Collaborative Research Centre: Phenotypic plasticity in plants-Mechanisms, constraints and evolution

Aims

The project B3 aims to investigate the genetic basis of variation in LES (Leaf Economic Spectrum) traits among different species, analyse the functional relationships between LES traits and environmental conditions, and study the evolutionary and ecological implications of LES trait variability.

Approach

We will conduct extensive field sampling across diverse environments to collect data on LES traits, perform genomic sequencing and trait analysis on the collected samples, and utilize statistical models to identify genetic loci associated with LES traits and their response to environmental gradients.

Expected Outcome

The project aims to provide insights into plant adaptation strategies, aiding in the development of resilient crops and better management of natural ecosystems. Understanding the genomic and functional mechanisms underlying LES variation will contribute to our knowledge of plant ecology and evolution in the face of environmental changes.

Persons Involved

PIs

Prof. Dr. Anja Linstädter

Prof. Dr. Michael Lenhard

PostDoc

Dr. Vera Hesen

Cooperation partners

Leibniz Institute of Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP), Potsdam

Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Großbeeren

Humboldt Universität, Berlin

Outreach

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 A. C. Westerband, J. L. Funk, K. E. Barton, Intraspecific trait variation in plants: a renewed focus on its role in ecological processes. Ann. Bot. 127, 397-410 (2021).

 A. Estarague et al., Into the range: a latitudinal gradient or a center-margins differentiation of ecological strategies in Arabidopsis thaliana? Ann. Bot. 129, 343-356 (2022).

A. Fajardo, A. Siefert, Intraspecific trait variation and the leaf economics spectrum across resource gradients and levels of organization. Ecology 99, 1024-1030 (2018).

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C. M. Lorts, J. R. Lasky, Competition× drought interactions change phenotypic plasticity and the direction of selection on Arabidopsis traits. New Phytol. (2020). Project B3 Linstädter, Lenhard

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