Impact of heavy metal contamination on grasslands. 12/05/2005 - 11/05/2007

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.

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  • Research Project

01/09/2000 - 31/08/2002

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    • Research Project

    The consequences of habitat fragmentation on the genetisch structure of Lipara lucens and Lipara pullitarsis populations. 01/01/1999 - 31/12/2000

    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

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      • Research Project

      Effects of herbivorous insects on resource allocation patterns and fitness with Phragmites australis. 01/01/1999 - 31/12/2000

      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.

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        • Research Project

        The influence of plant-genotype on the interactions between grasses and insect herbivores. 01/05/1998 - 30/04/1999

        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.

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          • Research Project

          The consequences of habitat fragmentation on the genetisch structure of Lipara lucens and Lipara pullitarsis populations. 01/01/1997 - 31/12/1998

          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. 01/12/1996 - 30/11/1998

            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.

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              • Research Project

              01/10/1996 - 30/09/1997

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                • Research Project

                The connection between the developmental stability (fluctuating asymmetry) and the reproductive process. 01/05/1996 - 30/04/1998

                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.

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                  • Research Project

                  01/05/1995 - 30/04/1997

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                    • Research Project

                    01/07/1994 - 31/12/1995

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                      • Research Project

                      The influence of environmental stress on plant-insect interactions: herb parasites 01/04/1994 - 31/03/1996

                      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.

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                        • Research Project

                        01/01/1994 - 31/12/1997

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                          • Research Project

                          01/01/1994 - 31/12/1995

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                            • Research Project

                            30/09/1993 - 29/09/1994

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                              • Research Project