Agriculture, Environment, and Biodiversity (AEB) Division

Platforms, technical facilities, infrastructure, and services

DNA Analysis, Genotyping, and Genomics

  • Montpellier GenomiX (MGX) Platform of the Biocampus Joint Service Unit, which offers cutting-edge technologies in the field of genomics. It is part of the France Génomique National Infrastructure.
    • In particular, through:
      • High-Throughput qPCR Platform – environmental genomics that enables the quantification of gene expression via quantitative PCR (qPCR), the detection and quantification of viruses or bacteria, and genotyping using high-resolution melting (HRM) curves.
  • Genotyping and Sequencing Facility (GenSeq) which specializes in molecular genetic analysis technologies as part of research programs focusing primarily on evolutionary biology and the ecology of wild and/or heritage species
  • Degraded DNA Kit (ANDdeg) which enables the extraction of degraded DNA with the scientific rigor essential for validating results (physically separate pre- and post-PCR laboratories; facilities and equipment strictly dedicated to pre-PCR experiments).
  • Evolutionary Cytogenomics Platform (CytoEvol) which enables the analysis of the structure and content of karyotypes, chromosomes, and chromatin.
  • Molecular Biodiversity Research Group which is dedicated to analyzing biological diversity through the study of genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic variation in a variety of non-model organisms (animals, plants, fungi, and microbes).
  • Functional Analysis and Genome Editing Platform (AFEG) whose mission is to provide plant science communities with the environment and tools needed to conduct studies on Mediterranean and tropical species aimed at elucidating gene function.
  • Molecular Cytogenetics Platform which aim to study the architecture of genomes at the chromosomal level and to analyze chromosomal pairings.
  • Genomics, Molecular Ecology, and Experimental Evolution Platform (GEMEX) which facilitates the development and provision of tools and techniques in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and microbiology.
  • Epigenomic and Environmental Platform (P2E) which offers the ability to conduct molecular biology experiments (“wet-bench”) and analyze data from high-throughput sequencing approaches (“dry-bench”) in the fields of epigenetics, epigenomics, and population epigenetics.
  • "Molecular Biology" Technical Facility which generates the genetic data necessary for characterizing biodiversity and conducting studies in phylogenetics and population genetics, as well as for studying genome structure, organism adaptation, and gene function in species or communities of interest.

Chemical, biological, biotechnological, and physiological analyses

  • ECOTROP Platform which facilitates the receipt, preparation, storage, and handling of soil from third countries requiring quarantine measures (Level L2).
  • Chemical Analyses in Ecology (PACE) which enables the performance of chemical (and microbiological) analyses without any a priori restrictions on taxonomic group or ecosystem.
  • Ecophysiology Division which studies and seeks to understand the physiological functioning and adaptive responses of plants in their environment.
  • Mycology Lab that allows for the handling and study of fungi compatible with containment level L1 and includes a collection of pathogenic fungi.
  • Cell Engineering Research Group (InCell) which specializes in various approaches to cell engineering applied to the improvement of tropical and Mediterranean species, primarily in terms of adaptive responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.
  • Bioch&Spir Platform This platform enables the identification and analysis of metabolites of interest to help understand how plants function in their environment and their adaptive responses.
  • Seed Characterization Platform enables seed characterization and the study of germination kinetics using a dedicated automated system.
  • Plant Electrophysiology Platform (PEP) which offers opportunities for heterologous expression in various animal and plant cellular systems and the functional characterization of membrane proteins, particularly through electrophysiological approaches.
  • Multi-Element Analysis Service (SAME) of the IPSIM Joint Research Unit (UMR), which analyzes the elemental composition of plant samples (roots, leaves, fruits, seeds, cellular fluids, etc.) as well as soil samples.
  • Polyphenols Platform (PFP) which enables the characterization and analysis of phenolic compounds or supramolecular systems involving them.
  • Spectral Methods Laboratory which enables the analysis of large batches of agri-food samples using methods such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Frontal Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
  • Molecular Biology Laboratory which enables the use of molecular biology tools to characterize microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) in food matrices.
  • Contaminant Analysis Laboratory which has recognized expertise in mycotoxin analysis based on internationally recognized reference methods that have been validated through interlaboratory testing.
  • Microbiology Laboratory dedicated to the study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms in Groups 1 and 2. These may include pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, mycotoxin-producing molds) or microorganisms of technological interest (fermentation, biopreservation, biocontrol, etc.).
  • Optics Laboratory whose goal is to develop sensors for characterizing the media at the heart of agrobioprocesses. Part of the Hélio-SPIR network.
  • Histology/Biomechanics Technical Facility dedicated to the Instron 5200 mechanical testing machine, equipped with a video extensometer that can be used for a wide range of tests, including flexural strength and fracture testing.
  • Molecular Biology & Transcriptomics Facility for detailed molecular biology analyses, ranging from nucleic acid quantification and quality control to the study of gene expression in hosts and/or pathogens, including high-throughput applications.
  • Flow cytometry platform that enables the simultaneous measurement of multiple physical (size and granularity) and molecular characteristics of numerous cell types (eukaryotes, bacteria, yeasts, parasites, etc.), as well as membrane molecules (receptors, surface proteins) or intracellular molecules, using flow cytometry technology.
  • Montpellier Technical Platform of the Recycling and Risks Research Unit (UR) is equipped with the following analytical instruments: CPG, Shimadzu TOC meter, HPIC, incubators, experimental column elution systems, Wind bench, infiltrometer, phytotrons, and a grinding room.
  • Laboratory Analysis Facility (LAF) brings together all of the UMR’s technical expertise, equipment, and facilities necessary for observation, measurement, and experimentation in the laboratory.
  • Physiology Laboratory which supports research conducted at the SELMET Joint Research Unit on the physiology of farm animals, including the analysis (biochemical and immunological assays: RIA, ELISA, etc.) of a range of blood metabolites (development and performance of assays for glucose, AGNE, BOHB, progesterone, LH, insulin, T3, etc.).
  • Extraction and Biochemical Analyses which characterizes the constituent molecules of natural rubber, as well as the macromolecules and extractables present in plant biomass.
  • "Soil, Water, and Plant Analysis" Service Unit. The management of cultivated land relies on knowledge of soil fertility and monitoring of plant nutrition. Physicochemical analyses form the basis of any effort to improve productivity.

Imaging

  • Montpellier Rio Imaging (MRI) Platform of the Biocampus Joint Service Unit, which serves as the cellular imaging platform for the Montpellier region and provides access to state-of-the-art equipment in optical and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and X-ray microtomography.
  • Microtomography (X-ray) Facility which uses microtomography (XMT), a non-destructive structural analysis method that combines X-ray imaging with tomographic algorithms.
  • Microtomography Stage which allows for the non-destructive study of the internal structure of an object (biological or non-biological).
  • In vivo imaging platform: an imaging device used to study infection in animals and track infected animals using a bioluminescently labeled pathogen. This system can be used not only on small rodents—such as mice and rats—but also on ticks and other insects.
  • Imaging tray, enables the imaging of pathogens or symbiotic organisms in plants and/or insect vectors.

Food, food and non-food processing, sensory analysis

  • Food Technology Workshop (ATA) at the University of Montpellier, which is a technology platform dedicated to education, research, and technology transfer in the fields of agri-food and bio-industries.
  • Agri-Food Technology Platform specializing in food process engineering, which makes its multidisciplinary expertise available to research projects involving countries in the Global South and supports regional technical centers and agri-food companies.
  • Micronutrient Pharmacology Platform whose area of expertise is the functional and molecular pharmacology of products derived from food biodiversity, with the aim of characterizing the health effects of food.
  • Sensory Analysis Laboratory that provides expertise, services, and scientific support in sensory analysis for various research projects focused on tropical products of plant or animal origin.
  • Sensory Analysis Laboratory (PTAS) whose mission is to measure and evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of wines and grape juices through a panel of selected and trained experts.
  • Biotechnology Facility that enables the cultivation of microorganisms and the production, purification, and characterization of biomolecules and proteins.
  • Durability and Wood Protection to conduct durability tests and evaluate the effectiveness of various protection systems for wood and wood-based materials.
  • Physical and Mechanical Characterization conducts tests to characterize the properties of tropical and Mediterranean woods, wood-based products, and other woody materials (coconut palm, bamboo, etc.).
  • Extraction and Biochemical Analyses which characterizes the constituent molecules of natural rubber, as well as the macromolecules and extractables present in plant biomass.
  • Machining Center is equipped with all the necessary and appropriate equipment for the various stages of machining and processing the selected tropical and temperate woods.
  • Laboratory-scale reactors used to conduct more fundamental studies aimed at better understanding the thermochemical transformation mechanisms involved in recovery processes.
  • Semi-industrial reactors that enable the study of transformations through pyrolysis, torrefaction, combustion, and gasification on a sufficiently large scale (10 to 100 kWh), making it possible to predict the behavior of future innovative industrial processes for biomass valorization.

Vectors, Pests, and Diseases

  • Sugar Cane Quarantine Greenhouse (Visacane) which supplies disease-free sugarcane varieties worldwide to the sugar industry and plant breeding centers.
  • National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (CNR-L) which carries out the various tasks assigned to National Reference Centers (CNRs) in the field of Leishmania and leishmaniasis: providing expert advice, conducting epidemiological surveillance, issuing alerts, and advising public authorities and healthcare professionals.
  • Vectoplante which comprises a set of platforms dedicated to the rearing and handling of insects that transmit plant pathogens.
  • High-throughput molecular diagnostics platform dedicated to the high-throughput detection and molecular characterization of pathogens, including bluetongue, avian influenza, swine fever, classical swine fever, small ruminant pox, and Rift Valley fever…

Experimental greenhouses and agronomic, ecological, and plant-related experiments in controlled environments

  • Montpellier Experimental Greenhouse Network (RéSEM) whose role is to bring together the community of users of greenhouses intended for experimentation and education, as well as to structure and coordinate a policy based on a set of guidelines (regulations, environmental and energy considerations, billing, ergonomics, metrology, training, technology watch, etc.).
  • Montpellier Plant Phenotyping Platform (M3P ) , which conducts high-throughput phenotyping to analyze and model the genetic variability in plants’ responses to environmental stresses and climate change (particularly drought and high temperatures). Member of the PHENOME-EMPHASIS National Plant Phenomics Infrastructure,
  • Root Development Phenotyping Platform (PhR) which enables the non-destructive, kinetic analysis of root system growth in seedlings of various species (Arabidopsis, rice, tomato, rapeseed, Medicago, etc.) grown in vitro.
  • Plant Cultivation Facility provides the scientific community with tools (greenhouses and phytotrons) to address major challenges such as climate change, food security, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.

Participation in national research infrastructures:

Agronomic and/or ecological experiments and observations in the field and/or in situ

  • DIASCOPE Experimental Unit A site for the study and observation of diversity (of plants and biodiversity in general) and their ability to adapt to various environments. Member of the PHENOME-EMPHASIS National Plant Phenomics Infrastructure, for the DiaPhen Platform)
  • Pech Rouge Experimental Unit to design and organize research in the field of viticulture and oenology, while ensuring the transfer and promotion of the most innovative initiatives.
  • Puéchabon Experimental Site dedicated to the study of major environmental issues, including biodiversity, global change, and sustainable development. Member of the National Infrastructure for Ecosystem Analysis and Experimentation (AnaEE-France)
  • CEFE Experimental Site which is a site for generating and collecting data through in-situ experiments conducted under natural or controlled conditions in the field of ecology. Accredited by Labex Cemeb.

Participation in national research infrastructures:

Earth, Water, and the Environment: Measurement, Experimentation, and Observation

  • Regional EcoTech Platform, which aims to stimulate innovation in the field of eco-technologies for agriculture, the agri-food industry, renewable energy, water treatment, and waste management: Environmental Biotechnology and Biorefinery Platform (Bio2E) – Research and Experimentation Platform Dedicated to Irrigation (PReSTI) – Technical Platform for Reducing Agricultural Pollution from Pesticides (REDUCPOL) – Technical Platform for Energy Recovery from Biomass (BIOFUEL)
  • Geosciences Montpellier Technical Facilities. Research at Geosciences Montpellier is organized around five technical and analytical facilities: Geochemistry, Microscopy and Microanalysis, Experimentation, Field Instrumentation, and Rock Preparation

Part of the INSU's French Geochemical and Experimental Network (RéGEF) and the Coastal and Littoral Research Infrastructure (ILICO)

  • Long-Term Programs Platform which facilitates the implementation of the numerous long-term field programs developed by CEFE teams and helps ensure their sustainability by pooling resources for fieldwork, storage, and the preservation and promotion of collections.
  • Observations and Experiments Division whose mission is to set up experiments and conduct measurements in the laboratory and in the field, as part of the OMERE Research Observatory and for research projects led by LISAH’s scientific teams
  • Paleobotany Platform provides tools for preparing anatomical sections of plant fossils preserved in rock.
  • Morphometry Station allows users to take photos and measurements of seeds and fruits, as well as teeth and anatomical features of wood.
  • Carpology-Anthracology Workshop allows for preservation in archaeological sediments or certain natural soils, in a charred state, waterlogged, or, more rarely, dried out or mineralized.
  • Paleontology Lab comprises the pollen extraction/processing laboratory (PollenExtra platform) and the optical microscopy room.
  • Morphometry Station allows users to take photos and measurements of seeds and fruits, as well as teeth and anatomical features of wood.
  • Preparation Station for extractions and chemical or mechanical preparations of study materials, whether paleontological, archaeological, or modern.

Participation in national research infrastructures:

Digital infrastructure, online tools, collaborative platforms, modeling

  • Pl@ntNet a participatory platform for plant identification and plant biodiversity.
  • South Green Bioinformatics Platform A bioinformatics platform dedicated to bioinformatics applied to the genetics and genomics of tropical and Mediterranean plants of agronomic interest.
  • Mimosa Platform an integrated multi-paradigm modeling and simulation platform.
  • Cormas Platform a multi-agent modeling and simulation platform specialized for the management of renewable resources.
  • DATA Shared Service enables the management, processing, and sharing of data, particularly geospatial data.
  • Digital Ecology Platform (DEN) The objective is to establish, coordinate, and pool technical resources, as well as to facilitate the exchange of methodologies and new approaches to support the digital aspects of scientific research.
  • Bioinformatics Platform is dedicated to bioinformatics applied to the genetics and genomics of tropical and Mediterranean plants of agronomic interest.

Participation in national research infrastructures:

Collections and Genetic Resources

Participation in national research infrastructures: