Current Events

 

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Dr. Jessica Stephens

Assistant Professor of Biology
Biology Department
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA

"Complex Interactions in Sarracenia: Implications for Plant and Ecosystem Health"

Mark your calendar for visiting Smith Botanic Garden at 4pm and the next NEBS Meeting at 7pm ET on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Smith College, Northampton, MA and via Zoom.

Non-members may register for the Zoom meeting access link here.

Abstract: Carnivorous plants are found in nutrient poor habitats and have evolved complex trapping structures used in attraction, retention, and digestion of prey. This adaptation has evolved independently six times in flowering plants, resulting in approximately 645 species worldwide, which often display tremendous morphological diversity. These plants are highly dependent on insects to obtain nutrients and similar to animals, these plants are predicted to rely heavily on their microbiota to digest prey. In addition, carnivorous plant interactions with arthropods as prey have garnered the most attention, but it is important to note that these plants promote a diverse array of interactions with various arthropod species. These include herbivory, pollination, parasitism, and predation of primary associates, as well as capture interruption. The presentation will discuss recent research on these complex interactions in one group of carnivorous plants, pitcher plants of North America, and how understanding these relationships can better inform management and conservation in this group and surrounding habitats.

The Botanic Garden of Smith College and Lyman Conservatory with Into the Glasshouse art exhibit and Papermaking with Plants exhibit will remain open for NEBS members after 4 PM until 5:30 PM. See Visitor Guide for directions and more info about the gardens and conservatory.

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