Peter J. Melcher

Research Interests:
 

I am investigating strategies used by plants to optimize the distribution of water through their highly branched vascular systems. These studies will further our understanding of factors that increase plant performance under various drought conditions.  

Specific questions being investigated in my lab include:  How do plants remove air embolisms in the plant xylem when water potentials are negative?  Can plants alter the bio-mechanical strength of the bordered pit membranes that separate xylem conduits?  How does the wounding of the xylem tissue impact the measure of hydraulic resistance? and How do plants regulate leaf shape with respect to crown position within individual trees and along a latitudinal gradient?

If you interested in conducting research in my lab then please click here:

•  fall research
•  summer research 

If you need more information on the procedures to enroll for research credit then follow this link:  
Information on the procedures to conduct research.