DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Evolutionary ecology of defensive chemical variation in Xanthium strumarium

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Plants produce a broad array of defenses that reduce damage from insect, vertebrate, and microbe pests. These defenses are diverse, ranging from spines and thorns to toxic chemicals like nicotine, and type and amount of defense varies substantially within and among populations. This study will advance understanding of the basis for maintenance of diverse defenses by documenting the specific factors that maintain variation in defensive chemistry of the common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) in replicated experimental gardens. Variation within and among populations in ecologically significant traits supplies the basis for biodiversity. Better understanding of the basis of plant defense has significant applications to agriculture. This project also includes interdisciplinary field and laboratory training for undergraduates and an active public outreach program.