Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The long-term vision of my research program is to improve knowledge of how photosynthesis and leaf respiration respond to climate change in ecologically and economically valuable plant species from tropical, temperate, and boreal regions. Over the next five years, I will elucidate biochemical mechanisms underlying physiological acclimation responses of photosynthesis and leaf respiration to warming, and elevated [CO2] in natural plant species (trees and shrubs) from tropical, temperate and boreal forests. I will accomplish this using two short-term specific objectives: O1: To quantify the relationship between apparent Vcmax (i.e., maximum carboxylation capacity of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase - RUBISCO) and RUBISCO protein abundance and activation state under warm and high atmospheric [CO2] in boreal and tropical plant species. (Years: 1-4; HQP: 6 Hons, 2 MSc). We will characterize the relationship between apparent Vcmax (maximum carboxylation capacity of RUBISCO), which is commonly reported from gas exchange techniques, and the actual RUBISCO activity quantified from both RUBISCO abundance and its activation state in field-grown tropical (Rwanda and Colombia) and boreal (USA and Canada) tree species belonging to different successional groups (early and late successional species) and leaf habit (deciduous and evergreen). O2: To quantify the relationship between leaf Rd with i) RUBISCO protein abundance and activation state, and ii) with carbohydrate mobilization under warm and high atmospheric [CO2] growth conditions in boreal, tropical, and Acadian plant species. (Years: 1-5; HPQ: 7 Hons, 2 MSc). This objective will be done using two sub-objectives: First, we will quantify the relationship between leaf respiration and RUBISCO protein abundance and activation state, and second ii) we will quantify the influence of respiratory energy required to mobilise starch and export sugars produced by photosynthesis on rates of leaf respiration. Training Impact: Seventeen HQP will gain valuable research experience that prepares them for their future career. My goal will be to train each student toward being independent researcher while considering their individual strengths and potential. I will strive to create and maintain a welcoming and inclusive lab culture that supports a diverse group of HQP. I will encourage HQP to present their research in national and international conferences, and also publish their work in peer-reviewed journals. Scientific impact: My research program will provide new knowledge on biochemical mechanisms underlying photosynthetic and the photosynthetic-driven acclimation of leaf respiration to climate change variables (warming and elevated CO2). Leveraging my collaboration with vegetation modelers, our results will also be used to update the representation of leaf respiration and photosynthesis in JULES land surface model, which is part of the IPCC.