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Weronika Makuch

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Plant Ecology work group

Research focus

„The use of herbarium specimen to track spatio-temporal changes in genetic diversity, fitness and phenology of endangered plant species in Saxony-Anhalt”

The potential of the genetic population of plants, and thus their ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions, depends on the genetic diversity of the species in a given area. Decreasing genetic diversity (as a result of recent anthropogenic activities) can lead to inbreeding depression. The aim of my research project is to investigate spatio-temporal changes in genetic diversity, fitness and phenology of endangered plant species. The target species for the study should be characterized by various features, such as habitat (dry, wood, aquatic), life model (annual, perennial) and distribution (decline, extinct, rare). All pre-selected species have biogeographically important populations in Saxony-Anhalt. The investigation of genetic diversity of the herbarium specimen and fresh collected plant samples will be combinated with common garden experiments.

Education

Since 11/2021

PhD student at Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg

PhD thesis: „The use of herbarium specimen to track spatio-temporal changes in genetic diversity, fitness and phenology of endangered plant species in Saxony-Anhalt”

Supervisors: PD. Dr. Marcus Lehnert, Prof. Dr. Isabell Hensen, Dr. Sabrina Träger, Dr. Christoph Rosche

10/2018 – 09/2021

Master of Science (Biology), TU Dresden

Master Thesis: “Luronium natans (L.) Raf. - Investigation of the genetic diversity of Saxon populations and experiments on winter root growth of the endangered species”

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Stefan Wanke, PD Dr. Christiane Ritz

10/2015 - 09/2018

Bachelor of Science (Biology), TU Dresden

Bachelor Thesis: "Anatomy, chemistry and biomechanics of the Grevillea fruit"

Supervisors: Dr. Thea Lautenschläger

Publications

Makuch, W., Wanke, S., Ditsch, B., Richter, F., Herklotz, V., Ahlborn, J., & Ritz, C.M. (2023). Population genetics and plant growth experiments as prerequisite for conservation measures of the rare European aquatic plant Luronium natans (Alismataceae). Frontiers in Plant Science. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1069842

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