PYI: Plant Ecophysiology of Temperate and Tropical Forest Systems

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Dr. Peter B. Reich's research focuses on basic and applied plant ecophysiology. His efforts have been devoted to quantifying plant physiological response to environmental factors and stress agents, with an ultimate goal of understanding evolutionary adaptations, natural ecological patterns, and applied environmental problems. His specific interests in natural systems lie in comparing evergreen and deciduous species in both temperate and tropical forests. This is done by performing integrated studies that measure key factors on a variety of temporal and spatial hierarchical levels. Current work is directed toward assessing net carbon gain of individual leaves and entire forest canopies over instantaneous (measured in seconds) and long- term (over seasons and years) time intervals. The overall approach incorporates investigations of nutrient, water, and light utilization in the photosynthetic process. With regard to air pollution ecophysiology, Dr. Reich's past efforts have yielded results that constitute crucial information which provided the basis for policy decisions affecting air pollution (including ozone and acid rain) regulation and control. These results were the outcome of mathematical models capable of realistically predicting plant physiological responses to ambient gaseous levels in the atmosphere. Future work will also include study of the effects of various other biotic stresses (such as insect pests and disease) on plant and forest resources. The Presidential Young Investigator award will permit Dr. Reich, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to expand his research horizons and continue along paths he has already established in his career.