Variability in plant traits as a tool to cope with climate change – from phenotypes to genes and back again (2017-2019)
Zuzana Münzbergová, Maan Rokaya, Tomáš Dostálek, Mária Šurinová, Hana Skálová, Jan Čuda, Zuzana Líblová, Andrea Paulů
The aim of our project is to understand species ability to adapt to changing climate using Impatiens species growing on a long elevation gradient in Nepal. Using experiments in a range of controlled conditions, we will separate phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation in plant traits across 20 different Impatiens species originating in different climates. To explore factors affecting the traits, we will correlate differences in plant traits between species with their genetic relatedness and climate of their origin. Plant traits variable along climatic gradient showing low degree of phylogenetic conservatism will be then linked to variation in expression of specific genes controlling these traits. Based on this knowledge, we will be able to predict traits which are under selection in varying climatic conditions and thus predict species ability to cope with the future climate change. Plant traits under selection in changing climate will be then explored in detail at a widespread model species from genus Impatiens distributed along long elevation gradient.
Collaboration:
Daniel Haisel, Helena Synková, Naďa Wilhelmová, Renáta Schnablová, Institute of Experimental Botany, CAS, Prague
Publications:
Münzbergová Z, Kosová V, Schnáblová R, Rokaya M, Synková H, Haisel D, Wilhelmová N, Dostálek T (2020) Plant Origin, but Not Phylogeny, Drive Species Ecophysiological Response to Projected Climate. Frontiers in Plant Science 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00400.
Dostálek T, Rokaya MB, Münzbergová Z (2020) Plant Palatability and Trait Responses to Experimental Warming”. Scientific Reports 10: 10526. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67437-0.
Veselá A, Dostálek T, Rokaya MB, Münzbergová Z (2020) Seed Mass and Plant Home Site Environment Interact to Determine Alpine Species Germination Patterns along an Elevation Gradient. Alpine Botany https://doi.org/10.1007/s00035-020-00242-7.