Vegetation Ecology

Research areas

Plant invasions

Invasions by alien species are both fascinating and of great importance because they pose major threats to biodiversity but also act as a natural experiment providing many insights about ecological and evolutionary processes. In our research we aim to understand biotic interactions between alien plants and native communities, including plants, pollinators, herbivores or soil organisms, as well as among multiple invaders.

We also aim to predict the long-term dynamics of plant invasions, such as changes in invasion success and biotic resistance by native communities. To achieve these aims, we conduct multi-species experiments, in which we grow plants under standardized semi-natural conditions. We also conduct field studies, large-scale (macroecological) analyses and reviews, and develop population models.

Multiple global change effects

Our research also addresses the effects of climate change (e.g. rising temperatures, drought) on plant populations and communities. Furthermore, we focus on global change as a multi-factorial process impacting plant diversity. Multiple factors such as biological invasions, climate change, eutrophication or pollution often co-occur and can potentially lead to interactive effects that cannot be predicted from single factors alone.

To understand these complex effects, we experimentally test how plants with different traits respond to simultaneously acting global change factors, and how these responses influence plant performance and community dynamics. 

Dispersal and seed biology

Dispersal processes, germination and early establishment are crucial parts of the regeneration niche of plant species. Abilities to use different dispersal vectors, adaptations such as seed dormancy and persistence in the soil seed bank are important predictors for rarity (due to dispersal limitation) or invasiveness (high dispersal potential). Studies of dispersal pathways (hydrochory, zoochory) and seed dormancy improve our understanding of distribution patterns of species and their ability to persist under changing land use and climate conditions.

Biodiversity and conservation

How species diversity is generated and maintained is a fundamental question in ecology. This is particularly true for plants which use essentially the same resources and have limited means for niche segregation. Using individual-based simulation models, we aim to better understand the effectiveness and dimensions of modern coexistence theory in promoting plant species diversity as well as biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships. We furthermore focus on fostering the conservation of plant diversity by investigating threatened plant species and communities such as rare arable weeds.

Evolutionary genetics

Evolution across space and time leads to the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems observed today. We aim to understand the long- and short-term evolutionary processes that create the diversity of reproductive systems, ploidy levels, secondary plant compounds and entire floras, by applying (comparative) molecular phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods. By studying threatened species at the population genetics level, our work has direct bearing on their conservation. 

Contact:
Univ.Prof. Dr. Christine Sheppard (Head), Priv.-Doz. Dr. Karin Tremetsberger (Deputy)