Mariola Rabska

Research focus:
I conduct research in the field of ecophysiology. I am particularly interested in learning about the differences between male and female individuals in dioecious species. I study secondary sexual dimorphism, as well as the response of dioecious plants to environmental conditions. Tools for me in learning about dioecious plants include studies of photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, chemical composition (concerning both photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and other secondary metabolites), and leaf morphology. To date, I have conducted research on such native species as common juniper and common yew, as well as on an Australian species: Adriana tomentosa. Recently, however, I have been working on the common mistletoe in the context of both its dioeciousness and its semi-parasitic lifestyle.

Keywords:
Ecophysiology, dioecious plants, hemiparasitism, photosynthesis, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, macro- and micronutrients, secondary metabolites, morphological differences