Delavaux group

Our group is interested in understanding mutualism impacts on plant ecology and biogeography. How do plant interactions – from microbial mutualists to biotic pollinators – shape plant distributions, diversity and ecology? We also study human impacts on plants, microbes, and mutualistic interactions; this includes human pressures such as land use change, nutrient deposition and invasion. We study all plant associated mutualisms, but have a strong focus on mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi.

Our approach is to work across scales, fields, and tools to tackle questions from different perspectives. We use multiple types of data and tools, from greenhouse experiments to global data, and wet lab analyses to large models.

Major current themes in the group include:

1. Mutualism-plant biogeography – This work aims to test the role of plant mutualisms in plant biogeography; how do mutualisms structure plant distributions? Much of this work is in the context of island biogeography.
2. Plant invasions – Here, we aim to identify the drivers and consequences of non-native species invasions; how can we better predict which plant species will represent a high invasion risk where?
3. Ecosystem functioning – This research area integrates mycorrhizal diversity into biodiversity ecosystem functioning; how can mutualist diversity influence plant productivity and other ecosystem functions?
4. Mycorrhizal biogeography – With the research, we focus on developing tools to uncover the hidden diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; what is the full diversity and biogeography of this key mutualism, and how is it impacted by global change drivers?

We are always looking for curious students and collaborators to work with. Please reach out if you are interested in joining or collaborating: c.delavaux@nioo.knaw.nl.