9412068 Paige The information gained from the proposed experiments has the potential to make important contributions to both basic and applied fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, and agriculture. In terms of basic science, research is likely to shed light on two specific areas. First, this research will provide the first insights into the response of natural plant populations to increasing UV-B radiation. The research will determine if genes for UV-B tolerance are fixed within natural populations or if there is variation for this trait that would allow for the evolution of more tolerant genotypes. Second, basic questions concerning the population biology of Arabidopsis will be addressed. The investigators will determine the number and frequencies of the genotypes within this population and identify the phenotypic traits that distinguish these genotypes in the field. The research will provide insight into how these genotypes arise and how are they maintained. The significance of this research to applied biology is clear. Two of the proposed experiments will contribute to knowledge of plant UV-B protective mechanisms. It is important to identify the traits that protect plants from UV-B radiation and to understand the mode of inheritance of these traits. Once this is known, this information can be incorporated into conventional breeding practices and minimize the potential impacts of UV-B damage.
