In the Plant Ecology and Evolution lab, we study varying aspects of plant responses to their environment. We seek to learn the plastic responses and decisions plants make under changing environmental conditions, how plants evolve in response to these changes and the way these responses can be applied to deal with environmental issues, such as invasive species, heavy-metals and light pollution.

Specific Research interests/topics: 
1. Biotic interactions
2. Phenotypic plasticity
3. Phytoremediation
4. Invasive plants
5. Light pollution
6. Plastic pollution
7. Urban ecology  

Research methods: 
Controlled common-garden and greenhouse experiments. Phenotyping plant physiological responses to environmental stresses using a photosynthesis system and porometer. Monitoring plant movement and pollinator visitations using mini-cameras and deep-learning software. Analyzing belowground root growth using specialized transparent rhizobox pots and root image analysis systems. Simulating different light regimes with multiple automatically light-controlled chambers. Exploring human nature visitation using web-based surveys.

Main projects in the lab include:

1. Decision-making in plants in response to competition
2. Associative learning in plants
3. Mechanisms of plant invasion
4. Heavy-metal phytoextraction by plants
5. Effects of plastic pollution on coastal plants
6. Effects of light pollution on plants
7. Ecosystem services of urban green spaces

Lab Facilities and capabilities:
• Root phenotyping tools, including rhizobox systems, WinRHIZO root scanner and WinRHIZO and WinRHIZO TRON software. 
• 20 automatically and individually light-controlled growth chambers with mini-cameras.
• Common garden lighting system with mini-cameras to monitor light-pollution effects on pollinator visitations. 

Potential industries:
1. Agtech

Website: https://michalgruntman.wixsite…
Contact Details: michal.gruntman@gmail.com