Welcome

The Plant Ecophysiology Lab, led by Dr Ilaíne Silveira Matos, and located at Adelaide University (South Australia) applies a multiscale ecophysiological approach, from the cell up to the biome level, to understand the mechanisms underlying plants’ resilience to droughts and other abiotic (e.g. heatwaves, fires) and biotic events (e.g. herbivory). We are particularly interested in investigating how plants respond when exposed to multiple, co-occurring or sucessive stresses. This knownledge is critical for predicting the impacts of climate and land-use changes on terrestrial vegetation. It is also essential for guiding management decision-making towards the long-term conservation of native plant species, especially the most rare and endangered plant species.   

Plant Ecophysiology Lab activities involve: 

• Climate and plant physiological data collection and analysis;

• Laboratory, greenhouse, and fieldwork activities;

• Mechanistic modeling;

• Machine learning and image processing.

• Outreach activities in public schools and protected areas;

• Art and science blending events.