An exploration of how plant genome size and polyploidy impacts ecology

The focus of this research is to study the fundamental role that genome size and polyploidy plays as a sink for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and in influencing photosynthetic efficiency and  plant competivity. We study how genome size and polyploidy have cascading effects at multiple levels of biodiversity, from the genome to the ecosystem. Of particular importance to this study is how the huge 2,400-fold range in angiosperm genome sizes influences ecology and shapes the distribution and persistence of biodiversity, particularly in environments with limiting N and P.

We are interested in research projects in the following areas of study: [1] Genome size, N and P use efficiency influencing plant growth and competivity. [2] The role of genome size and polyploidy in influencing the ecological and geographical distribution of species.

If you are interested in undertaking research into these areas please contact me.