Salvador Nogués Mestres is Professor from Department of Plant Physiology at University of Barcelona. His topic of interest is Carbon and Nitrogen metabolisms, Photosynthesis, respiration, drought, UV-B

My main research interest is in the effects of environmental stress on the photosynthetic and respiratory capacities of plants. At present, at the University of Barcelona, I study the respiratory carbon metabolism after photosynthesis in crops using ¹³C/¹²C. isotope labelling. I'm also interested in the effect of increase in drought and changes in water availability (associated with the global climate change) on the photosynthetic characteristics of Mediterranean vegetation and crops grown in the field and in controlled environmental conditions. This work has been focused on stomatal responses, carbohydrate metabolism (Calvin cycle enzymes and end-product limitations), thylakoid electron transport (photoinhibition and alternative electron sinks) and• photosynthetic productivity. Also I have interest in the effects of UV-B radiation (associated with the stratospheric ozone depletion) on photosynthesis in crops and Mediterranean plants and the interactive effects of this radiation with drought. The study of physiological and agronomic behaviour of perennial grasses that generate biomass for energy production as fossil fuel substitute is an alternative for sustainable development. Species such as Panicum virgatum L., Miscanthus x giganteus and Arundo donax L., is characterized by drought resistant, require less energy inputs (fertilizers, pesticides) and can be cultivated on marginal land.