Acquisition of a portable gas exchange system for teaching and research in plant physiological ecology

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This award provides funds for purchase of a portable photosynthesis system to be used by faculty at this and other, nearby undergraduate institutions for field-based educational and research activities dealing with the photosynthetic physiology of plants. The instrument will be used for physiological characterization of invasive exotic species as part of efforts to understand characteristics that allow them to be successful invaders. Species to be studied include those that have successfully invaded at least one of a variety of ecosystems, including the forest understory in the southern Appalachians, the rangelands of the semi-arid West, and the riparian zones of the Southwest. Researchers at Appalachian State University and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will use the instrument to assess the effects of ozone exposure on stomatal control of leaf gas exchange. In addition to its research applications, the instrument will be used in teaching and training activities in six classes taught at the grantee institution and, in addition, will be used in undergraduate research training. Educational use is expected to benefit up to 100 students a year.