Plant ecophysiology is a branch of plant physiology that focuses on understanding plants’ physiological processes and adaptations concerning their environment. When applied to plant invasion, it involves studying how invasive plant species interact with their new habitats, especially regarding their physiological responses and ecological impacts.
I investigate the physiological mechanisms contributing to invasive plants’ success in new environments. I study various aspects of plant physiology, such as photosynthesis, water relations, enzymatic modifications, isotopic variation and allocation patterns. By examining these processes, I aim to understand how invasive plants can outcompete native species and thrive under different ecological conditions: biotic and abiotic stresses.
Some of the specific research topics and activities I am studying include
Assessment of physiological traits: analysing physiological characteristics of invasive plant species, such as growth rates, foliar traits, metabolic activity or physiological plasticity. These traits can provide information on the strategies that allow invasive plants to outcompete native species and knowledge to develop control or eradication strategies.
Investigate resource acquisition: Understanding how invasive plants acquire and use water, light, and nutrients can demonstrate their ability to outcompete native species. This may involve studying traits related to water use efficiency, nutrient uptake mechanisms or photosynthetic efficiency.
Examine stress tolerance: Invasive plants often exhibit high-stress tolerance, allowing them to colonise diverse habitats. Study how invasive species cope with environmental stresses such as drought, temperature fluctuations, soil salinity or herbivory.
Exploring allelopathy: Some invasive plants release chemicals that modify the growth of other plants, a phenomenon known as allelopathy. I study the physiological mechanisms underlying allelopathic interactions and their impact on native vegetation.
Investigating plant-soil interactions: I explore the interactions between invasive plants and soil microbial communities. These interactions may influence nutrient cycling, plant-microbe symbioses and, ultimately, the species’ invasiveness.
Conducting field and laboratory experiments: I use a combination of field observations and controlled laboratory experiments to obtain data. I measure plant traits, perform physiological assays or use advanced techniques such as stable isotope analysis or molecular biology to investigate plant response to invasion.
In addition to researching plant invasions, I collaborate with other scientists, publish research papers, mentor students and contribute to developing conservation and management strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
Here, you can find some of the scientific publications I participated in.
