7.01.04 – Impacts of air pollution and climate change on forest ecosystems – Genetic aspects

There is rapid progress in the fields of ecosystem genetics and molecular biology, in general. Our major objective is the better understanding of how genes determine adaptation and survival of tree populations under heterogeneous environmental conditions. This requires the development and utilisation of genetic markers as indicators for the response of ecosystems to environmental stresses, in our case by focusing a-biotic factors in consideration of possibly associated biotic factors.

Methodologically, the door is wide open for employing genetic information as a tool for monitoring ecosystem dynamics. Various techniques of monitoring genetic traits are available and the functional characterisation of transcripts is on the way (incl. quantitative trait loci). Currently, the linking of the existing information about gene expression and of predominant metabolic processes has particularly high priority. Furthermore, genome based research for carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems is one of the tools which can contribute efficiently to the solution of problems in a global dimension.

Genetic tools can efficiently be employed in bridging gaps between disciplines and thus strongly support interdisciplinary networks, particularly following links between functional genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. In this sense, genetic tools support holistic approaches which are necessary for upscaling information from laboratory to the field, and from gene to the landscape. This is essential for ecosystem-level monitoring, and subsequent integrative ecosystem modeling.

The interdisciplinary environment within RG 7.01.00, and the cooperation with genetic groups of Division 2, are excellent conditions for enhancing and utilising knowledge in the fields of ecosystem genetics, and thus for accepting current and future challenges of ecological research.

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