Developmental gene networks - Evolution of flowering phenology and growth form - Adaptation to seasonal cold - Evolutionary genetics of floral form

Much of the immense angiosperm diversity has evolved in response to selection exerted by biotic (e.g., pollinators) and abiotic (e.g., climate) environments. However, the fact that similar traits have evolved multiple times independently, suggests an important role for internal (developmental and genetic) constraints in shaping plant form and function. Our research aims to determine the nature of these internal constraints by focusing on the evolution of plant reproductive development and its underlying genetic/genomic basis.