Timing! Shifting Climate Conditions and Plant Flowering: A Conversation with Jessica Savage

In this episode of “A Botanical Podcast!” host Shiran Ben Zeev and Dr. Jessica Savage have a wide-ranging conversation about how flowering plants respond to shifting seasonal changes in temperatures, especially when those changes are unpredictable—early warming periods (false springs), followed by light or hard freezes. What is the difference between plants that flower and those that wait? What is the impact of freezing on plants in flower? Jessica draws on research by her and people in her lab who are working to help us better understand the physiological basis of plant phenology and seasonality.

Jessica is a whole plant physiologist with expertise in vascular physiology, floral physiology, phenology, and physiological ecology in seasonally cold climates. She has a strong disposition toward research tied to the phloem (she must have a sweet tooth!). She is an Associate Professor at a primary undergraduate institution and has a passion for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students (especially master’s students). She developed and runs a community-engaged research program focused on tree phenology in coastal forests around Lake Superior and is the Chair of the Physiological and Ecophysiological Section of BSA. Before starting as a faculty member, she was a Putnam Research Fellow at the Arnold Arboretum and a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. She received her PhD from the University of Minnesota in Plant Biological Sciences. The research discussed in the podcast was funded by the National Science Foundation (IOS 1656318).

Jessica A. Savage
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Website bit.ly/savageplantphys
BlueSky @savageplantphys.bsky.social 

Disclaimer

The Botanical Society of America (BSA) has produced and provides this podcast for people who love plants, plant research, and BSA journals. The information presented is based on current scientific understanding and may be subject to change as new research emerges. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are the personal views of the host and guests, and not the views, policies, or opinions of BSA or any of its officials. The appearance of any host or guest does not imply an endorsement by BSA of them, their employer, any entity they represent, or any view or content they express or create outside of this podcast. Reference to any product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BSA. This podcast may not be republished or repurposed without the consent of the BSA.

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