MASTER PROJECTS
Supervisor: Professor Jorunn E. Olsen (IPM) and cooperation partners
Contact: jorunn.olsen@nmbu.no
EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION; DAMAGE VERSUS INDUCTION OF PROTECTIVE
MECHANISMS IN PLANTS
Although it is well known that ionising radiation and UV may result in damage to plants,
knowledge on the interactive effects between low dose ionising radiation, UV radiation and
temperature is limited. Within NMBU`s Centre of excellence on Environmental RADioactivity
(CERAD), we aim to assess interactive effects of these multiple stressors on plants. Such
knowledge is required for risk assessments as to performance of plants in regions with
increased radiation due to accidental releases, and environments with high natural
background radiation (e.g. specific parts of Norway).
In a master project, interactive effects of ionising radiation, UV-B and temperature will be
studied, i.e. effects on plant morphology and reproduction as well as measurement of DNA
damage, contents of protecting antioxidants and activities of DNA repair and antioxidant
genes. Epigenetic, transgenerational effects in plants with short generation times may also be
assessed.
HOW DOES TEMPERATURE AFFECT DAYLENGTH RESPONSES IN TREES?
In trees, short days are required for bud set and development of dormancy and frost tolerance; all
processes enabling winter survival. These and other daylength-controlled plant processes such as
flowering are modified by temperature. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms.
Understanding how temperature and daylength interact will help us understand how trees will
respond to a changing climate.
In a master project, mechanisms linked to temperature modification of action of the daylength in trees
(Norway spruce aspen and/or aspen) will be investigated, focusing on genes thought to be involved in
light and temperature signalling and their relationship with growth controlling hormones. Performance
of plants (growth, winter bud formation) will be studied under different light and temperature
conditions and analyses of relevant genes and compounds will be done.
EPIGENETIC EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS DURING SEED DEVELOPMENT
In Norway spruce an epigenetic memory effect of climatic conditions during seed development has
been documented, resulting in formation of epitypes with different climatic adaptation characteristics.
However, little is known about the precise mechanisms underlying this epigenetic memory effect.
Detailed knowledge of this will improve our understanding of climatic adaptation in trees and plants
in general and help in predicting plant responses to a changing climate.
A master project will aim to study the mechanisms underlying the epigenetic memory effect in Norway
spruce. Histone modification, methylation and activities of relevant genes thought to be targets of the
epigenetic machinery will be studied. Experiments with plants exhibiting different epigenetic response
will be performed. The project is a cooperation project with NIBIO.