Phenotypic plasticity in plants: evolution, adaptation and its relevance in a changing climate

Although environmentally induced variation in phenotype, or phenotypic plasticity, is ubiquitous, fundamental questions remain poorly understood. E.g.: When is plasticity adaptive? What traits show such plasticity? Does plasticity contribute to diversification? Does plasticity in hold potential for breeding crop plants in a changing climate? Research in my lab explores plant phenotypic plasticity from perspectives ranging from evolutionary theory to applications in industry. The future fellowship will support important international collaborative research that will determine the relevance of phenotypic plasticity in crop breeding for food production and in the conservation and management of our native flora.