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Whole-plant responses to elevated CO2 and climate change
Plants have been faced with changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations throughout their evolutionary history. Yet, plant responses to elevated CO2 are often complicated by other factors such as temperature, water and nitrogen availability, growth habit, morphology, and sink capacity. Our lab is investigating the effects of elevated CO2 on assimilation and allocation of carbon to various functional sinks such as growth, storage, symbionts, and defense compounds in cultivated plants. We also seek ways to improve crop water use efficiency and mitigate plant stress with an emphasis on methods that apply physiological and ecological principles. |
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Ecophysiology of plant-microbe interactions
We investigate the ecophysiology of how endophytes and pathogens function in regulating the growth and stress responses of host plants. We seek effective ecological approaches for mitigating plant biotic and abiotic stress, promoting growth, and improving plant health. |
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Crop modeling
Mechanistic process-based models that are based on current science can provide critical insights for understanding the linkage among individual components within a complex biological and ecological systems. Similarly, mechanistic crop models can play a central role in identifying adaptive solutions and effective strategies for achieving food security while preserving the environment in agroecosystems. We develop and apply crop simulation models for field and fruit tree crops (i.e., maize, garlic, apple) with an aim to apply the models for facilitating adaptive policy and management decisions in a changing climate. |
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