Speaker
Description
Plant genetics has long relied on the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, which has been instrumental in uncovering the molecular basis of ecologically important adaptations—such as temperature sensing, flowering time regulation, and communication with microbial and fungal pathogens. However, most gene functions have been studied under controlled laboratory conditions, often overlooking the complexity of natural environments.To bridge this gap, we conducted an extensive ecological study over five years, focusing on field phenotyping of A. thaliana across contrasting natural habitats. Using over 35,000 trait measurements collected from naturally occurring plants in situ, we captured intraspecific variation in growth, morphology, and developmental timing. These data enabled us to quantify phenotypic plasticity in response to seasonal and interannual variation in key abiotic factors such as temperature.Transcriptomic profiling of more than 1,500 individual plants allowed us to directly link gene functions to ecologically relevant traits, revealing novel genes and regulatory networks involved in seasonal growth regulation and stress responses. We extend this approach to leaf microbiome profiling, showing that microbial community composition (i) varies between seasons and locations and (ii) is closely associated with trait variation. This suggests microorganisms are important biotic factors, and their interactions with plants play a significant role in modulating phenotypic plasticity in natural environments.
By embedding A. thaliana within its ecological context, we demonstrate that this model species can serve as a powerful system for dissecting the molecular basis of plant adaptation in the wild. Building on this framework, we are now extending our approach to additional plant species as a blueprint for integrating molecular resolution with ecological realism—opening new avenues for understanding plant adaptation and resilience under changing environmental conditions.
| Status Group | Senior Scientist |
|---|---|
| Poster Presentation Option | Undecided/No preference |
