IAPT Research Grants
Awarded Grants
Awarded 2020
A total of 137 applications were received in the 2020 research grant round.
The following 24 applications were selected for funding, with a total of $41,700 (US) awarded.
The role of the Andean uplift into the radiation of Brachyotum (Melastomataceae)
Louisiana State University
Brachyotum acts as a model for studying evolution in mountains. Occurring on top of the Andes, Brachyotum possesses innovative traits potentially correlated to its diversification. Since that area holds the youngest ecosystems in the Andes, Brachyotum might have radiated rapidly. By using ddRADseq, this project aims to understand such diversification.
Applicant:
Diego Paredes-Burneo
Institution:
Understanding how geography drives evolutionary processes in the campos rupestres
University of Florida
My goal is to understand phylogenetic relationships and diversity within the campos rupestres using Begonia Section Tetrachia Brade as a model group. Also, I plan on understanding diversification and niche evolution patterns for the species in this genus to elucidate whether campos rupestres acted as an interglacial refugium. Finally, I will use niche modelling analyses to assess if future climatic changes projected for the year 2080 will impact the future distribution of these species. Hopefully, this study will serve as an example to other floristic studies conducted in the campos rupestres.
Applicant:
Maria Beatriz de Souza Cortez
Institution:
Formation and Persistence of a Co-Occurring Mixed Cytotype Autopolyploid System
University of Florida
The impact of multiple origins on the genetics and ecology of a naturally occurring multi-cytotype autopolyploid system has largely been overlooked. Multiple formations of both the triploid and tetraploid cytotypes of Galax urceolata (Diapensiaceae) make this the ideal system to investigate relatedness among cytotypes and cytotype-specific soil chemistry/microbial associations.
Applicant:
Michelle Gaynor
Institution:
Systematics and Biogeography of Piptocarpha R.Br. (Vernonieae, Asteraceae).
University of Campinas
The project aims to reconstruct the phylogeny and biogeography of the genus Piptocarpha, to understand and compose a greater panorama of the evolution of the Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes. Besides helping to fill the gap in the phylogeny of American Vernonieae.
Applicant:
Danilo Poso Volet
Institution:
A comprehensive phylogeny of Chrysobalanaceae with emphasis on evolution of the genus Hirtella
Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana
Chrysobalanaceae is a pantropical member of Malpighiales that was poorly sampled in phylogenetic and biogeographic studies. This project will build a comprehensive plastome phylogeny for this family, that will be used as basis for reconstructing the biogeographic history and investigating the evolution of its largest and exclusively Neotropical genus, Hirtella.
Applicant:
Renata Asprino
Institution:
Evolution of Amazonian and Atlantic Forests: Historical Biogeography and Evolution of Stifftia J.C. Mikan (Asteraceae)
Federal University of Uberlândia, UFU.
The genus Stifftia has six species, of which two occurs in the Amazon (AM), and the remaining species occur in Atlantic Forest (AT). Stifftia is a good model for study the diversification and biogeography of the Biota of AM and AT. So, the objectives of the study are: (1) Propose a well supported phylogenetic hypothesis for Stifftia based on NGS data, (2) infer ancestral areas and its divergence times based on fossil calibration; (3) infer morphological evolution searching for synapomorphies of the tribe; (4) increase data sampling of Stifftieae by studding its specimens at MO and US herbaria.
Applicant:
Marcelo Monge
Institution:
Phylogenetic relationships of angiosperm fossil flowers, and their relevance to investigate floral evolution
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México
This project seeks to integrate well-preserved fossil flowers into phylogenetic frameworks combined with extant taxa, with the purpose of investigating the time of origin and diversification of all angiosperm families, as well as broad-patterns of floral evolution informed by the combination of fossils and extant taxa.
Applicant:
Andrea López Martínez
Institution:
Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of the genus Sonerila (Melastomataceae) with special emphasis on India
Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Kerala, India
The present project is focused on Sonerila (Melastomataceae), a species-rich, taxonomically complex, tropical Old World genus and on the infraspecific and intergeneric relationships of the taxa using molecular approaches. Monophyly of a genus is important for a stable classification system, and here we test this explicitly because it has been shown that several genera in tribe Sonerileae are polyphyletic.
Applicant:
RESMI S.
Institution:
Monograph of Ceratozamia genus (Zamiaceae, Cycadales): an integrative approach
Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Given that a strong taxonomic framework for Ceratozamia is lacking, the primary goal of this project is to make a monograph. Considering the taxonomic history of Ceratozamia, I will search relatively unexplored localities in Mesoamerica and older species few known because their latest botanical records date back 50 years. The circumscription will consider multiple datasets in order to uncover new morphological, anatomical, phenological, and molecular (i.e. DNA) characters under modern systematic biology frameworks such as ‘integrative taxonomy’.
Applicant:
LILI MARTINEZ DOMINGUEZ
Institution:
Phylogeny, Taxonomy and Conservation of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae) in Kenya
Kenyatta University, Kenya
My PhD project aims to resolve taxonomic relationships in East African members of the genus Kalanchoe Adans., a genus of succulent and herbaceous shrubs native to Africa, Madagascar, Arabia as well as Brazil and tropical Asia. I will examine species and infraspecific concepts in two species complexes viz. Kalanchoe lateritia and Kalanchoe nyikae, evaluate utility of species of Kalanchoe in relation to phylogeny, and establish the conservation status of the genus Kalanchoe in Kenya, using an integrated molecular methods and morphological trait-based analysis.
Applicant:
Gertrude Vwononi Evusa
Institution:
Systematics and phylogenomics of Brassicales focusing on the family Capparaceae
Escola Nacional de Botânica Tropical, Instituto de Pesquisa Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
The project aims to carry out the most comprehensive phylogeny of Brassicales. Fifty percent of its genera will be next-generation sequenced. As Capparaceae has been undergoing constant reorganizations, all genera of the family will be studied, aiming to improve the understanding of phylogenetic relationships, and the circumscriptions of monophyletic groups.
Applicant:
Jaquelini Luber
Institution:
Towards an integrative revision of the overlooked genus Ecclinusa (Sapotaceae): taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, and diversification patterns
National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA, in Portuguese)
This proposal is part of my Ph.D. thesis research and will investigate how many species of Ecclinusa there are in Neotropics, how they can be identified using DNA sequences and morphological characters, and how the different species are related to one another in an evolutionary context.
Applicant:
Caroline Vasconcelos
Institution:
“Towards an integrative taxonomy of the Mexican species of the Elaphoglossum
petiolatum complex”
Faculty of Superior Studies of Zaragoza (National Autonomous University of Mexico)
My PhD project aims to contribute to the systematics of Elaphoglossum, one of the most taxonomically challenging fern genera. I request funds to visit one of the world specialists in the genus to complete a taxonomic revision of a monophyletic group containing eight species, three of them endemic to Mexico.
Applicant:
Ana Gabriela Martinez Becerril
Institution:
Species delimitation of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) in Hispaniola
University of Illinois at Chicago
Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) has five or six species in Hispaniola. Current species boundaries, however, make no sense in terms of geographic distribution, habitat, and phylogenetic groupings. My goal is to propose a more accurate classification based on molecular, morphological, and environmental data.
Applicant:
Natalia Ruiz-Vargas
Institution:
Systematic revision of the genus Indigofera L. in the Greater Cape Floristic Region
University of Cape Town
The genus Indigofera within the GCFR comprises of over 100 species, of which, approximately 30 are undescribed. The primary aim of this study is to revise the genus Indigofera within the GCFR, including the description of all new species, produce a comprehensive molecular phylogeny and answer some evolutionary questions.
Applicant:
Brian du Preez
Institution:
Systematics of Philippine Cyrtandra J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Gesneriaceae)
University of Leipzig
The project entitled Systematics of Philippine Cyrtandra J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Gesneriaceae) is the PhD project of the author. The project aims to: (1) conduct a taxonomic revision of Philippine Cyrtandra; (2) utilize molecular phylogenetic analyses to resolve evolutionary species relationships and to examine their rich assembly; and, (3) perform analyses of biogeography and evolutionary dynamics. The grant money is planned to be used for herbarium visits and fieldwork in the Philippines particularly in the island of Mindanao where sampling has been scarce. Fieldwork will be in coordination C
Applicant:
Jay Edneil Olivar
Institution:
SAFEGUARDING THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF WILD FRUITS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: CASE OF GARCINIA MANGOSTANA (CLUSIACEAE) WILD RELATIVES
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM); University of Montpellier (UM). In employment of Forest Research Institute Malaysia. On study leave currently and enrolled in a cotutelle PhD programme co-funded by Agropolis International-UPM-SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture).
This is a multiple institute collaborated cotutelle PhD project for a studentship at UPM and UM. The goal is to safeguard the genetic diversity in wild relatives of, and domesticated Garcinia mangostana through (i) clarification of their origin and genetic variations and (ii) formulation of conservation and sustainable use strategies.
Applicant:
YAO Tze Leong
Institution:
Discovering new ‘superfruits’: from taxonomy to phytochemistry of Brazilian Eugenia (Myrtaceae) fruits
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
This project aims to undertake the first evolutionary study of Eugenia L. (Myrtaceae) fruits including morphological and chemical traits. The project employs a multidisciplinary approach to take the first step in promoting potential use of unknown native and neglected Brazilian fruits as food sources.
Applicant:
Karinne Sampaio Valdemarin
Institution:
Taxonomic revision of Bernardia bifid style clade (Euphorbiaceae), a mostly South American group with a large morphological heterogeneity
Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana
This project is part of my PhD thesis and aims to visit the European herbaria where type specimens of key species are deposited in order to be able to produce a complete taxonomic revision of the Bernardia species belonging to the bifid style clade (most South American species of Bernardia).
Applicant:
JUAN FERNANDO CARRION RODRIGUEZ
Institution:
Islands within an island: origins, diversification, and endemism of the montane flora of Hispaniola
University of Florida
To provide insight into the processes contributing to exceptional endemism on insular mountains, I will study the evolutionary history of five species-rich vascular plant families on Hispaniola. Using a phylogenomic framework, I will investigate how immigration and in-situ radiations contribute to patterns of diversity and endemism observed on the island.
Applicant:
Weston Testo
Institution:
The Maintenance of Species Boundaries of an Endangered Rare Species, Maple-leaf Oak (Quercus acerifolia), under Selection and Gene Flow
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Accurate taxonomy is required to delineate rare species. However, hybridizations with close relatives can obscure and disrupt the boundaries of outcrossing rare species, but ecological selection can maintain species integrity. I will study the species boundaries of one endangered species, Maple-leaf Oak (Quercus acerifolia), by using morphological and genomic data.
Applicant:
Yingtong "Amanda" Wu
Institution:
Integrative taxonomic analysis of Cuban species of Magnolia subsect. Talauma (Magnoliaceae)
National Botanic Garden-University of Havana
The use of traditional taxonomy seems to not be enough to separate the species of the subsection Talauma in Cuba. That is why we are planning to delimitate the three species of the group integrating morphology, ecological niche, population genetics and phylogeny.
Applicant:
Ernesto Testé Lozano
Institution:
Phylogeny, diversification and historical biogeography of Tillandsia subg. Diaphoranthema (Bromeliaceae, Poales)
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República (Uruguay)
Tillandsia subg. Diaphoranthema (ca. 30 epiphytic/epilithic species) will be used as model system to study diversification patterns of plant lineages adapted to arid and semiarid Neotropical habitats. We will perform character evolution, biogeographic, dating and diversification analyses using a phylogenetic framework generated with a novel genome partitioning strategy.
Applicant:
Andrés Rossado
Institution:
Taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses of Dennstaedtia and Microlepia (Dennstaedtiaceae) from South America
Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV, Minas Gerais/Brazil)
We aim to perform a taxonomic revision of Dennstaedtia and Microlepia from South America, along with a comprehensive phylogeny of Tribe Dennstaedtieae from the Neotropics and elsewhere. Morphology, phylogenetic results, and anatomy will be used to identify species boundaries. We will also map characters and biogeography on the dated tree
Applicant:
Nelson Túlio Lage Pena
Institution:
Awarded 2019
ANDRUCHOW COLOMBO Ana (Argentina): Evolution of leaves and seed cones of the conifer family Podocarpaceae based on fossil and extant members of the family
BRIGNONE Nicolás Fernando (Argentina): Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in South American Atriplex lineages (Amaranthaceae, Chenopodioideae, Atripliceae)
BRINDLEY Joshua (U.S.A.): Comparative phylogeography of Sympatric Eucnide (Loasaceae) species on the Baja Peninsula
COHEN Dylan (U.S.A.): Seeking taxonomic resolution for Loasa s.l. (Loasaceae) using next generation sequencing
DE LÍRIO Elton John (Brazil): Systematics and evolution of Laurales with focus on family Monimiaceae and an emphasis on the evolution of sexual systems
DREWNIAK María (Argentina): Evolution of floral visual signals in species of Verbeneae and Lantaneae (Fam. Verbenaceae) and its association with the sensory capabilities of their pollinators, with particular reference to butterflies (Lepidoptera)
GAVIN-SMYTH Nora (U.S.A.): Phylogeography of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc endemic Impatiens
GRINGS Martin (Brazil): Phylogeny of Modiola generic alliance (tribe Malveae, Malvoideae, Malvaceae) and related genera
GUERRA Ethiéne (Brazil): Systematics and evolution of Abarema cochliacarpos complex (Caesalpinioideae, Fabaceae)
HANSEN Kimberly (U.S.A.): Phylogeography and species boundaries of the neotropical genseriad Kohleria spicata
PACE Marcelo (Mexico): Anatomical evolution and diversification of the stems in Malpighiaceae: collecting the Malpigs of Madagascar
PEÑALOZA BOJACÁ Gabriel (Colombia): Elucidating the evolutionary of the epiphytic hornwort genus Dendroceros Nees in the Neotropics and testing the co-evolution with endophytic cyanobacteria
PEREIRA DA SILVA Luciana (Brazil): Integrative study on the diverse genus Cyperus s.l. (Cyperaceae): diversity in Central Brazil, taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, and diversification patterns
RACA Irena (Serbia): Disentangling the taxonomically complicated Crocus heuffelianus complex (Crocus series Verni, Iridaceae)
RODRIGUES DA SILVA Saura (Brazil): Evolution of chromosome number in the genus Utricularia L. (Lentibulariaceae)
SU Chun (P.R. China): Phylogenetic systematics of East Asian Astragalus (Fabaceae)
TOLEDO Cassio (Brazil): Systematic studies in Connarus L. (Connaraceae): phylogeny of the genus and taxonomic revision of the neotropical species
VERA CASTELLANOS Michelle (Colombia): Phylogenetic analyses and discovery of new species of the genus Russula (Fungi) associated with Quercus humboldtii in Colombia
VIEIRA LIMA Lucas (Brazil): Worldwide phylogeny and biogeography of the fern family Gleicheniaceae (Polypodiopsida)
VILLALOBOS-BARRANTES Heidy (Costa Rica): Molecular systematics in the Eriosyce curvispina complex (Cactaceae)
Awarded 2018
Andressa CABRAL (Brazil): Phylogeny and biogeography of the Barbacenia inselbergs clade (Velloziaceae).
Luis Fernando CUELLAR GARRIDO (Mexico): Phylogenetics and inflorescence diversification in Bouteloua and relatives based on transcriptomic data.
Shirley CUNHA FEUERSTEIN (Brazil): The family Graphidaceae (Ostropales, Lichenized Ascomycota) in South Brazil.
Gabriel DAMASCO (Brazil): Towards an integrative taxonomy in Neotropical botany.
Ricardo de OLIVEIRA PERDIZ (Brazil): Building the foundations of a future e-monograph for Neotropical Burseraceae.
Tammy ELLIOT (Canada): Taxonomy and phylogenetics of the southern African Schoenus.
Joelcio FREITAS (Brazil): Systematics of Aristolochia subseries Anthocaulicae F. González (Aristolochiaceae).
Gisel GOMES NOGUEIRA ALVES (Brazil): Untangling the complexity of structure, development and evolution of Simaroubaceae flowers.
Maria Laura GONZÁLES (Argentina): Phylogeny and genomic evolution of the cosmopolitan genus Deschampsia P. Beauv. (Poaceae)
Lucie KOBRLOVÁ (Europe): Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Symphytum (Boraginaceae).
Matias KÖHLER (Brazil): Systematics and evolution of Opuntia Mill. (Cactaceae Juss.) clade Elatae, a southern South America group.
Smitha KOKKARANIYIL (India): Taxonomic Revision, Molecular Phylogeny and Biogeography of Plectranthus-Coleus complex (Lamiaceae) in India.
Dmitry LYSKOV (Russia): Phylogeny of the genus Polygala (Polygalaceae) in Transcaucasia.
Paterne MINGOU (Senegal): Contribution to the study of the Pteridophytes of Senegal.
Marina NASRI SISSINI (Brazil): Phylogeny and biogeography of coralline algae as ecological and evolutionary processes.
Beatriz NEVES FERREIRA da SILVA (Brazil): Evolution and diversification of Vriesea (Tillandsioideae, Bromeliaceae) description.
George Isaac NODZA (Nigeria): Conservation and phylogenetic studies of Nigerian Orchidaceae.
Melissa PALACIO (Colombia): Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on Polyporus s.l. Micheli ex Adans. (Polyporaceae) in southern Brazil.
Soumya PULIYAKODE (India): Taxonomic revision and molecular phylogeny of Justicia L. (Acanthaceae) in India.
Robberson SETUBAL (Brazil): Systematics and evolution of Neotropical Strychnos (Loganiaceae) – developing molecular tools to sort out a tangled and toxic mess.
Karla SOSA (Mexico): Oceans apart: Assessing the roles of vicariance and long-distance dispersal in the widely disjunct fern genus Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae).
The Dan Nicolson Fund has made possible giving an additional Grant to:
Targol CHATRENOOR (Iran): Molecular phylogeny of Caroxyleae (Chenopodiaceae) and diversification of Climacoptera (Chenopodiaceae).
Awarded 2017
Nicolás F. BRIGNONE (Argentina): Taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships and evolution of Atriplex lineages (Amaranthaceae, Chenopodioideae, Atripliceae) in South America)
Qian ZHANG (China): Phylogenomic tree reconstruction of Dorstenieae (Moraceae) using a Hyb-Seq approach: implications for breeding system evolution in Moraceae
Thien-Tam LUONG (Vietnam): Diversification, taxonomy and phylogeny of Meteoriaceae, focusing on Meteorium and Barbella s. lat.
Marco Antonio CUEVA MANCHEGO (Peru): Taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships in Lycianthes serie Strigulosae (Solanaceae) of Peru
Maria Adolfina SAVORETTI (Argentina): Systematic affinities of Early Cretaceous Polytrichaceae (Polytrichopsida, Bryophyta) of western North America – an inquiry into the evolution of polytrichaceous mosses
Serena ACHA (Bolivia): Vines in the Andes: diversification and historical biogeography in passion flowers
Farzaneh JAFARI (Iran): Phylogeny and biogeography of Silene (Caryophyllaceae) using a large dataset of Next Generation Sequencing
Shokouh ESMAILBEGI KERMANI (Iran): Systematics and phylogeny of the tribe Thlaspideae (Brassicaceae)
Rebeca HERNÁNDEZ-GUTIÉRREZ (Mexico): A genus-level phylogeny of Malvaceae s.l. from a Next Generation Sequencing approach
Masoumeh MAHMOUDI SHAMSABAD (Iran): Molecular phylogeny and evolutionary history of Acanthophyllum squarrosum species complex based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences
Duane FERNANDES DE SOUZA LIMA (Brazil): Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Myrcia clade Guianensis (Myrtaceae: Myrteae)
Taimy CANTILLO PÉREZ (Cuba): Integrating morphological and phylogenetic characters to describe Caatinga hyphomycetes diversity in areas of the Semiarid Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio / Semi-Arid)
Pablo MORONI (Argentina): Phylogenetic studies in tribe Duranteae (Verbenaceae) with special reference to the genus Duranta L.
Caroline Oliveira ANDRINO (Brazil): Systematics of Paepalanthus Mart. (Eriocaulaceae)
Nicolás Fernando BRIGNONE (Argentina): Taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships and evolution of Atriplex lineages (Amaranthaceae, Chenopodioideae, Atripliceae) in South America
Johanna JANTZEN (U.S.A.): Diversification and niche evolution in Neotropical Tibouchina s.s. (Melastomataceae)
Prasad M.G. (India): Taxonomic revision and molecular phylogeny of Linderniaceae in India
Carla POLESELLI BRUNIERA (Brazil): Biogeography and diversification of Palicoureeae (Rubiaceae), with focus in neotropical groups
Paola de Lima FERREIRA (Brazil): Understanding the early evolution of Asteraceae: Systematic and Historical Biogeography insights of Barnadesioideae
Hareesh V.S. (India): Taxonomic revision of the Genus Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae) in North-East India
Anna Patricia GERONG (Philippines): Genetic Diversity of Vallisneria L. and Najas L. (Hydrocharitaceae) in Major Lakes of Luzon Island, Philippines
The Dan Nicolson Fund has made possible giving an additional Grant to:
Abdulwakeel AJAO (South Africa): Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Revision of Southern Africa Species of Rhynchosia (Fabaceae)
Awarded 2016
Carolina GUERREIRO (Argentina): Systematic and phylogenetic studies in Chusquea (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Bambuseae)
Annelise FRAZÃO (Brazil): Phylogeny, taxonomic revision, floral evolution and biogeography of Tanaecium Sw. (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Richard R. DUMILAG (Philippines): Systematics of Philippine Bangiales (Rhodophyta)
Yoannis DOMINGUEZ (Cuba): Phylogeny and biogeography of Pinguicula L. (Lentibulariaceae) in the American continents
Alice da Cruz Lima GERLACH (Brazil): Systematics of the lichen genus Usnea Adans (Parmeliaceae, Lichenized Ascomycetes, Fungi) in Southern Brazil: an integrative approach
Itzi FRAGOSO-MARTINEZ (Mexico): Phylogeny and diversification of Salvia (Lamiaceae) in Mexico: unravelling an adaptive radiation
Lu Thi NGAN (Vietnam): Phylogeny and systematics of Vietnamese Dryopteridaceae in a global context
Viviana MOTATO-VÁSQUEZ (Brazil): Systematics of the phlebioid clade (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Augusto GIARETTA (Brazil): Evolution, systematics and biogeography of Eugenia subgen. Calycorectes (O.Berg) Mattos (Myrtaceae)
Ana Clara IBÁÑEZ (Argentina): The role of pollinators in the floral diversification of the South American genus Salpichroa (Solanaceae)
Cássia BITENCOURT (Brazil): Systematics and Biogeography of Hemipogon (Apocynaceae): implications for the phylo-conservation of rupestrian grasslands and savannas
Mabel LIZARAZU (Argentina): Phylogeny, biogeography, and systematic of the genus Heterosperma Cav. (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae)
Prabha AMARASINGHE (Sri Lanka): Integrating phylogenetics and ecological niche models to determine drivers of diversification of the genus Memecylon (Melastomataceae)
Lucas Cardoso MARINHO (Brazil): Phylogeny of tovomitoid group and revision of Tovomita Aubl. (Clusiaceae)
Juan Camilo OSPINA (Colombia): Phylogeny and Biogeography of the genus Flourensia (Asteraceae, Heliantheae)
Luciana SALOMON (Argentina): Revision and Phylogeny of Senecio ser. Hualtatini (Senecioneae, Asteraceae)
Slavica TOFILOVSKA (Macedonia): Evolutionary history of the genus Cyclotella in Lake Ohrid
Nicolás MEDINA (Colombia): Phylogenetic insights into the New World strangler figs (Ficus subgen. Urostigma sect. Americana): testing for hybridization and introgression
Andre Vito SCATIGNA (Brazil): Systematics of Gratioleae (Plantaginaceae): the disintegration of Stemodia L.
Blaise BIKANDU (R.D. Congo): Solanaceae in Central Africa
The Dan Nicolson Fund has made possible giving an additional Grant to:
Avik RAY (India): Evolution across eastern and north-east Himalaya: the case of Rhododendron
Awarded 2015
Segbedji Armel Loic DONKPEGAN (Benin): New insights on the evolutionary history of African tropical moist forests through patterns of the polyploid complex tree genus Afzelia
Thimothée LE PÉCHON (South Africa): Systematics, biogeography, chemical ecology and evolutionary history of the African orchid genus Holothrix
Rani ASMARAYANI (Indonesia): Revision of Piper section Muldera
Farideh MOHARREK (Iran): Molecular phylogeny and evolutionary history of Acantholimon Boiss. (Plumbaginaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences
Ledis REGALADO (Cuba): Exploring the Cuban diversity of Adiantum (Pteridaceae) with emphasis on Cuban and West Indian endemics using chloroplast DNA markers
Rocío DEANNA (Argentina): Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in Deprea (Solanaceae)
Truong VAN DO (Vietnam): A taxonomic revision of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) from Vietnam
María Julia BENA (Argentina): Phylogenetic and biogeographic studies in Gomphrenoideae (Amaranthaceae)
Amirhossein PAHLEVANI (Iran): Revision of the genus Euphorbia (subgen. Esula) in SW Asia with special reference to phyto- and phylogeography of the endemism in the region
Ana Carolina GODOY BÜRKI (Argentina): Climate niche evolution in species of the subfamily Larreoideae (Zygophyllaceae)
Gabriel Emiliano FERREIRA (Brasil): Systematics and biogeographic history of Besleria L. (Gesneriaceae)
María Andrea GROSSI (Argentina): Phylogeography of Acanthostyles buniifolius (Hook. & Arn.) R.M. King & H. Rob., one of the genera with the more southern distribution of the tribe Eupatorieae (Asteraceae)
Titian GHANDFOROUSH (Malesia): A molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of Vaccinieae (Ericaceae), with special emphasis on elucidating biogeographic patterns in Malesia
Dongwei ZHAO (China): A Taxonomic Revision of Camellia (Theaceae) in Indo-China Peninsula
Juliet LINDO (Philippines): Understanding Phylogenetic Relationships of Medinilla (Melastomataceae)
Esteban Ismael MEZA (Argentina): Phylogeography and dispersion patterns of the fern Ophioglossum reticulaum, and its implications with South American monsoon patterns
Klára KABÁTOVÁ (Czech Republic): Systematics and evolution of the Minuartia verna group
Alfred JOE (India): Taxonomic Revision of the family Musaceae in India
Juan Pablo COULLERI(Argentina): Biological control of balloon vine Cardiospermum grandiflorum and a phylogeographic approach of invasive species of Cardiospermum (Sapindaceae) in South Africa
Zübeyde UGURLU-AYDIN (Turkey): Taxonomic Revision and Molecular Phylogeny of the Genus Pyrus L. (Rosaceae)
The Dan Nicolson Fund has made possible giving an additional Grant to:
Pélagie MBANDU LUZOLAWO (Democratic Republic of Congo): A taxonomical, ecological, phytogeographical and ethnobotanical study of the Arecaceae from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Awarded 2014
Diego MORALES-BRIONES (Ecuador): A comprehensive chloroplast phylogeny of the genus Lachemilla (Rosaceae) and relatives using a novel subgenomic approach
Luiz Henrique FONSECA (Brasil): Biogeography and diversification of Adenocalymma (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Josmaily LORIGA (Cuba): Integrative taxonomy of the spleenwort fern flora of Cuba
Ángela CANO (Colombia): Systematics, biogeography and phylogenetic structure of palm (Arecaceae) communities on the Isthmus of Panama
Lise Arlette ZEMAGHO (Cameroon): Phylogeny and biosystematic of the genus Sabicea (Rubiaceae) in continental Africa
Jaya S. & Romina Gazis SEELAN (Malaysia): One genus two different forests: the story of Panus in the Amazonian and Bornean forests
Pedro Alejandro GONZALEZ GUTIERREZ (Cuba): Revision of Cuban Byrsonima H.B.K. and Malpighia L. (Malpighiaceae)
Gabor SRAMKO & Jelena Mlinarek (Hungary): Molecular phylogeny of Pulsatilla Mill. sect. Pulsatilla (DC.) Aichele & Schwegler
Maryam MALEKMOHAMMDI (Iran): Revision of the genus Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) in SW Asia, and clarification of its phylogenetic relationship with related genera using molecular methods and pollen morphology
Shih-Hui LIU (Taiwan): Phylogeny of Ludwigia and polyploid evolution in section Macrocarpon (Onagraceae)
Sandeep SEN (India): Phylogeography and Systematics of Piper species in the Western Ghats, India
Agostina Belen SASSONE (Argentina): Evolutionary and systematic studies of the genus Tristagma (Amaryllidaceae)
Jacob LANDIS (USA): Evolution of Flower Color and its Significance in Polemoniaceae: Phylogeny Reconstruction and Character Mapping in Leptosiphon and Linanthus
Marie Claire VERANSO (Cameroon): Evolution of Dissotis Benth (Melastomataceae - Melastomateae): morphometrics, molecular phylogenetics and biogeography
Keir WEFFERLING(USA): Phylogeography of the Caltha leptosepala species complex
Bruno AMORIM (Brasil): Phylogeny and Taxonomy of “clade Gomidesia” (Myrcia s.l., Myrtaceae) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Mohammad VATANPARAST (Iran): Diversification and infrageneric classification of the genus Dalbergia L.F. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae)
Fernando MATOS (Brasil): Systematic studies of Elaphoglossum sect. Polytrichia (Dryopteridaceae)
Cintia Luiza da SILVA LUZ (Brasil): Systematic and biogeography of Schinus L. (Anacardiaceae)
Syadwina HAMAMA (Indonesia): A Taxonomic Revision of Ampelocissus (Vitaceae) in Sumatra, Indonesia
The Dan Nicolson Fund has made possible giving an additional Grant to:
Hassan RANKOU (Morocco): Systematics and plant conservation of the Moroccan monocots
Awarded 2013
Marcela NICOLA (Argentina): Diversification and speciation of Nassauvia Subgenus Strongyloma (Asteraceae, Nassauvieae)
Gwynne LIM (USA): Taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships and pollination biology of Tacca (Dioscoriaceae)
Nicolás GARCÍA (Chile): Chromosomal evolution in Amaryllidaceae tribe Hipeastreae
Amornrat PRAJAKSOOD née MEESAWAT (Thailand): Eriocaulaceae in southern Lao PDR
Clarisse PALMA-SILVA (Brasil): Phylogeography and lineage diversity of Pitcairnia flammea Lindl. complex (Bromeliaceae) adapted to Neotropical inselbergs
Ruvimbo MAPAYA (Zimbabwe): Phylogenetics and Biogeography of Emilia (Cass.) Cass. (Asteraceae, Senecioneae)
Tanawat CHAOWASKU (Thailand): Systematics of the canangoid clade (Annonaceae): resolving relationships, understanding pollen morphology, and characterizing a new genus
Lilia Bibiana MONCADA (Colombia): How many species of Sticta are there?
Faye ADAMA (Senegal): Central African rain forest dynamics: phylogeography of the small palm genus Podococcus
Leandro GIACOMIN (Brasil): Systematics and taxonomy of Solanum section Extensum D`Arcy (Solanaceae)
The Dan Nicolson Fund has made possible giving an additional Grant to:
Alex SUMADIJAYA (Indonesia): Polyploidy, hibridization and molecular phylogeny of Australian Bothriochloa
Awarded 2012
Tania Maria de MOURA (Brazil) Mucuna Adans. (Leguminosae - Papilionoideae) in Ecuador
Raquel Fernandes MONTEIRO (Brazil): Phylogeny and systematic of Bromelia L. (Bromeliaceae – Bromelioideae) with Brazilian Cerrado species emphasis
Alina Freire FIERRO (U.S.A.): Origin and Diversification of Monnina (Polygalaceae)
Paul John Lgeaspi GERALDINO (Philippines): Diversity and distribution of marine macro-benthic algae in three different geographic regions within the Philippine Archipelago
Pablo César Guerrero MARTIN (Chile): Molecular systematics of Eriosyce sensu lato (Cactaceae)
María Soledad JIMENEZ (Argentina): Biosystematics and phylogeny of the genus Philonotis Brid. (Bartramiaceae, Bryophyta) in the south of South America
Fábio PINHEIRO (Brazil): Phylogeography of Epidendrum denticulatum complex (Orchidaceae): the role of historic demographic events in the evolution and diversification of Neotropical orchid species
Noufou Doudjo OUATTARA (Switzerland): Systematics of West African poorly known palms (Arecaceae): Case of the genera Borassus L., Hyphaene Gaertn. and Phoenix L.
Nawal SHRESTHA (China): Taxonomic revision of Lycopodiaceae Mirb. of the Pan-Himalayas
Larissa TRIEVEILER (Brazil): Studies on gasteroid fungi (Agaricomycetes) in southern Brazil
Awarded 2011
Alicia LOPEZ (Argentina): Systematic and evolutionary studies in Lupinus (Fabaceae) from Argentina
Andrea MICHLIG (Argentina): Taxonomic studies in Parmotrema (Parmeliaceae, Lichenized Aschomycota) in northeastern Argentina
Diego DE GENNARO (Argentina): Molecular and morphological phylogeny of South American species Euphrasia (Orobanchaceae)
Maria Claudia Melo Pacheco de MEDEIROS (Brazil): Niche evolution of Tynathus Miers (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Maria Teresa Aureliano Buril VITAL (Brazil): Taxonomy and evolution of Jacquemontia Choisy (Convolvulaceae)
Nicholas WILDING (South Africa): A taxonomic revision and phylogeny of the African Entosthodon (Musci)
Rafael Batista LOUZADA (Brazil): Taxonomic revision, phylogeny and biogeography of Orthophytum Beer (Brameliaceae)
Wilder Carmenate REYES (Cuba): Taxonomy and biogeography of the squamous species of the genus Henriettea DC. (Melastomataceae)
E. SANOJ (India): Taxonomic revision of the genus Hedychium J. Koenig (Zingiberaceae)
Awarded 2010
Carol Myriam Peña HERNANDEZ (Chile): Species delimination in Copiapoa Britton & Rose (Cactaceae)
Gustavo HEIDEN (Brazil): Systematics and evolution of Baccharis subg. Tarchonanthoides Heering (Asteraceae), a group from southeastern South American grasslands
Tatiana ARIAS (Colombia): Systematics of Brassiceae (Brassicaceae)
Awarded 2009
Andre Ledoux NJOUONKOU (Cameroon): Taxonomy and phylogeny of Lentinaceae Jülich (Basidiomycotina) in Cameroon
Fabiana Luiza Ranzato FILARDI (Brazil): Advances in Machaerium Pers. (Leguminosae - Papilionoideae) systematics: infrageneric phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the Brazilian Atlantic forest species
Guillermo Martin SUAREZ (Argentina): Systematics and phylogeny of neotropical species of the genus Pohlia (Musci)
Jhoana Diaz LARREA (Cuba): Diversity and phylogenetic relationships on the benthic marine algal genera Laurencia (Rhodophyta) and Codium (Chlorophyta) genera from the tropical-subtropical transition zone of the Mexican Pacific Coast
Jose Floriano Barea PASTORE (Brazil): Phylogenetic studies in Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae)
Josmaily Loriga PINEIRO (Cuba): Taxonomic treatment of the fern genus Elaphoglossum (Dryopteridaceae) in Cuba
Maria Ana FARINACCIO (Brazil): Argentinian Phanerogamic Flora: Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae)
Mariana Machado SAAVEDRA (Brazil): Taxonomic revision and phylogeny of Dasyphyllum (Asteraceae)
Viviana HECHEM (Argentina): Morphology, taxonomy and phylogeny study of “Cynanchum” L. And related genera (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Metastelminae) from southern South America
Taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of the monophyletic clade Anthurium section Dactylophyllium
Universidad del Valle
This research aims to provide a molecular phylogeny of all Anthurium section Dactylophyllium, using High-throughput DNA sequencing. which will be the first molecular phylogeny of a complete monophyletic clade within Anthurium and will serve both to test the phylogenetic relationships, and to study the historical biogeography of this clade.
Applicant:
Martin Llano
Institution:
Uncovering the hidden taxonomic diversity and symbiont specificity of algae lichenized with a speciose lineage of fungi endemic to Western North America based on phylogenomic inferences.
University of Connecticut
My research seeks to resolve the taxonomy of and phylogenetic relationships within the green algal lineage of Trebouxia, and their symbionts, members of the lichenized fungal genus Niebla. This work also aims to identify and quantify the drivers of symbiont specificity between these two groups.
Applicant:
Zachary Muscavitch
Institution:
Evolutionary patterns of RNA editing in ferns and their relation to DNA substitution rates: insights from the Pteridaceae
Duke University
Within Pteridaceae, the genus Adiantum exhibits a slower DNA substitution rate than their sister group, the vittarioids. Preliminary data suggest levels of RNA editing are much lower in the faster-evolving vittarioids. Here, we expand the current vittarioid sampling to truly understand the relationship between RNA editing and DNA substitution rate.
Applicant:
Blake Fauskee
Institution:
Investigating conserved floral scent as a driver of hybridization
Mississippi State University
This project will investigate niche conservatism as a driver of hybridization using the hybrid zone between Heuchera americana and H. richardsonii. I will integrate phylogenomics and morphometrics with floral volatile methods. To build a comparative framework, I will conduct an investigation of cryptic species in the polyphyletic H. americana complex.
Applicant:
Nicholas Engle-Wrye
Institution:
Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of the Prosopis genus in South America
Evolutionary Ecology and Floral Biology Lab. Multidisciplinary Institute of Vegetal Biology (IMBIV-CONICET), National University of Cordoba (UNC), Argentina.
The phylogeny of genus Prosopis is not yet well-resolved. Therefore, it is necessary to deepen phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary aspects of this emblematic genus with NGS. Is for this reason that a 1-month stay at the INTA molecular laboratory under the supervision of PhD Andrea Puebla represents the opportunity to learn this new technique including both laboratory and bioinformatics aspects.
Applicant:
DANA LUCIA AGUILAR
Institution:
Taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of Maripa Aubl. (Convolvulaceae): a predominantly Amazonian genus
Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia
The project addresses the systematics and biogeographic studies of the genus Maripa, aiming to analyze its diversity, distribution, evolution and conservation. The grant would help cover the costs associated with visiting herbaria in USA, in order to examine important Amazonian collections, which would be critical to complete this research.
Applicant:
Mayara Pastore
Institution:
Collaborative studies to achieve a phylogenetic framework for Medinilla, the second largest genus in Melastomataceae
Western Michigan University, Department of Biological Sciences
We aim to infer a robust phylogenomic framework for Medinilla, one of the world's most taxonomically difficult genera. IAPT’s support for a research trip will link our knowledge and resources, thereby enabling mentorship specific to the methods and taxonomic group, access to specialized facilities, and unprecedented exploration of melastome evolution.
Applicant:
J. Peter Quakenbush
Institution:
A genus-level phylogeny of Polygalaceae from a Next Generation Sequencing approach
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
The present project aims elucidate the phylogenetic relationships in Polygalaceae, in order to solve the delimitation and positioning of the main clades in the family.
Applicant:
Michelle Christine de Almeida Mota
Institution:
Systematics and biogeography of Hyptidinae (Ocimeae, Lamiaceae) focusing on Oocephalus, a predominantly endemic genus of campos rupestres.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
This present project aims to provide a systematic and biogeographic study of subtribe Hyptidinae using Oocephalus as a model. A phylogenetic analysis using plastidial data with a biogeographic approach will be made to a better understanding of the genus relationship within the subtribe and how this group diversified through Neotropics.
Applicant:
Arthur de Souza Soares
Institution:
Systematics, Historical Biogeography, and Character Evolution in Dialioideae (Leguminosae)
Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (JBRJ)
We aim to produce a new and comprehensive phylogenetic, biogeographic and character evolution study for Dialioideae, a pantropical clade with 17 genera and about 85 species, remarkable for its unique floral morphology among legumes, unveiling their origin, diversity, and evolution throughout the history of life on Earth.
Applicant:
Marcus José de Azevedo Falcão Junior
Institution:
Phylogenomics of Neurolaeneae (Asteraceae): a poorly known and long neglected tribe
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
This proposal will facilitate the first phylogenomic study of the tribe Neurolaeneae, which has never been the focus of a phylogenetic study, therefore relationships among genera and species are unresolved. This study will test the tribe's monophyly, elucidate relationships within Calea, and reveal evolutionary patterns of diversification in the Neotropics.
Applicant:
Vinicius Resende Bueno
Institution:
Phylogenetic, biogeographic and morphometric studies in the Geminata clade of Solanum L. (Solanaceae)
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO OESTE DO PARA
This project aims to stablish phyolegentic relationships and infer the biogeographic history of species of the Geminata clade of Solanum as well as to refine the taxonomy of some troublesome species using morphometry.
Applicant:
Juan David Tovar Duran
Institution:
Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Studies in Guadua (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae)
Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
This work is critical for the understanding the phylogeny of Guadua and related taxa, a bamboo genus economic and ecological importance. An infragenic circumscription of Guadua will be inferred through phylogenetic studies based on plastid markers. A taxonomic study for the Amazonian species in Brazil will also be prepared.
Applicant:
Edgar Augusto Lobato Afonso
Institution:
Towards an integrative revision of the genus Aeschynanthus (Gesneriaceae) in India based on morphological, palynological and molecular approaches
Department of Botany, University of Calicut, India
As part of my PhD study, the revision of Aeschynanthus in India, I like to ask for financial support from IAPT for a research visit major herbaria in the UK, i.e. K, and E, to consult their historical Indian collections and to develop a collaboration with Gesneriaceae specialists
Applicant:
AKHIL M.K.
Institution:
Systematic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic studies in Polygala (Polygalaceae) with emphasis on Andean-Patagonian species (sect. Clinclinia and Monninopsis)
Instituto de Botánica Darwinion (SI)
To study Polygala sections Clinclinia DC. and Monninopsis A.Gray in a systematic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic approaches. Several species in these groups remain unknown, and names involved need revision, especially the species in the northern and southern extremes of the distribution
Applicant:
Agustina Martinez
Institution:
Systematics of Agarista (Ericaceae): phylogeny and taxonomic revision.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Agarista comprises 32 species. Its center of diversity is in the mountains of eastern Brazil, where 21 species occur (19 endemic). No recent taxonomic revision or phylogenetic hypothesis is available. I aim to provide a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis and taxonomic revision, evaluating morphological characters and clarifying evolutionary relationships.
Applicant:
Claudenice Hilda Dalastra
Institution:
Phylogenetic community diversity of the southern Africa quartz field habitats
Gombe State University
Plant species of the southern African quartz fields are mostly habitat specialists and local endemics that are critically threatened with extinction. In the context of phylogenies, I will estimate facets of phylodiversity – evolutionary diversification, divergence and survival as conservation targets across the Knersvlakte, Little Karoo and Overberg, quartz habitats of South Africa. This proposal seeks funding for DNA sequencing component of the already received Smut Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Cape Town.
Applicant:
Daniel Andrawus Zhigila
Institution:
Out of the Jungle: Resolving reticulation and its role in invasion success of the vining ferns, Lygodium (Lygodiaceae)
Department of Biology, University of Florida
Examining the role of hybridization and introgression in a highly invasive fern complex.
Applicant:
Jessie Pelosi
Institution:
Patagonia as a biodiversity refugia during the end-Cretaceous global crisis: a palynological study from South America
Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio
Study the taxonomic composition of the La Colonia Formation palynological assemblages and compare them with contemporary associations known from the Southern Hemisphere to evaluate the major changes across the K/Pg transition. Increase the macrofossil collection of water fern and other plants from previously known and potential new fossiliferous localities from the La Colonia Formation.
Applicant:
Facundo De Benedetti
Institution:
Species discovery in Begonia: an expedition to the outer islands of Sulawesi
Research Center for Plant Conservation and Botanic Gardens-LIPI
The Begonias of Sulawesi are the poorest known of any Malesian island. Currently 58 species are known from the island, however examination of herbarium material indicate that there are several new species from the area awaiting description, and the total number is likely to be 80 species.
Applicant:
Wisnu Handoyo Ardi
Institution:
Systematics, Phylogenomics and Biogeography of the genus Dendrochilum with emphasis on species of the Indonesian Archipelago
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
The proposed study aims to conduct systematic research on the genus Dendrochilum in Indonesia which involves taxonomic, phylogenomic, and biogeographic analyses.
Applicant:
Mark Arcebal Naive
Institution:
Population genomic insight into the diversification and historical biogeography of Saussurea obvallata complex
Kunming Institute of Botany, CAS
The project aims to reveal the differentiation and diversification mechanism of Saussurea obvallata complex from the Himalaya-Hengduan mountains by integrating genomic (complete plastome and RAD sequences) and ecological niche dynamics.
Applicant:
HUM KALA RANA
Institution:
From morphology to molecular through ecological niche analysis: An integrative approach for the cryptic species delimitation in the genus Stellera L.
Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese academy of Sciences
The proposed research aims to delimit the cryptic species in the genus Stellera L. The single species S. chamaejasme within the genus is hypothesized to have four distinctive colour morphs. Therefore, we intellect to integrate multidisciplinary evidence (morphology, molecular and niche modelling) for the discrimination of the cryptic species.
Applicant:
Santosh Kumar Rana
Institution:
Unraveling cacao: systematics and evolution of Theobroma L. and Herrania Goudot (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae)
University of São Paulo
Unraveling cacao: this project will undertake a taxonomic treatment of Theobroma and Herrania species (Malvaceae, Byttnerioideae) associated to an assessment of morphological and populational genomics in the group. Results will contribute for improving knowledge on evolution, structural and genomic heterogeneity of a symbolic Amazonian group.
Applicant:
Matheus Colli Silva
Institution:
Awarded 2021
A total of 81 applications were received in the 2021 research grant round. Thank you to all who applied.
The following 24 applications were selected for funding, with a total of $42,387 (US) awarded.
Awarded 2023
A total of 105 applications were received in the 2023 research grant round. Thank you to all who applied.
The following 22 applications were selected for funding, with a total of $41,477 (US) awarded.
Integrative approach to identify informative characters in the taxonomy of Sacoila (Orchidaceae) and clarify the identity of Sacoila hassleri, an obscure species from the Chaco in South America
Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional-Oaxaca
Through an integrative approach (morphology, anatomy and molecular phylogenetics) I hope to identify useful characters in the characterization and delimitation of Sacoila species, and clarify the identity of S. hassleri, contributing to the taxonomy of the genus and the knowledge of the Flora of Chaco and of Brazil.
Applicant:
Gabriela Micaela Cruz Lustre
Institution:
Revealing the diversity of Copaifera oil-resin trees for Apuí, a threatened region in southern Amazonas, Brazil
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA)
This proposal requests funds to intensify collection efforts throughout the Apuí municipality from the survey of Copaifera spp. to know the genus’ diversity and provide useful data that will help the recognition of adult tree and seedling stages. Also, to build a database with the near-infrared spectral signature to facilitate rapid and accurate species identification.
Applicant:
Elzineide Moreira do Carmo
Institution:
Genetic Diversity and Spatial Genetic Structure of Guzmania monostachia (Bromeliaceae) in Florida
University of Florida
The subject of my research is the Florida native bromeliad species Guzmania monostachia. In 1989, an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil, Metamasius callizona, was introduced into Florida from Mexico, endangering most of Florida’s native bromeliads, including G. monostachia. My goals are to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Tillandsioideae and use population genomic approaches to quantify the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of Florida populations of G. monostachia.
Applicant:
Shelby Krupar
Institution:
Biosystematics of Melocactus violaceus Pfeiffer (Cactaceae)
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute
The integrative taxonomy of Melocactus violaceus, may indicate whether this taxon corresponds to a complex of several microendemic species, or whether it corresponds to a single species with great morphological variation and wide geographic distribution. Morphometric and genomic studies and ecological niche modeling will be carried out.
Applicant:
Haissa de Abreu Caitano
Institution:
The interplay of morphology and hybridization on the taxonomy and applied uses of the Southern South American wild potatoes (Solanum sect. Petota ser. Commersoniana, Solanaceae)
Universidade Federal de Pelotas
Is Solanum malmeanum a species, an infraspecies conspecific with S. commersonii or a hybrid of the later with S. chacoense? To elucidate these long-lasting questions, morphometrics and reproduction behavior will be combined with genomics. Then artificial and putative natural hybrids will be assessed with the same tools and compared.
Applicant:
Rodrigo Nicolao
Institution:
Taxonomy, evolution and biogeography of Bonnetia (Bonnetiaceae) in the Pantepui: a model group for studies of the Amazonian mountains
Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi
The focus of this research is to conduct a taxonomic, phylogenomic, and biogeographic study of Bonnetia, in order to investigate how this significant Pantepui lineage evolved. It also aims to understand the taxonomy of the genus, the species boundaries, and how they are geographically distributed in the Neotropical region.
Applicant:
Rafael Gomes Barbosa-Silva
Institution:
Systematic studies of Senna ser. Bacillares (Benth.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Leguminosae,
Caesalpinioideae): molecular phylogeny, biogeography, and taxonomic revision
Escola Nacional de Botânica Tropical/Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (ENBT/JBRJ) and Göteborgs Universitet (GU)
Although Senna (Leguminosae) is a speciose genus, few studies addressed its systematics in recent decades and a lot of gaps of knowledge remain. In this sense, this thesis aims to carry out a molecular phylogeny, biogeography and taxonomic revision of Senna ser. Bacillares, the largest series of the genus.
Applicant:
Alexandre Gibau de Lima
Institution:
Phylogenetics, niche evolution, and species limits of Smilax (Smilacaceae) in eastern Brazil
University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History
I am investigating the evolution and biodiversity of Neotropical Smilax by utilizing phylogenomics along with morphological and niche-associated from specimen-based occurrences. This will result in an improved knowledge of Neotropical climbing plants, taxonomic treatments, and comparative phylogenetic study.
Applicant:
Thomas H. Murphy
Institution:
Polyphyly within Abronia villosa: untangling the evolutionary history of the species and its allies
Cal Poly Humboldt
Morphological taxonomy suggests that A. villosa var. aurita and A. villosa var. villosa are two varieties of the same species. However, a recent phylogenetic analysis indicates that A. villosa var. aurita and A. villosa var. villosa form a polyphyletic group, and the relationships within their clade need restructuring and delimiting.
Applicant:
Eli Allen
Institution:
Systematics and historical biogeography of the Indian endemic species of Isodon (Lamiaceae)
Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Calicut University PO, Malappuram THENHIPPALAM, KERALA 673635 India
In the present study, the focus will be on the systematics of the genus Isodon in India and elucidating the evolutionary relationships and biogeographic patterns with the help of phylogenetic tools and techniques. Through extensive exploration of different parts of India and will undertake molecular works.
Applicant:
Alan Thomas S
Institution:
How fuzzy are the species boundaries in plants? Investigating the role of hybridization and introgression in generating Spicatum Complex (genus: Hedychium, Zingiberaceae)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal
I am investigating how hybridization and introgression can lead to the formation of species complexes in the Asian paleotropics using Spicatum complex in the genus Hedychium (Zingiberaceae). I am using a reduced representation genome sequencing using dd-RAD along a phylogeographic range to achieve this.
Applicant:
Aleena Xavier
Institution:
Exploring the gaps in the systematics of Marcetieae (Melastomataceae): A phylogenomic approach focusing on Ernestia and Macairea
Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro / Escola Nacional de Botânica Tropical
This project aims to resolve the current incongruities in systematics of Marcetieae, proposing a phylogenetic hypothesis based on a phylogenomic approach from molecular data of the Angiosperms353 probe sets and increase in sampling of Ernestia and Macairea, going to the field in the Amazon region to perform botanical collections.
Applicant:
Diego Nunes da Silva
Institution:
Revision of the green algal genus Caulerpa (Ulvophyceae) of the Philippines
University of San Carlos
The genus Caulerpa in the Philippines is putatively rich. However, most of these records appears to be erroneous since the taxonomy of the genus has been studied scarcely, if not poorly in the country. The present study aims to revise the genus Caulerpa in the Philippines using both morphological and molecular approaches which are reliable in species delimitation as the accumulation of information on the biochemistry, ecology and potential economic importance of this genus in the country is rapidly increasing, thus, it is essential for these species to be attached to correct names.
Applicant:
Arkady A. Tahil
Institution:
Towards a revision of the hornwort (Anthocerotophyta) in Indonesia: A taxonomic study of the genus Phaeomegaceros (Dendrocerotaceae)
Research Center for Plant Conservation and Botanical Garden - National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia (BRIN)
This project aims for a comprehensive study towards an integrative taxonomy of the hornwort genus Phaeomegaceros in Indonesia. Fieldwork will be conducted in Java and Sumatra based on the previous records and exploring the new areas within these islands. The additional data from this research will complement the existing data of the genus Phaeomegaceros and will contribute to the Guide to the Liverworts and Hornworts of Java, Checklist of the liverworts and Hornworts of Java, and towards knowledge of hornwort diversity in Indonesia.
Applicant:
Ainun Nadhifah
Institution:
Population genetics applied to the conservation of rare Myrtaceae species in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Federal University of Santa Catarina
This project has the main objective to evaluate the genetic structure of populations of three rare Myrtaceae species. It is expected to expand collection records, characterize the genetic diversity and structure; propose updated conservation assessments for each species; and contribute to the conservation of Brazilian endemic flora.
Applicant:
Ana Flávia Augustin
Institution:
Understanding the evolution of the asexual reproduction (bulbils) in Globba L. (Zingiberaceae) using phylogenetic comparative methods
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal
I propose to specifically investigate the evolution of bulbils (asexual reproduction) and its role as a critical reproductive strategy that may mark the success of many species within the genus Globba. Grant money from IAPT will be used to cover costs associated with ddRAD seq to investigate inbreeding and outbreeding rates in Globba spp. with contrasting reproductive strategies.
Applicant:
Ritu Yadav
Institution:
Reflecting on mirror-image flowers: Investigating pollen transfer dynamics, morph ratio, and outcrossing rates in enantiostylous flowers.
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal
The proposed study focuses on the functional aspects of the pollination mechanism in enantiostylous species such as pollen transfer dynamics, the role of morph ratio in reproductive success, inbreeding, and outcrossing rates, and overall reproductive assurance provided by enantiostylous flowers in wild Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae). The grant is being requested towards initial molecular work involving ddRAD sequencing.
Applicant:
Rhuthuparna S B
Institution:
Towards a Taxonomic Revision of the Tropical Blueberries (Vaccinium L., Ericaceae) of the Philippines
Texas Christian University
Vaccinium is the most speciose plant group in the Ericaceae of the Philippines. There are currently 37 species recognized for the country. The most comprehensive treatments for this genus in the Philippines all suffer from poorly justified synonymization of many names and the recognition of numerous vaguely defined varieties. There is also a lack of focus in those treatments on the variation in several characters that are now known to be taxonomically informative. For these reasons that I propose to clarify the species taxonomy of Philippine Vaccinium through a complete taxonomical revision.
Applicant:
Maverick N. Tamayo
Institution:
Systematics, biogeography and character evolution of Persea (Lauraceae) group in the Indian subcontinent
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India
The study aims to see complex systematics, character evolution, and biogeographic origin and evolution of the Persea (Lauraceae) group in Indian subcontinent. The designed study will be carried out using plant-based taxonomic methods, visiting Regional and Central Circles of Botanical Survey of India, micro-morphological observations, and a multilocus phylogeny.
Applicant:
Ms. Nabasmita Malakar
Institution:
The Aroma of Gingers: Evolutionary and ecological significance of the plant volatilome in the medicinally important genus Hedychium
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India
The proposed work investigates the volatile chemistry of genus Hedychium (Zingiberaceae), a group of flowering, understorey, perennial rhizomatous herbs endemic to the Asian palaeotropic region to understand their ecology, species coexistence and evolutionary diversification. The award will facilitate volatile collection from the wild gingers across India and further downstream analysis.
Applicant:
ANUPAMA SEKHAR
Institution:
Using population heterogeneity to define phenotypic diversity in the Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor)
Cornell University
I aim to define genetic diversity of Sabal minor to understand evolutionary patterns associated with geographically restricted trunk variability (caulescent vs acaulescent). This work seeks to re-evaluate the circumscription of caulescent S. minor as the same species as acaulescent S. minor, a question that confounded L.H. Bailey and his contemporaries.
Applicant:
Ayress Grinage
Institution:
Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of genera in clade Maranta (Marantaceae).
Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
Marantaceae is a pantropical family made of five major clades. This project focus on clade Maranta, the biggest gap of knowledge. I will perform an integrative phylogeny and a revisional taxonomic treatment to understand the type-genus Maranta and its seven closely related genera in morphology and kinship.
Applicant:
Fernanda Ribeiro de Mello Fraga
Institution:
Systematics and Biogeography of Croton sect. Lasiogyne (Klotzsch) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), a primary group from Neotropical Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests
Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE)
We aim to perform a phylogenetic and biogeographic reconstruction of Croton sect. Lasiogyne to understand its relationships, infer evolutionary processes involved with this group, and raise new insights about the diversification of SDTFs flora. Consequently, we aim to propose a more robust circumscription for this currently not well-delimited group.
Applicant:
Yuri Rossine
Institution:
Systematics of Macropsychanthus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Diocleae): taxonomic revision, phylogeny and biogeography
Universidade Estadual Feira de Santana
This research aims to provide the taxonomic revision, phylogeny and biogeography of Macropsychanthus, a Pantropical legume genus not deeply sampled before. This study will help to better undertanding the species relationships and dispersion events of this genus and will provide the basis for future studies in ecology and conservation.
Applicant:
Deivid Andrés Fonseca Cortés
Institution:
Systematics and evolution of Rhynchospora Vahl. sect. Pauciflorae
Kük. (Cyperaceae Juss.).
Paraense Emílio Goeldi Museum and Amazon Federal Rural University
Rhynchospora sect. Pauciflorae is poorly circumscribed, has not been revised in over 70
years, and is the focus of my doctoral dissertation. My objective is to consult the diverse
collection and types of Pauciflorae and related species in the herbarium (NY) of the New
York Botanical Garden.
Applicant:
Karina de Nazaré Lima Alves
Institution:
Molecular and morphological diversification of the family Inocybaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) in West Africa
Tropical Mycology and Plant-Soil Fungi Interactions
The diversity of Inocybaceae is 80 species on the African continent against 1100 species in the world. Through this project will contribute to a clear hiatus of species boundaries within the Inocybaceae, using the combination of morphological studies and DNA sequencing from type collections.
Applicant:
Aïgnon Lougbegnon Hyppolite
Institution:
Ericaceae of Indonesia: expedition to the mountainous regions of Aceh
Universitas Samudra
The Ericaceae of Sumatra is among the most neglected by botanists of any Malesian islands. Currently, 69 species are known from this island. However, more new taxa are awaiting description, and many potential habitats for Ericaceae are unexplored. The total number is perhaps between 80 and 85 species.
Applicant:
Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim
Institution:
Diversity of marasmioid fungi in the mountain cloud forests of Eastern Mexico
Instituto de Ecología A.C.
Marasmioid fungi present in Mexican mountain cloud forests, are species with several ecological functions and complex interactions. This project proposes to collect fresh basidiomes and study the poorly documented diversity of Marasmioid fungi present in Mexican Mountain cloud forests and compare new collections with type specimens inserted in several herbaria.
Applicant:
Enrique Cesar Crivelli
Institution:
Systematics and Evolution of Baccharis L. section Caulopterae DC. s.s. (Asteraceae: Astereae)
Taxonomy, Evolution, and Biogeography of Baccharis L. sect. Caulopterae s.s.
School of Agronomy, Universidad de la República
Baccharis sect. Caulopterae s.s. as currently circumscribed is a group of 17 species, most easily identifiable by their winged stems and 12-20-ribbed cypselae. My research project aims at understanding the Systematics of Baccharis sect. Caulopterae s.s., by means of carrying out a detailed taxonomic study, phylogenetic analyses based on genomic methods, and temporal and biogeographical studies.
Applicant:
Victoria Valtierra
Institution:
-Disentangling the Gordian knot of the Verbenaceae - Lantana L. and Lippia L. in the Andes of South America
Instituto de Botanica Darwinion, CONICET-
Field explorations are planned to collect Lippia and Lantana plants from unknown or poorly collected areas in Ecuador and Peru. This will help to decide upon the conservation status of species concerned. Subsequently, by means of molecular phylogenetic studies, relationship and boundaries between species are aimed to be resolved.
Applicant:
Fabiana Mirra
Institution:
Systematic of Catostemma clade (Malvaceae; Bombacoideae)
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Present a taxonomic revision of Aguiaria, Catostemma, and Scleronema, supported by a well-sampled molecular phylogeny. Test the monophyly and the relationship between these three genera, based on molecular data and supported by the evolution of selected morphological characters. Reevaluate species’ boundaries, recognizing diagnostic features and the species’ geographical distribution.
Applicant:
Carlos Daniel Miranda Ferreira
Institution:
Systematics of Mollia Mart. (Malvaceae: Grewioideae)
Escola Nacional de Botânica Tropical, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
The project proposes to investigate Mollia, a mostly Amazon genus, under taxonomic, phylogenetic and palynological approaches along with providing data for its conservation. The IAPT grant would be used for covering the costs of visiting the F, MO, NY and US herbaria, four crucial collections to conclude this work.
Applicant:
Maria Tereza Rodrigues Costa
Institution:
Phylogeny and Biogeography of Veronica subgenus pentasepalae with an emphasis on the Irano-Turanian species
Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman
This research addresses the phylogeny and biogeography of Veronica subgenus pentasepalae including the taxonomically complicated diploid-polyploid Veronica orientalis species group, using high throughput sequencing along a wide range of distribution in the Middle-East.
Applicant:
Moslem Doostmohammadi
Institution:
Phylogenetic systematics of the genus Agrostis based on morphological, anatomical, and
molecular characters in the context of the subtribe Agrostidinae (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae)
Facultad de Agronomia-UBA
Agrostis L. includes ca. 220 species. Its generic delimitation is currently under discussion with species of difficult identification. In South America, there is an important center of diversification in the Andean-Patagonian region with endemisms and taxa of restricted geographic distribution. It is important to gather more evidence for its delimitation from a robust phylogeny that integrates different data.
Applicant:
Patricia Candela
Institution:
Systematic studies on species of Deyeuxia sect. Stylagrostis (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae)
Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires
Recently, 8 taxa of Deyeuxia sect. Stylagrostis formed a monophyletic clade with 4 species of Deschampsia. They are extremely variable in their morphological characters. Their morphological variation as well as a representative sampling of Deschampsia should be included in phylogenetic studies in order to test the monophyly of sect. Stylagrostis.
Applicant:
María de los Ángeles Ferrero
Institution:
Towards an integrative taxonomic revision of neotropical Radula based on morphological and molecular evidence
Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia / Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi
This project aims at clarifying the poorly understood taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of Radula in tropical America. The grant will help covering the costs associated with a visit to the herbaria in England (BM, MANCH) in order to examine their historical collections of Radula, which are essential to this research.
Applicant:
Fúvio Rubens Oliveira da Silva
Institution:
Towards an integrative study of Carex sect. Uncinia in South America: completing a mosaic of diversification processes in the Chilean Andes
Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Spain) / Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (United Kingdom)
We aim to clarify the evolutionary history of Carex sect. Uncinia, which has undergone a significant diversification across South America. In order to understand the processes underpinning the diversification of the genus, the candidate will join a fieldwork campaign to achieve a comprehensive sampling in the area. His contribution will focus on gathering information on chromosome counts and genome size estimations. These data will contribute to clarifying the taxonomy of the section.
Applicant:
José Ignacio Márquez-Corro
Institution:
Identifying Changes in the Vascular Plant Flora of the Wabash River Corridor of Indiana, United States of America
Department of Biology, Indiana University
The goal of this project is to establish the modern flora of the Wabash River corridor to determine current conservation needs, to characterize how the native flora has changed over the past century, and to predict the future flora of the region.
Applicant:
Richard Hull
Institution:
Awarded 2022
A total of 86 applications were received in the 2022 research grant round. Thank you to all who applied.
The following 38 applications were selected for funding, with a total of $76,000 (US) awarded.
Overcoming long-standing taxonomic challenges to advance knowledge of species limits in Colombian spikemosses (Selaginella)
Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia)
My undergraduate and now master's research has focused on the study of the taxonomy of Selaginella in a diverse region of the Colombian Andes. I have had important results, but completion of this work requires examination of specimens at U.S. institutions and detailed study of spore morphology by SEM.
Applicant:
Susana Vega Betancur
Institution:
Phylogeny and Taxonomic revision of Thismiaceae in the Neotropical region
Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
This project seeks to partially fill the knowledge gaps for Thismiaceae by (1) providing comprehensive taxonomic data for species occurring in the Neotropical region, and (2) reconstructing their phylogenetic relationships to test the hypothesis that Thismia from Neotropical region is distinct from congeners from Asia, using Hyb-Seq technique.
Applicant:
Diego Ferreira da Silva
Institution:
Development and Origin of Temperate Leaf Forms
Yale University
The percentage of woody angiosperms with toothed-leaved plants increases sharply moving from tropical into temperate regions. This study aims to use MicroCT scanning to study the buds of tropical and temperate plants to test the hypothesis that the packing-efficiency of leaves within buds poses developmental constraints on leaf-toothiness at maturity.
Applicant:
Oluwatobi Oso
Institution:
How many genera are there inside the Alpinia eubractea clade (Zingiberaceae)?
Muséum National d'histoire Naturelle
One of the largest challenges in the taxonomy of gingers is the polyphyletic genus Alpinia; the Alpinia eubractea clade being the most complicated. This project aims to evaluate if all species inside the clade should be placed in one genus or placed in several genera using molecular and morphological data.
Applicant:
Rudolph Valentino A. Docot
Institution:
Straightening things out: building a monograph and a phylogeny for fire-vines (Doliocarpus Rol., Dilleniaceae)
São Paulo State University, Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences (UNESP/IBILCE)
Doliocarpus (Dilleniaceae) is a genus restricted to the Neotropics comprising ca 55 species, most of which have been described since the last revision more than 50 years ago. The IAPT-Grant would help applicant to visit herbaria in America where large collections are deposited and perform analyzes for his PhD monograph.
Applicant:
João Victor Longhi Monzoli
Institution:
New perspectives on trans-oceanic dispersal, guided by a critically endangered group of tropical plants: Hibiscus sect. Lilibiscus
Washington University in St. Louis
Hibiscus sect. Lilibiscus contains 28 species in East Africa, Madagascar, and three oceanic archipelagos (Mascarenes, Fiji, Hawaii), all arising within 2 million years. This project will complete our sampling by collecting six species from Madagascar to understand how such incredible diversity arose, dispersed, and evolved in such a short time.
Applicant:
Brock Mashburn
Institution:
Placing the Voltziales: A Study of the origin and evolution of modern conifers
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas
My goal is to build a total evidence phylogenetic matrix with high representation of all major conifer lineages, focusing in Voltzialean conifers, and use it to study deep time conifer morphological evolution. Other studies with this matrix will include morphospace analyses and evolutionary rate estimation for different lineages through time.
Applicant:
Ana Andruchow-Colombo
Institution:
Systematics and character evolution of the genus Rotala L. (Lythraceae) in Indian subcontinent
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (M.S.), India
The proposed study is the applicants Ph.D. project and aims to comprehend taxonomy and phylogenetic species relationship of Rotala in Indian subcontinent. The IAPT grant would be used covering the costs associated with visiting herbaria in UK, i.e., K, Linn, and E, in order to examine historical collections and types of Rotala from Indian subcontinent
Applicant:
Arun Prasanth R.
Institution:
Molecular analysis of predominantly Indian incertae sedis genera from the
tribe Andropogoneae (Poaceae) using chloroplast genome
St. Xavier's College (Autonomous) Mumbai
The present work involves assessing systematic positions of genera such as Parahyparrhenia, Pseudodichanthium, Bhidea, Pseudanthistiria, Pogonachne, Triplopogon, and Lakshmia based on the chloroplast genome. These genera in a recent phylogenetic classification of world grasses were treated as incertae sedis (unplaced) because of the absence of molecular data. They show the most unique features in the tribe Andropogoneae thus are required to be carefully studied for their systematic position.
Applicant:
Landge Shahid Nawaz Khwaja Bhai
Institution:
Systematics, biogeography and androdioecy in Pseudoxandra R.E.Fr. (Annonaceae)
Federal University of Pernambuco
The project aims to reconstruct the phylogeny, biogeography and ancestral states of Pseudoxandra (Annonaceae), associating its evolution to the processes that led to the development of the South American rain forests; analyze how androdioecy is expressed in P. spiritus-sancti; and produce a taxonomic treatment of the genus in Brazil.
Applicant:
Marcio Lucas Bazante de Oliveira
Institution:
The taxonomy and systematics of Hydnora: a genus of bizarre holoparasitic plants native to Africa
University of Manchester
Hydnora is a genus of an extraordinary holoparasitic plants native to Africa. They are taxonomically challenging due to a lack of available morphological characters and a paucity of herbarium specimens. Through specimen collection and field sampling of fresh material, we aim to produce the first well-sampled molecular phylogeny for Hydnora.
Applicant:
Sebastian Hatt
Institution:
Systematics and evolution of Bulbostylis Kunth (Cyperaceae) in the neotropical region
Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA)/Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG).
In the Neotropics, Bulbostylis shows a marked species-richness. Species delimitation and evolutionary history remain unclear due to limited availability of molecular data. Using an integrative approach, combining phylogenomics with biodiversity data, will enable generating a dated phylogeny, map species richness, estimate ancestral areas, diversification patterns, and its centre of diversity.
Applicant:
Juliene de Fátima Maciel da Silva
Institution:
Diversification of Adesmia DC. and the role of the Andes in shaping morphology and biogeography on plant evolution
Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
We aim to use phylogenomics to reconstruct a robust, well-sampled time-tree of Adesmia (Leguminosae) that we will use to: understand the evolution of spines and spinescent inflorescences in the genus, complement the current knowledge of Southern Andes biogeography, and present a new monophyletic infrageneric classification to the genus.
Applicant:
Thiago Cobra e Monteiro
Institution:
Disentangling the Spermacoceae complex tribe (Rubiaceae) through integrative studies: taxonomy, biosystematics, and molecular phylogenetic. Case study in American taxa
Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste
Through an integrative approach (taxonomy, morphology, and molecular phylogenetics) I hope to make significant contributions to the resolution of the Tribe Spermacoceae, one of the most complex tribes within Rubiaceae. The project will be focus on those American taxa poorly understood from a taxonomic point of view, and scarce represented in the existing molecular phylogenies of the group.
Applicant:
Mariela Nuñez Florentin
Institution:
Discovering and updating the diversity of Sapotaceae in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution – National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Many Sapotaceae species in Sulawesi Island are poorly understood as specimens are often sterile or lack sampling or documentation. This project aims to update the species diversity and checklist of Sapotaceae from threatened and poorly sampled forests in the central part of Sulawesi and to support the ongoing taxonomic revisions of Planchonella, Palaquium and Madhuca.
Applicant:
Prima Wahyu Kusuma Hutabarat
Institution:
Integrative taxonomy of Browallia (Solanaceae).
Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Browallia L., despite being a small nightshade genus, presents several taxonomical and phylogenetic issues to be resolved. Its highest diversity is in Peru, where numerous species have been recently described. Thus, a detailed taxonomic review including morphological, cytogenetic, and phylogenetic data is needed to delimit its species and to understand their morphological variation.
Applicant:
David Hoyos
Institution:
Systematics and biogeography of Caperonia (Euphorbiaceae), a neglected and potentially diverse genus in the Amazon region
Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Discovering the true diversity of Caperonia in the Amazon region, along with its phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history, is the focus of this study. We plan to accomplish this by reviewing the main herbarium collections from the Brazilian Amazon and by conducting fieldwork to sample new phylogenetic terminals and to reveal possible new species and occurrences in this area. Caperonia is only found in damp environments, making the Amazon a perfect home for plants, yet this aspect has received surprisingly little attention from scientists.
Applicant:
Josimar Külkamp
Institution:
Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Luehea and Lueheopsis (Malvaceae; Grewioideae)
University of Pisa
Complete taxonomic study on the neotropical genera Luehea and Lueheopsis, to broaden the knowledge of this little-studied group, clarifying the evolutionary relationships between the two genera and individual taxa with molecular analysis. The objective will be to produce an updated monograph with descriptions, distributions, identification keys and conservation status.
Applicant:
Samuele Gerace
Institution:
Understanding the diversity of the giant genus Peperomia (Piperaceae): a hyperdiverse group of tropical herbs
University of Florida
Peperomia is a pantropical genus related to the economically important black pepper. The taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of Peperomia are still poorly understood. My research will fill this gap increasing the documentation and taxonomic sampling through collecting in hyperdiverse zones, thus enabling the reconstruction of a more well-sampled phylogeny.
Applicant:
José Esteban Jiménez Vargas
Institution:
Integrative Taxonomy in Abatia Ruiz & Pav. (Salicaceae)
Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana
The project proposes to travel from Brazil to Peru with the objective of analyzing the Abatia collections of the Peruvian herbaria and carrying out two collection expeditions, the first in Huánuco and the second in Cuzco, since Peru is the greatest center of diversity and endemism of the genus.
Applicant:
Francisco Álvaro Almeida Nepomuceno
Institution:
Revealing the unknown diversity of Malagasy fungi: Molecular and morphological analysis of the order Agaricales (Basidiomycota) of Madagascar
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Madagascar
Only 2% of Malagasy fungi are known. The aim is to visit Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Fungarium (UK) to sequence 200 specimens of Agaricales collected from Madagascar and to meet Kew Mycologists. With the aid of sequence data produced tens of new species of Agaricales to science will be described.
Applicant:
Anna Berthe Ralaiveloarisoa
Institution:
Macroevolutionary patterns in Pisonieae Meisn. (Nyctaginaceae): A Holistic Approach to a Cryptic Group of Tropical Trees.
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA)
Pisonieae is the most diverse tribe of the Nyctaginaceae. However, even today the is shrouded in a series of taxonomic confusions. In this proposal, we aim to provide a better understanding of the tribe by building a robust phylogenetic framework of the high throughput to investigate macroevolutionary patterns for Pisonieae.
Applicant:
Daniel da Silva Costa
Institution: