Margaret L. Ronsheim
Assistant Professor of Biology at Vassar College.
Education
Field Station Experiences
Courses Taught
Research Interests
My current research focuses on how the interactions between plants, mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi and fungal pathogens may affect the evolution of plant reproduction and dispersal mechanisms. Mycorrhizal fungi associate with 80% of plant species, and can play an important role in plant phosphorus uptake. Working together with several students, we have examined how the presence of mycorrhizae may influence intraspecific interactions between plants, as well as testing for the presence of local adaptation to the mycorrhizal community. In addition, I am examining the ecological interactions between different genotypes of Allium vineale, mycorrhizal fungi, and Sclerotium cepivorum, a fungal root pathogen which only infects plants in the Allium genus. The relative importance of interactions with mutualistic and pathogenic fungi could play a role in the evolution of sexual vs. asexual reproduction in Allium vineale. These questions are particularly relevant for Allium vineale because it has three different reproductive modes, two of which are asexual, as well as both aerial and subterranean propagules.
If you are interested in learning more about my research interests, check out my relevant publications and student research projects.
Professional Affiliations
Other Affiliations
How to Contact Me:
124 Raymond Avenue
Vassar College, Box 513
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
Office: Olmstead Hall, Rm. 214
Office Phone: (914) 437-7411
FAX: (914) 437-7315
Send me e-mail at maronsheim@vaxsar.vassar.edu.
This file was last modified February, 2000.