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Unravelling
phenotypic plasticity - why should we bother? by Anthony
D. Bradshaw
Programme, abstracts and participants book Keynote Speaker Prof Anthony D Bradshaw Scope Plant ecological development (‘eco-devo’) addresses how plants develop in their ‘real-world’ contexts in response to naturally occurring environmental variation - how development processes are affected at the mechanistic level, how phenotypic expression varies in alternative conditions, and the consequences of these responses for ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations. Given the breadth of issues this research area covers it is not surprising that ‘eco-devo’ is emerging into a major inter-disciplinary field. The 14th New Phytologist Symposium aims to support and advance this exciting area by bringing together researchers addressing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of environmental response and those working at the level of populations, communities, and ecosystems, with the shared goal of understanding phenotypic expression in its ecological context. Symposium format The meeting will take place at the Royal Society of London, over two days. Twelve invited talks will form the basis of discussion at what will be a relatively small meeting (up to 80 participants). Following each 30-minute talk there will be a 15-minute period for discussion rather than the usual brief question time. In this way, and through longer breakout discussion sessions, we hope to provide a lively forum for exchanging ideas and discussing new approaches. These breakout groups will address the themes of; (i) Genetic mechanisms and molecular tools, (ii) Eco-Devo and community/ecosystem processes, and (iii) Environmental heterogeneity and plant development. A selected group of posters will also be presented in an informal evening session. Contact If you would like to receive further information relating to this meeting please get in touch with Holly Slater (New Phytologist) – newphytol@lancaster.ac.uk New Phytologist Central Office
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Symposium logo, Plant eco-devo response to low- and high-light environments by Sam Day. Illustrations: Quantitative variation in Arabidopsis flowers is influenced by genetic background, seasonal setting, and their interaction, courtesy of Cynthia Weinig. Fine lateral roots of Tremulina tremulus courtesy of Michael Shane. Bauhinia guianensis, mature lianoid form suspended from the host canopy courtesy of Nick Rowe and Thomas Speck. Leaves produced by inbred genetic replicates of Polygonum persicaria raised in sun (left) and shade (right), courtesy of Sonia Sultan. Further details on some of these images can be found in the April 2005 issue of New Phytologist which contains a feature on plant ecological development. New directions in plant ecological development is sponsored by the New Phytologist Trust. Last updated: January 17, 2007 |
