The Department of Bioorganic Chemistry of Prof. Boland focuses on the elucidation of defense and interactive mechanisms of different organisms.
Modern analytical methods are applied to identify high- and low-molecular elicitors and signal-transducers, and to analyze the biosynthetic pathways of volatiles and defense compounds in plants and insects. The defensive glandular systems in leaf beetle larvae are another part of the research efforts. The biosynthetic potential of insects is strongly enhanced by their commensal gut bacteria or by endosymbionts. A further research focus addresses the detoxification of plant toxins with the help of gut bacteria.