POLARPLANT aims to predict the consequences of invading non-native plants and herbivores on Antarctic flora in changing climate. To achieve these goals, we will sample plants, soil and plant microbes in the Antarctic Peninsula (Carline Station) and open rock habitats of nunataks at (Aboa Station). We will then apply genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, Plant chemistry, computational biology, and well-replicated greenhouse and mesocosm experiments in our research. By taking into account the natural enemies of plants, POLARPLANT will provide novel insights into how plant chemistry and plant-associated microbes modulate multitrophic interactions and plants' range expansions into these extreme habitats. Thus, we expect to contribute to the theories of mutualism and coevolutionary processes of biodiversity, which are essential for conserving life on Earth.

2025

2029