Projects
How does loss of enemies alter the evolution of plant defenses? A field experimental test across three study systems Ghent University
Networks of species are changing at an unprecedented rate due to a range of human-related
factors. Often species are lost, leading to simpler communities. Like most organisms, plants have to
cope with multiple enemies. Most plant species are attacked by a multitude of herbivores and
pathogens. If certain enemies are lost, it seems intuitive that plants should invest less in defense.
This has often been cited as an ...
The impact of dosage-sensitive gene families on plant evolution and their use as genome duplication markers Ghent University
Whole-genome duplications (WGDs) in plants and other organisms are important evolutionary events that have been linked to survival of ecological catastrophes, increased speciation, expansion of the regulatory repertoire of species and evolutionary innovation. But many questions concerning the involvement of WGDs in these processes remain unresolved. We propose to study the impact of WGDs on plant diversification in more detail. We will make ...
Forest plant dynamics along a latitudinal gradient Ghent University
Ancient forest species colonize new forests very slowly due to their low colonizing capacity. Because of the predicted temperature rise in the temperate zones however, the actual observed colonizing capacity of these species can alter. This research will quantify plant and population traits along a NW-European latitudinal gradient and predict forest speciesU+2019 response to future climate change.
Phytosanitary status of organisms harmful to plants and plant products Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
The aim of this project is to determine the correct phytosanitary status of 13 well-defined pest insects, one harmful plant fungus, one nematode and one plant virus, and that specifically for the Belgian territory. Taken as a whole, we suspect that they can pose a threat to (parts of) fruit and vegetable growing and tree nurseries. The problem is that so far no extensive survey has been set up ...
Drawing up of a Code Good Practice about measures to prevent wildlife damage by protected species and game species Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
The main goal of this project is to provide an accurate definition of “reasonably achievable preventive measures for wildlife damage” as written in recent legislation on wildlife damage (BVR 3 July 2009). Once these research results are available, we seek to achieve a consensus with several public organizations from the agricultural, nature and hunting sectors. This part of the project lays the ...
Plant conservation in a changing world: modelling range dynamics, climate adaptation, and effects of habitat fragmentation KU Leuven
Climate change can alter the physical and biological parameters of existing habitats, shifting environmental variables beyond the range for which native plant species are adapted. These changes compel plant species to either adapt to new conditions or migrate to areas where conditions remain suitable. Concurrently, habitat fragmentation reduces the amount of suitable habitat and impedes plant species' ability to migrate, thereby reducing the ...
Nitrogen fertilization in ornamental plant production based on in-season demands through proximal sensing and soil modelling KU Leuven
The ornamental plant production sector produces high quality products, but faces challenges in times of increasing environmental constraints.
Growth patterns and nitrogen uptake dynamics of five ornamental crops were determined during three growing seasons (2016-2018). This resulted in nitrogen uptake quantities sufficient for optimum plant quality.
Open field production of herbaceous and woody ornamentals is characterized by a ...
The role of interactions between plants and soil microbes as drivers of non-native plant invasions in cold-climate ecosystems. University of Antwerp
Characterizing and understanding grassland ecosystem functioning. From functional to optical plant traits KU Leuven
Worldwide, grasslands form important ecosystems, providing essential habitats to a wide variety of species. However, these ecosystems experience various pressures, such as climate change and plant invasion, potentially affecting their functioning and thus jeopardizing the services and benefits they provide to humanity. Grassland conservation and restoration initiatives are thus important, and various policy frameworks have been set up. In ...