Speaker: Larry York, staff scientist in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Biosciences Division

Title: "Functional phenomics for carbon efficiency of roots, plants, and ecosystems"

Abstract: Managing the carbon cycle is a central challenge for the 21st century to combat climate change through sequestration in soil and production of carbon-neutral fuels. While much work has focused on efficient photosynthesis, relatively less work has evaluated overall carbon efficiency of plants. The root system is a major carbon cost, and therefore efficient roots that are cheaper to build and maintain are, theoretically, a major opportunity. This seminar will present functional phenomics that relies on high-throughput phenotyping, multivariate data analysis, and simulation modeling to accelerate our understanding of plant functioning. Root phenotyping approaches using the free software RhizoVision Explorer and infrared gas analyzers for CO2 will be discussed. The research indicates that optimized root system architecture, nutrient uptake, and respiration are achievable and important for overall ecosystem carbon efficiency. 

Host: Dior Kelley, genetics, development and cell biology assistant professor