Our research group works on the ecology of plant
populations since 1987, especially considering reproductive systems as well as
genetic aspects. We combine different concepts and techniques according to the
topics under research. We first analyze floral biology, including morphology of
flowers, quantities of pollen and ovules, stigmatic receptivity and pollen
viability, before pollination trials. Flowering phenology and insect visitor
observations allow the estimation of pollinator guild and its efficiency for
each plant species. Plant attractiveness depends on the resource offered to
pollinators: in this case, the quantity and quality of both nectar and pollen
are analyzed. We perform experimental pollinations in situ or under controlled conditions to assess the compatibility,
the breeding system (outcrossing estimation) and the inbreeding depression of
the study plant species. Molecular markers are used for estimating the structure,
the clonality and the genetic diversity of populations as well as gene flow,
paternity and dispersal.
Model species are diverse, depending on the questions:
from crop plants (buckwheat, pears) to rare or, on the contrary, invasive
plants. In the context of conservation biology, several bog and heathland
species including Ericaceae were examined (Calluna
vulgaris, Vaccinium spp., Comarum
palustre, …). In the context of invasion biology, exotic plant species spreading
in Belgium have been
studied: Prunus serotina, Senecio inaequidens, Impatiens glandulifera and I. parviflora.
