Research team
Impact of heavy metal contamination on grasslands.
Abstract
Grasslands are the Cinderella of environmental protection; they are often overshadowed by more favoured environments such as forests or heathland. However, there is a growing awareness among ecologists of the strong links that exist between above- and belowground parts of grassland ecosystem. Under the strong and persistent heavy metal contamination significant functional shifts in grassland ecosystems may result from disturbances of both their above- and below compartments. The aim of the project is to evaluate the impact of heavy metal contamination on the relative contributions of bottom-up and top-down forces acting within and between the different compartments of grassland ecosystems. The identification of the key components and the tracing of the nutrient flow will improve our understanding of the human impact on their functioning and persistence. The identification of sensitive indicators must enable us 1) to recognize early changes in the structural and functional components of the ecosystem and 2) to assess the health status.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The consequences of habitat fragmentation on the genetisch structure of Lipara lucens and Lipara pullitarsis populations.
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic structure of Lipara lucens and Lipara pullitarsis populations. Isozyme electrophoresis (PAGE and isoelectric focusing) en RAPD-PCR techniques will be used to look at the consequences of isolation and habitatloss on genetic variation on population level. Furthermore we will investigated the effects of habititat fragmentation on founding events by looking at recolonisation after artificial extinction.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Verhagen Ron
- Co-promoter: De Bruyn Luc
- Fellow: Santens Maarten
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Effects of herbivorous insects on resource allocation patterns and fitness with Phragmites australis.
Abstract
In this study the effects of herbivores with different feeding habits and positions on resource allocation patterns and resulting plant fitness are studied in the grass Phragmites australis under controlled environmental conditions in climatic rooms and under natural conditions in the field.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The influence of plant-genotype on the interactions between grasses and insect herbivores.
Abstract
In this project the impact of genetic variation on the interactions between grasses and their insect herbivores is assessed. Therefore common garden experiments are carried out under controlled conditions in climatic rooms. Differences in resistance and/or tolerance between different host plant clones are recorded. The plant tissues are analysed to establish the resistance/tolerance mechanisms.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Backeljau Thierry
- Co-promoter: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The consequences of habitat fragmentation on the genetisch structure of Lipara lucens and Lipara pullitarsis populations.
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic structure of Lipara lucens and Lipara pullitarsis populations. Isozyme electrophoresis (PAGE and isoelectric focusing) en RAPD-PCR techniques will be used to look at the consequences of isolation and habitatloss on genetic variation on population level. Furthermore we will investigated the effects of habititat fragmentation on founding events by looking at recolonisation after artificial extinction.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Verhagen Ron
- Co-promoter: De Bruyn Luc
- Fellow: Santens Maarten
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Forest soil classification based on the soil fauna.
Abstract
The forest soils of 50 different Flemish forests are classified based on the macro-invertebrate fauna. The animals are collected with coloured traps and pit-falls during a complete year cycle. The soils parameters and growth conditions in the different plots are assessed. The community structure is analysed and related to the soil parameters and the growth conditions of the forest plots. The final aim of the study is to construct a simple indicator system to analyse and predict the forest soil quality based on the macro-invertebrates.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Verhagen Ron
- Fellow: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The connection between the developmental stability (fluctuating asymmetry) and the reproductive process.
Abstract
Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is considered as an objective measure for the measurement of developmental instability induced by stress with organisms. The connection between this measure and the fitness of the organisms is however not clear. In this study the connection is being investigated between FA and lifetime reproductive success with Lestidae (Odonata) and Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera) by means of field studies (catch-recatch, image analysis) and biochemical techniques under controlled circumstances.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Bruyn Luc
- Co-promoter: Verhagen Ron
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Blust Ronny
- Co-promoter: Asard Han
- Co-promoter: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The influence of environmental stress on plant-insect interactions: herb parasites
Abstract
This investigation has as its purpose to test and, if possible, to adapt the present theories concerning the influence of environmental stress on plant-insect interactions with grass parasitizing insects. Own research revealed that the present theories, as they are formulated at the moment, cannot hold generally. By means of controlled field and laboratory experiments the interactions are studied with insects having different life and nutrition habits.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: De Bruyn Luc
- Co-promoter: Verhagen Ron
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Abstract
Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Hulselmans Jan
- Co-promoter: Blust Ronny
- Co-promoter: De Bruyn Luc
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project