Research on plant ecophysiology dates back to the beginning of BOKU University, with a long and ongoing focus on plant water relations. In addition, we study plant structure (anatomy) and thereby can explore the structure-function relationship in substantial depth. Understanding plant physiological as well as structural adaptations to the environment and the effect of environmental stress on plant performance is of high relevance in light of climate change, as well as more generally for understanding and managing plants and ecosystems.

 

Research areas

Over the years, we improved and developed methods to measure plant water relationships and have studied different aspects of ecophysiology and plant anatomy. Currently we work on

⇒ Plant water relations (water transport, hydraulic vulnerability, gas exchange, water potential, isotope labeling) 

⇒ Wood anatomy (strongly related to water relations, biomechanics and defence) 

⇒ Photosynthesis (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, isotope labeling) 

⇒ Leaf anatomy (strongly related to gas exchange and leaf performance) 

⇒ Bark physiology (gas exchange) and bark anatomy 

⇒ High and low temperature stress and tolerance

⇒ Plant growth and carbon sequestration

⇒ Functional traits as simplified measures of adaptations and predictors of response

In these fields, we also work to advance methods to measure ecophysiological performance and adaptations

Our study systems are mainly temperate forests, isolated plants (mostly trees) in laboratory, growth chambers and greenhouse; alpine vegetation and tropical forests.

Contact:
Univ.Prof. Dr. Peter Hietz (Head), Assoc.Prof. Dr. Daniel Tholen (Deputy)