March 2024 | iCONNECT metabolomic workshop in Germany
On March 21 and 22, 2024, we held a small workshop at the Faule Ort research station of the Martin Luther University in the Müritz National Park to evaluate the current state and latest developments of the Conyza canadensis metabolomic project. During the workshop, we also focused on the statistical analysis of the metabolomic data, with an emphasis on synthesizing it with data from other working packages, including root architecture, root fungal interactions, and competitive ability.
Despite the intensive working hours, we also enjoyed short hikes in the beautiful Müritz National Park, providing a perfect opportunity to reconnect and recharge.
August 2022 | Laboratory progress
Good news from the Lab! The DNA extraction from the fine root samples is completed, and we could confirm the presence of mycorrhizal fungi both visually and molecularly. Stay tuned for the first results from NGS expected in the next weeks!
The DNA extractions from the leaves for the genomic studies are in progress as well. Soon we will have the sequencing results in hand!
July 2022 | Harvest
From July 11 to July 22, 2022, we worked in the greenhouse on the harvest. More than 5,000 pots were harvested, and different types of data was measured and collected.
Leaves were collected for the genomic analysis, fine roots for the AMF amplicon sequencing and root exudates for the metabolomics studies. In addition, shoot and root biomass were collected to estimate competitive ability.
A huge thank you to all the interns and helpers who supported us during these days!
September 2023 | iCONNECT workshop in the USA
From August 14 to 18, 2023, we gathered for the iCONNECT workshop at the MPG Ranch in Florence, Montana, USA. We brought together in-person and online PI's, CoPI's, field samplers, and students of the project.
During these days, we analyzed and interpreted the data from the greenhouse experiment and worked on the respective publications of the different working packages.
May 2022 | Maintaining the drought stress conditions
Between March and July 2022, we ensured the unified and accurate drought stress treatment. On a two-day basis the amount of water loss was estimated in the experimental pots (using pot weight measurements), and the watering of the control and drought stressed pots was based on that loss. As the treatments' effects became more pronounced day-by-day, it was rewarding to see the experiment unfold successfully, as planned in the project.
March 2022 | Start of the greenhouse experiment
On March 14, 2022, we initiated our experiment in the greenhouse. This experiment includes more than 5,000 pots in a full-factorial design of competition (alone, intra- and interspecific) and drought (control and drought stress) treatments.
We are looking forward to seeing these pots full of life!
January 2022 | Competition pre-experiments
From November, 2021 to January, 2022, we had an intern, Ioulietta Samartza, from Greece helping us with the pre-experiments to test different competition × drought treatment setups, including the selection of:
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the competitor species,
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the densities of competitors,
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the drought treatment intensity.
We are looking forward to start the main experiment in March.
June 2021 | Among-population variation in response to experimental aridity
Four coherent experiments investigate among-population variation with regard to local adaptation to drought stress across different life stages (germination, early seedling stage, juvenile and adults) of Conyza canadensis. To this end, we investigate 30 native and 29 non-native populations which cover a broad climatic gradient. We test how range (native vs. non-native) and sampled local aridity regime of the populations affect the response of various functional traits to drought stress. We recently finished our experiments for juvenile and adult plants. Experiments on germination and early seedling growth will be conducted shortly.
August 2021 | iCONNECT online meeting with the field samplers
On August 9 and 10, 2021, we had online meetings with collaborators from all over the Northern hemisphere.
It was a great pleasure to meet you all virtually. Thank you to everyone who could join.
This list is regularly updated, so check back often to know our latest news!