Phenology
Phenology is the study of nature's seasonal events e.g. the timing of flowering, insect emergence and arrival of migratory birds. Phenology is often related to climate and, as the climate warms, we are observing shifts in phenology. Our lab studies the impacts of climate change on reproductive (flower and fruit) and vegetative (leaf out and leaf senescence) phenology. We use herbarium specimens, long-term monitoring and warming experiments to quantify plant phenological shifts and responses to climate change. In addition, we study evolutionary (i.e. phylogenetic) and plant trait patterns in plant phenology and responses to climate change.
Climate extremes
Climate extremes are now considered an integral part of contemporary climate change. With the increase in frequency and magnitude of climate extremes our lab is researching the impacts of climate extremes on seed germination, seedling vigour, phenology, plant traits and plant community composition. Climate extremes we are focusing on are heat waves, cold snaps, rain events and high inter-annual temperature variation.
Germination and growth of Arctic louseworts
Arctic lousewort species (Pedicularis sp.) are a traditional food source for Inuit. Their carrot like tap root and sweet flowers are eaten. To address food security and sovereignty, communities in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut are interested in growing traditional foods in their communities. However, Arctic lousewort seeds are difficult to germinate and the plants are hemi-parasitic requiring a host plant to survive and grow. We are working towards developing a protocol for growing louseworts in indoor growing systems in the Arctic. Currently we are investigating if mycorrhizal fungi are mediating germination and growth of Pedicularis langsdorfii.
Flower-visitors
Flower-visiting insects provide valuable pollination services that support human health and well-being. However, pollinators are threatened by human activities and are declining in numbers and diversity. In North America, the introduced European honeybee may also be contributing to the decline in native pollinators. To understand the effects of declining insect populations and pollination services, research is needed to determine which floral species are visited by which pollinating insects. We are collaborating with an international group of researcher at botanical gardens around the world on a broad survey to address the questions: (i) Which plant species are visited by which flower-visiting insects? (ii) Are there any evolutionary and ecological factors that affect which plant species are visited by different insects? (iii) Are European honeybees out-competing other types of flower visitors, or are they able to coexist and forage together? and (iv) What is the relative importance of seasonality, flowering time, time of day, and weather on levels of flower-visitor activity?
Leaf marcescence
Leaf marcescence is a phenomenon where leaves persist on trees and shrubs after they have senesced. Oaks and beeches are classic examples of species that retain their senesced leaves over the winter. However, the taxonomic and geographical extent of leaf marcescence in woody plants and factors contributing to leaf marcescence intra- and inter-specifically is not well understood. We are collaborating with an international group of researchers at arboretums and botanical gardens around the world to gather data on leaf marcescence to address the questions: (i) Which woody plant species exhibit marcescence and is it evolutionarily conserved? (ii) Where do marcescent species grow in nature? (iii) How does marcescence vary among individuals of the same species and what factors influence this?