Plant interactions

We are interested in two aspects of plant interactions:

  • plant-insect interactions
  • plant-plant interactions

Our research on plant-insect interactions examines how pollinators and herbivores affect reproductive success in native and restored prairies and how landscape issues (e.g., fragmentation, isolation, vegetation changes) affect plant reproductive success. Recently, we have become interested in plant-plant interactions, in particular invasive species competition. Currently, we are part of a team working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Lost Mound Unit in Illinois to determine the impact of crown vetch on native species and habitat restoration after its removal.