THE ROLES OF PLASTICITY AND EVOLUTION IN THE COLONIZATION OF CROP FIELDS BY WEEDS

Investigate the relative roles of phenotypic plasticity and evolution in the initial establishment of weeds into agricultural fields.Collect seeds and leaf tissue from regionally paired agricultural and non-agricultural populations in Michigan from each of three species: Canadian horseweed, common lambsquarters, and common ragweed.Establish the histories of my populations, determining the extent of gene flow among them and whether the agricultural populations likely arose once or multiple times independently in different regions.Use trait and fitness data from a reciprocal transplant experiment to determine if agricultural and non-agricultural populations show evidence for adaptive plasticity and/or adaptive evolution.Identify candidate selective agents driving trait differences.Identify candidate molecular mechanisms driving trait differences.Provide critical training for early career scientists to prepare for careers working on both foundational research on the evolutionary ecology of agricultural weeds and applied research on weed management.Mentor high school and undergraduate students in conducting research on an aspect of this project.Complete PhD dissertation in Plant Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior using research conducted for this project.Present project results and network with other scientists at local and national seminars and conferences.Publish project results in scientific journals.Participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion training.Complete online courses in spatial data analysis, bioinformatics, and RNA-seq.Participate in discussion groups at MSU to expand knowledge of current research in evolution and genetics.Conduct outreach and extension activities centering on the project themes and results.Complete the Graduate Certificate in Community Engagement using outreach activities completed for this project.Share project findings with farmers through MSU Extension newsletter.Incorporate weed biology into the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary's Agriculture and Ecology field trip for elementary school students.Create a hands-on lesson plan in collaboration with a local high school biology teacher that highlights results from the project and is tailored to addressing the Next Generation Science Standards Disciplinary Core Ideas: Variation of traits (LS3.B) and Adaptation (LS4.C).