The requested funds support the International Conference on Plant Vascular Biology (PVB2010) to be held July 24-28, 2010 on the campus of The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, which is co-chaired by Biao Ding (The Ohio State University) and David Hannapel (Iowa State University). PVB broadly includes studies on the formation, structure and function of transport systems in plants, under conditions of normal plant growth and development as well as of plant interactions with pathogens. The transport systems cover the xylem, phloem, plasmodesmata and vascular cell membranes. The PVB concept emphasizes the integrative nature of the transport systems and approaches to investigate them. PVB2010 will bring together researchers from around the world to share the latest research findings, develop collaborations and identify new directions of research. These will be achieved through formal oral and poster presentations, informal discussions during various breakouts and social interactions. The scientific exchanges will promote further studies to understand the mechanisms that regulate plant growth and development, adaptation to the environment as well as biomass production. Such understanding will be crucial for developing technologies to improve food, medicine and energy production for the benefits of mankind in long terms. The conference strongly supports participation of underrepresented groups such as minorities and women.
This grant supports the International Conference on Plant Vascular Biology (PVB2010) held on July 24-28, 2010 on the campus of The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. The vascular system plays essential roles in the transport of nutrients and signals for plant growth and development. They are also the conduits for pathogen spread and defense signals. Additionally, the cambium produces secondary phloem and xylem that are of fundamental importance for the production of woods and biomass. Therefore, a full understanding of the biogenesis and function of the vascular systems will significantly impact many basic and practical aspects of plant biology and human life. PVB2010 was organized by Biao Ding from The Ohio State University and David Hannapel from Iowa State University. Approximately 200 participants came from the United States, Canada, Austria, Finland, Denmark, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, India, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The participants ranged from established researchers to junior researchers such as postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. Over 70 of the participants were women. Research findings were reported in the format of oral and poster presentations. The speakers for the oral presentations combined established researchers, junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students with a balance of men and women. The presentations covered topics on (i) the formation, structure and function of xylem, phloem, membranes and plasmodesmata (connections between cell walls) (ii) genetic regulation of secondary growth, (iii) short and long-distance signaling that coordinates plant growth and development, (iv) molecular mechanisms of plant interactions with microbes, and (v) emerging research tools and concepts. All presentations highlighted the latest research discoveries in these areas. These helped researchers identify future research problems and enabled various research groups to develop collaborations. Networking among researchers from different countries and institutions helped (i) train younger generations of researchers in plant vascular biology and (ii) form a basis for expanded collaborative work in the future.
