24.03.2026: Mario Pesendorfer (Wien): „Ecology and evolution of mastseeding in forest ecosystems", HS 32.01, Institut für Biologie, Bereich Pflanzenwissenschaften, Holteigasse 6, 17:00 Uhr
Seed production in many forest trees of the temperate zone is variable between years and synchronized in space. This so-called mast-seeding has wide-reaching consequences for ecosystem and community dynamics, as well as for the health of humans that live nearby. I will give an overview of the ecological and evolutionary drivers and consequences of mast-seeding and show examples of how climate change is starting to have strong impacts on long-term patterns of seed production in trees across Europe and North America. Finally, I will highlight our recent work of developing anticipatory forecasting models that allow us to predict annual seed prediction more than a year in advance, supporting foresters and habitat managers, as well as public health efforts aimed to reduce the impact of pollen allergies an zoonotic diseases.