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mitigate negative effects of combined drought and heat stress on tomato plants,Plant Physiology and Biochemistry,Volume 132, 297-307,
ISSN 0981-9428, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.09.011
Projects
Agricultural biotechnology and precision breeding for food security National Laboratory (RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00007) https://nkfih.gov.hu/green-transition/agribiotechnology-and-precision-breeding-for-food-security-national-laboratory/about
The main objective of the National Laboratory is to give scientifically based responses to complex challenges emerging in agriculture. Several hundreds of the research community of participating institutions with decades of accumulated expertise and unique infrastructure supply basis for achieving their goals. The project integrates the main components of the agroecosystem and the micro-plant-animal triangle assigning food security of „One Health View” set up by WHO as a common goal. The National Laboratory is actively involved in national higher education, the training of future generations of scientists and knowledge transfer.
Evaluation of resistance strategies based on arbuscular mycorrhizae-induced in tomato against powdery mildew and viral pathogens (OTKA).
Studies on the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant-pathogen interactions are surprisingly scarce and contradictory. Results are available solely on AMF single plant-pathogen interactions, but complex interactions with different pathogens were not studied although co-infections are typical in the field. Our aim is to analyze the effect of complex tripartite interactions of AMF-virus (CMV)–plant pathogen fungi (powdery mildew). We will determine the phenotypical changes, infection rate and the physiological, biochemical and molecular background of the complex effects induced by AMF during biotic stresses. We also intend to evaluate the transcriptional profile of plants, as transcription factors, signaling networks, and phytohormones play a significant role in stress response.
Development of an environmentally friendly soil inoculation agent by isolating useful microorganisms against the main pathogens of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family and the abiotic stress effects caused by climate change (2019-2.1.12-TÉT_VN-2020-00001).
A Vietnamese and Hungarian research group is jointly investigating microbiological methods that promote the safety of the natural yield of the economically important crops of the Solenaceae family, focusing their development on heat and drought stress, as well as on overcoming pathogens.
