OSU Scientist hopes to decipher relationship between plants, pests

Thursday, December 3, 2009

By Joseph Dunn

(Dec. 3, 2009, STILLWATER, Okla.) – An Oklahoma State University botany professor is combining efforts with scientists at Oregon State University to explore the evolution of plants.

OSU’s Mark Fishbein recently was awarded funding from the National Science Foundation to study the milkweed genome and learn how the plants coevolve with pests such as aphids and pollinators such as butterflies.

The study is a collaborative project between OSU and Oregon State. Fishbein and four OSU students will collect and process samples from across the country. Scientists at Oregon State then will obtain the genomic DNA sequences using the newest technologies for DNA sequencing – called next-generation sequencing. Researchers at both universities will analyze the data.

“The milkweed is a model plant for the study of a diverse genus of plants containing more than 150 species,” said Fishbein. Historically, the plant adapted with potent defensive mechanisms against its predators. However, recently the species switched strategies and have reduced its preventative measures, allowing caterpillars, beetles and aphids to devour the plants at will. The milkweed plant compensated with an improved ability to spring back from underground remnants.

“Understanding the genetic differences between each species may allow for a better understanding of the evolution of their diversity,” said Fishbein. “Some milkweed species are very rare plants, while others are agricultural or range weeds. The study will help us understand the plants, whether they are acting as pests or coexisting with other plants.”

The NSF awarded the project $590,000 with $165,000 to OSU. For more information about Fishbein’s research, phone (405) 744-4757.

The OSU Botany Department is one of 24 departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.