34th Annual Student Research Conference
Microenvironmental stressors among herbaceous Plantago in Kirksville, MO
Zac A. Dwyer*, Madison R. Williard, Chris J. Roberts, and Calvin H. Schaefer
Dr. Robert D. Sieg, Faculty Mentor
Plantago lanceolata and Plantago rugelii are herbaceous plants that grow throughout the United States and are commonly found near human habitation. Since these model organisms are fairly cosmopolitan, they can provide insights on how local conditions affect plant responses to herbivory or fungal infection. A crowdsourced series of Plantago transect surveys were conducted throughout Kirksville, MO along roadsides, public and state parks, and yards, noting abiotic conditions, Plantago phenology, infection by powdery mildew, and evidence of damage by several herbivores. Statistical analysis of these data will determine whether microenvironmental conditions such as sun exposure or land-use can predict Plantago phenology or susceptibility to herbivores or pathogens. This study will confirm how seemingly interconnected populations respond differently to local stressors.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Asynchronous Virtual Poster
Session: 4-8
Location: https://flipgrid.com/7ba08930
Time: 0:00