Research Seminar - Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Seminar abstract: In the field of above-belowground interactions we are making strides in understanding the influence of multiple interactions on plants, microbes and insects. However there is still great variation observed in most systems. In this talk I aim to address the role of species and genotypic level variation in driving some of the variation we observe in above-belowground interactions.

Our recent research has focused on species and genetic variation influences on plant responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and both above- and below-ground herbivores. Unlike most studies, we have manipulated AM fungal communities, herbivore species and genotype, and plant species and genotype in multiple systems. In one system we have seen aphids hosting different bacterial endosymbionts feeding on various potato species and genotypes (Solanum spp.) above-ground and different levels of AM fungal diversity and nematodes belowground alter plant resource allocations. Here we show both variation in aphid genotype and endosymbiont presence influence plant allocation patterns in some, but not all, AM fungal communities. We have explored, and I will present, similar results from other systems as varied as aspen forests and cultivated raspberry. Together this novel research approach shows the incorporation of species and genotypic variation in the study of above-belowground interactions, and in part explains the vast variation in the observed effects in these interactions.

For more information on Dr Bennett, please visit http://www.hutton.ac.uk/staff/alison-bennett.

The seminar will be followed by drinks and nibbles available in the foyer of L9 – all are welcome!

No RSVP is required, we hope to see you all there.