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The Winter lab studies the biochemical-physiological foundations of how tropical plants interact with the environment and respond to environmental stress.

Topics of current research include:

  • Responses of tropical plant species to pre-industrial, current-ambient and elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Experiments compare responses of legumes and non-legumes, lianas and trees, angiosperms and gymnosperms, and investigate interactions between [CO2] and soil nutrient status, soil water status and temperature.
  • Adaptation and acclimation of tropical plants to high temperatures.
  • Inhibition of photosynthesis by excess light (photoinhibition), protective mechanisms against excess light (photoprotection).
  • Functional significance and evolutionary origins of CAM photosynthesis in tropical species of Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae and Clusiaceae.