59. Phenotypic Plasticity in the Age of 'Omics

Organised by Adrienne Nicotra to be held at Australian National University and CSIRO, Canberra. First meeting 21-27 April 2009	PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE Adrienne Nicotra - Australian National U (Leader) - phenotypic plasticity, ecophysiology, comparative ecology Pieter Poot - U Western Australia - plasticity and ecotypic variation in Australian endemics, ecophysiology, comparative ecology Christina Richards - New York U, USA - evolution of phenotypic plasticity, ecological consequences of epigenetic variation Fernando Valladares - Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, Spain - plant ecology, ecophysiology, mediterranean climates, plasticity Michael Purugganan - New York U, USA - evolutionary and ecological genomics, genetics of domestication Owen Atkin - Australian National U - phenotypic plasticity, ecophysiology Ulrike Mathesius - Australian National U - proteomics, functional genomics, cell signalling Bob Furbank - CSIRO Plant Industry - molecular genetics, photosynthetic physiology Jean Finnegan - CSIRO Plant Industry - plant epigenetics, flowering Mark van Kleunen - U Bern, Switzerland - limits ot the evolution of plasticity, plant-animal interactions, plant reproductive ecology Stephen Bonser - U NSW - plant ecology and evolution, plasticity, reproductive ecology
see list ...
Apr 09>

GOAL

Over recent years, phenotypic plasticity (the range of phenotypes a single genotype can express as a function of its environment) has moved from being seen as a troublesome source of noise, to being accepted as a characteristic that is itself under selection and of ecological and evolutionary significance. It is now recognised that plasticity is heritable and can be altered in artificial selection experiments. The question of whether natural selection on phenotypic variation itself could play a significant role in the evolution of species is the subject of considerable debate.

In the context of rapid global climate change it is critical to understand the historic role and future potential of this sort of phenotypic evolution. For climate will change faster than species can adapt, and novel environments can be expected to elicit novel phenotypes that we cannot predict. If we can understand the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity, we may well even be able to breed for adaptive phenotypic plasticity that improves performance over a broad range of conditions.

This working group builds on an evolutionary, ecological and physiological background and will assess plasticity in the context of its underlying genetic mechanisms. We will bring together expertise in eco-physiology, evolutionary theory & analysis, proteomics, and functional genomics to develop key areas of synthesis and further enquiry.

This meeting will begin with a public symposium entitled “Phenotypic Plasticity In The Age Of ‘Omics” on April 21 and is being held in conjunction with the launch of the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, and the 1st International Plant Phenomics Symposium on the 21st to the 24th of April 2009 in Canberra. Interested researchers and students are encouraged to attend. There is no charge for the symposium but we ask that people register in advance for catering purposes (lunch and teas will be provided).

Click here for more information and registration form.

Last Updated March 2009