EEB Seminar Announcement
Dr. Kadeem Gilbert, Michigan State University
Emerging Lecturer: Ecology & Global Change Biology
Seminar Title: Phytotelmata and phylloplane: Leaf traits mediate biotic interactions
Brief abstract: Leaf surfaces are typically occupied by a variety of arthropods and microbes. In some specialized plants like carnivorous pitcher plants, the leaf is modified into a water-impounding structure that hosts a miniature aquatic ecosystem (phytotelm). Whether flat leaves or pitchers, plants in general have the potential to modify the environmental conditions on their leaf surfaces. I will discuss such plant-regulated abiotic factors and how they influence their symbiotic inhabitants in turn. In the first sections, I will explore the role of digestive fluid properties and external environmental gradients in shaping the phytotelm communities of tropical Asian pitcher plants (genus Nepenthes). I will close by expanding out to gain a mechanistic understanding of leaf surface (phylloplane) pH regulation in a variety of plant lineages, and how those physiological differences shape the microbial communities living on the phylloplane. This work spans a variety of approaches, from field ecology to metabarcoding and transcriptomics.
Faculty Host: Dr. Jim Bever
In person: 1005 Haworth Hall
Zoom: https://kansas.zoom.us/j/93939159470
Meeting ID: 939 3915 9470
Passcode: 471090
Coffee and light refreshments at 3:30 PM
Seminar from 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Seminar Title: Phytotelmata and phylloplane: Leaf traits mediate biotic interactions
Brief abstract: Leaf surfaces are typically occupied by a variety of arthropods and microbes. In some specialized plants like carnivorous pitcher plants, the leaf is modified into a water-impounding structure that hosts a miniature aquatic ecosystem (phytotelm). Whether flat leaves or pitchers, plants in general have the potential to modify the environmental conditions on their leaf surfaces. I will discuss such plant-regulated abiotic factors and how they influence their symbiotic inhabitants in turn. In the first sections, I will explore the role of digestive fluid properties and external environmental gradients in shaping the phytotelm communities of tropical Asian pitcher plants (genus Nepenthes). I will close by expanding out to gain a mechanistic understanding of leaf surface (phylloplane) pH regulation in a variety of plant lineages, and how those physiological differences shape the microbial communities living on the phylloplane. This work spans a variety of approaches, from field ecology to metabarcoding and transcriptomics.
Faculty Host: Dr. Jim Bever
In person: 1005 Haworth Hall
Zoom: https://kansas.zoom.us/j/93939159470
Meeting ID: 939 3915 9470
Passcode: 471090
Coffee and light refreshments at 3:30 PM
Seminar from 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
