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Summer Research Project 2019

  • Title: Group Project: Invasive plant driven responses to global climate change across a latitudinal gradient
  • Group Project Leader: Kristina Stinson
  • Mentors: Michelle Jackson; Chloe Thompson
  • Collaborators: Michelle Jackson; Kristina Stinson
  • Project Description:

    Biological invasion of non-native species threatens biodiversity across ecosystems. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a particularly noxious species that has drastically altered the composition of native plant and soil communities in New England, and along the eastern coast of the United States. In addition to high seed production, the mechanism behind the success of garlic mustard has been attributed to the production of allelopathic phytochemicals. These toxic chemical compounds inhibit mycorrhizae (fungal root symbionts) that benefit local plants. Extensive research has been conducted on the loss and potential recovery of such important plant-fungal symbioses within native populations. However, the impending pressures of climate change within this region warrant further investigation into the direct and indirect physiological responses of garlic mustard to novel abiotic effects from their environment. Additionally, studying garlic mustard plants from different latitudes may inform predictions of shifts in the geographic range of this species over time.

    We will conduct a series of experiments to evaluate the ecophysiological responses of garlic mustard to global climate change parameters across spatial scales. This data will aid in the development of long-term management plans to conserve native diversity at sites invaded by garlic mustard and assist in tracking the spread of populations under predicted climate scenarios. Our project objectives include: 1) Measure garlic mustard’s response to increased warming and nitrogen treatments, and 2) Address genetic variation in the ecophysiology of populations from different latitudes.

    In summer 2019 we will begin research associated both proposed objectives. Tasks will involve both field and lab components conducted at Harvard Forest, with some possible additional work taking place on campus at UMass Amherst. Garlic mustard specimens grown in a greenhouse will be subjected to warming and nitrogen treatments. Physiological measurements such as photosynthetic, carbon dioxide, and light response curves will be taken using a LI-COR 6400. Data on growth and reproduction will also be collected from local populations of garlic mustard growing at Harvard Forest and nearby sites.

    We are seeking to recruit a student who is interested in gaining experience working with invasive species and learning techniques to study plant ecophysiology/community ecology. The student will be trained on how to use the LI-COR, collect growth and reproductive data, and get experience using R to perform statistical analyses. He/she will contribute to the project by collecting phenological and/or reproductive measurements of garlic mustard, assisting with LI-COR measurements, help plant seeds for ecotypic variation experiment.

    The student will work most closely with PhD student Michelle Jackson, but also get project support from Dr. Kristina Stinson. Michelle Jackson will be on site at Harvard Forest 1-2 days each week, as she is based at the Stinson lab at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. The student will be expected to send daily updates and communicate their progress to Michelle when she is off site.

    Required: Applicant must have a valid driver's license as he/she may be asked meet with Michelle and Dr. Stinson at the University of Massachusetts Amherst or travel to field sites separately.

    Desired Skills: The applicant
    - Should be comfortable working outside for long periods of time, as field work will take place in varying weather conditions and potentially difficult terrain.
    - Must be able to lift up to 30lbs.
    - Interested in invasion and community ecology

  • Readings:

    Anderson, L. J., and Cipollini, D. (2013). Gas exchange, growth, and defense responses of invasive Alliaria petiolata (Brassicaceae) and native Geum vernum (Rosaceae) to elevated atmospheric CO2 and warm spring temperatures. American Journal of Botany 100(8): 1544–1554.

    Haines, D.F., Aylward, J.A., Frey, S.D., and Stinson, K.A. (2018). Regional patterns of floristic diversity and composition in forests invaded by garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Northeastern Naturalist 25: 399-417.

    Hale, A. N., Tonsor, S. J., and Kalisz, S. (2011). Testing the mutualism disruption hypothesis: physiological mechanisms for invasion of intact perennial plant communities. Ecosphere 2(9): 110.doi:10.1890/ES11-00136.1

    Merow, C., Bois, S. T., Allen, J. M., Xie, Y., and Silander, J. A. (2017). Climate change both facilitates and inhibits invasive plant ranges in New England. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 114(16): E3276–E3284.

    Stinson, K.A., Campbell, S.A., Powell, J.R., Wolfe, B.E., Callaway, R.M., Thelen, G.C., Hallett, S.G., Prati, D., and Klironomos, J.N. (2006). Invasive plant suppresses the growth of native tree seedlings by disrupting belowground mutualisms. PLoS Biology 4: 727-731.

    Wheeler, J.A., Frey, S.D. and Stinson, K.A. (2017). Tree seedling responses to multiple environmental stresses: Interactive effects of soil warming, nitrogen fertilization, and plant invasion. Forest Ecology and Management 403: 44-51.

  • Research Category: Physiological Ecology, Population Dynamics, and Species Interactions, Invasive Plants, Pests & Pathogens, Conservation and Management