US-Argentina Dissertation: An Investigation of Novel Morphologies and Ecology Involved, Rapid Diversification and Trans-Oceanic Dispersal of the Legume Sesbania (Leguminosae)

本文由Farruggia先生在亚利桑那州立大学Wojciechowski博士的指导下进行，将研究形态、生态栖息地选择和生物地理对具有重要经济意义的豆科植物Sesbania （Leguminosae）进化的贡献。在Darien Prado博士的主持下，将与阿根廷罗萨里奥国立大学合作，在阿根廷和巴拉圭进行研究。本研究将提供田菁属独特的形态、生态和生物地理信息，并为与相关豆科植物的比较提供一个框架。具体的研究目标包括基于形态数据和分子标记对田葵进行全面的进化分析，测试其传播历史和关键形态创新，并撰写专著。从对Sesbania的全面分析中产生的结果将为测试Sesbania及其近亲的进化史和生物地理学的当前假设提供新的数据集。这项研究为扩大与阿根廷北部和巴拉圭植物机构的合作关系提供了机会，这是一个豆科植物多样性高的地理区域。这项研究将为田葵的进一步经济发展提供基础知识，并将探索豆科植物的植物区系组成如何应对气候变化。此提案将支持一名研究生的国际论文研究，也将为一名本科生提供研究机会。

0812994WojciechowskiThis dissertation research conducted by Mr. Farruggia under the direction of Dr. Wojciechowski of Arizona State University, will investigate the contribution of morphology, ecological habitat selection, and biogeography to the evolution of an economically important legume, Sesbania (Leguminosae). Research will be conducted in Argentina and Paraguay in collaboration with the National University of Rosario in Argentina under the auspices of Dr. Darien Prado. This study will provide key information on the distinctive morphology, ecology, and biogeography of Sesbania and a framework for comparison to related legumes. Specific research goals include a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of Sesbania based on morphological data and molecular markers, testing of dispersal history and key morphological innovations, and the production of a monograph. Outcomes produced from this comprehensive analysis of Sesbania will provide novel datasets for testing current hypotheses of the evolutionary history and biogeography of Sesbania and its nearest relatives. This study provides the opportunity to expand collaborative ties with botanical institutions in northern Argentina and Paraguay, a geographic region with high legume diversity. The research will provide fundamental knowledge for further economic development of Sesbania and will explore how the floristic composition of the legume will respond to climate change. This proposal will support international dissertation research for one graduate student and will also provide a research opportunity for an undergraduate student.