Plant population dynamics
Plant Ecology
Understanding plant population dynamics is important in ecology and conservation biology including basic (coexistence vs. competitive exclusion) and applied (management of endangered or invasive species) perspectives. We apply experiments and theoretical models to increase understanding of natural and managed plant populations.
Spatial patterns within and among plant species play an important role modifying the relative strength of intra- vs. interpsecific competition. However, empirical knowledge lacks behind theoretical developments and one of our main aims is to experimentally test theoretical models of plant population and community dynamics. In this context, experimentally testing effects of genetic relatedness between individuals is of particular recent interest.
Research topics
- Plant competition and coexistence mechanisms
- Matrix models and population viability analyses (PVA)
- Experimental tests of theoretical predictions
Interdisciplinary
- Genotyping of individual plants
- Computer based simulation models
