We are developing a collaborative research and education group in plant ecophysiology ecology. and evolutionary genetics. This interdisciplinary group is composed of six scientists. five of which have ;assumed their positions since January 1993. Our group is interested in the genetic variation of ecophysiological, phenological and morphological traits and how these affect population dynamics and ultimately, community structure. This interdisciplinary group is focussing on questions essential to understanding the evolutionary and physiological causes and consequences of patterns in plant ecology. Due to the rapid increase of our research activities in plant ecophysiology, ecology and evolutionary genetics, we have an urgent need for plant growth facilities and analytical equipment. We are strongly committed to developing a collaborative group with national and international recognition extending beyond the individual members. With well equipped facilities we can significantly increase collaborative efforts and research productivity. and continue to recruit qualified graduate students and post-docs in our program. With adequate infrastructure, our complementary fields of expertise will lead to many additional future collaborations. Specifically we are requesting three walk-in growth chambers, a dry combustion C,N,S analyzer, a scintillation counter and a plate reader. A steering committee composed by the six principal investigators will determine growth chamber space partitioning and day-to-day use of analytical equipment. Specific training to graduate and undergraduate students will be offered by means of intensive workshops developed by members of the steering committee.
