Research

Research Project

Phenology of tropical tree species

Phenology of tropical tree species – environmental cues, molecular mechanisms, and consequences for plant-animal interactions

In the project, we will investigate the causes and consequences of regular and synchronized phenological transitions in tropical tree species. Investigating tropical tree phenology requires an integrative approach that takes into account the monitoring of tree phenology, molecular methods to study gene expression, and ecological approaches to study plant-animal interactions.

Research Project

EpiSoma

Causes and consequences of epigenetic diverstity in trees

Trees are emerging as powerful ‘model systems’ to investigate epimutational processes in plants. Given their exceptional longevity, trees act as natural (epi)mutation accumulation systems and permit unprecedented insights into the dynamics, mitotic stability, and functional impact of spontaneous epimutations over time-frames that have been inaccessible to previous prospective studies.

Research Project

Reassembly

Reassembly of interaction networks – Resistance, resilience and functional recovery of a rainforest ecosystem

We will investigate a chronosequence (forest sites recovering for different time spans from a former use as pasture or plantation) to assess and compare the reassembly of interaction networks and trajectories of ecosystem processes. We will quantify the effects of functional traits that are predicted to be important for network reassembly and resilience to perturbations: response traits to environmental conditions, and interaction traits as determinants of network links.

Research Project

TREEvolution

Diversity and management effects on forest evolution

In this project, we aim to investigate the genomic diversity dynamics of beech (Fagus sylvatica) in order to estimate the effect of natural selection in populations among life stages (seedlings, saplings, and adult trees). For this, we carried out a large representative sample across all beech-containing Experimental Forest Plots in the Biodiversity Exploratories.

Research Project

Future Forests

Adaptation of complex social-ecological systems to global change

In the Cluster of Excellence Future Forests, we analysing and developing transformation pathways for forest-based social-ecological systems and will provide the basis for more adaptive forest systems.

Research Project

PhytOakmeter

Using clonal oak phytometers to unravel acclimation and adaptation mechanisms of long-lived forest tree holobionts to ecological variations and climate change

Climate change and global species loss are the major environmental threats to human well-being in the coming decades. However, despite more than 200 years of organized forestry and research in temperate forests, some fundamental knowledge is still missing.