Contact details +6469517718
Associate Professor Jennifer Tate BSc, PhD, FLS
Associate Professor in Plant Systematics and Evolution
Doctoral Supervisor School of Agriculture and EnvironmentAssociate Professor in Plant Systematics and Evolution
School of Natural SciencesOur research focuses on understanding the nature of plant speciation and diversification using a variety of approaches. We use molecular phylogenetics to test ideas of species relationships, taxonomy, biogeography, and character evolution. We also use morphological and molecular tools to understand different evolutionary processes affecting plant speciation, including hybridization and polyploidy (whole genome doubling) and plant mating systems. A recurrent theme of our research is to assess and understand the repeatability of evolution and its effects on morphological and genomic level traits.
Professional
Contact details
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Location: 5.09, SciD
Campus: Turitea
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science - University of Illinois (1995)
- Doctor of Philosophy - University of Texas Austin (2002)
Fellowships and Memberships
- Member, The Linnean Society of London (Fellow) (2009)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Supervisor, Massey University
Research Expertise
Research Interests
Our lab works broadly in the area of plant evolutionary biology. Below are brief descriptions of some of our current projects.
Genomic consequences of polyploidy in plants
Polyploidy, or whole genome doubling, has been a significant evolutionary force in flowering plant history. We are studying different aspects of polyploidy using native New Zealand plant groups as well as the model polyploid system of Tragopogon (Asteraceae). Our aims are to understand the formation of polyploids and the genomic consequences of polyploidization in different plant lineages. In particular, we are studying polyploid diversification in relation to genome downsizing in native New Zealand plant species (e.g., Asplenium, Azorella, Libertia). This project is funded by the Marsden Fund (2018-2020) and is in collaboration with Bill Lee (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research), Heidi Meudt and Patrick Brownsey (Te Papa Tongarewa, The Museum of New Zealand), Dirk Albach (Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg), and Andrew Tanentzap (University of Cambridge).
Another major avenue of polyploidy research aims to address the potential conflict that arises in new polyploids between the duplicated nuclear genomes and the haploid maternally inherited organellar genomes (mitochondria and plastid). Successful interaction between the nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes is necessary to facilitate essential functions of growth and development (e.g., respiration and photosynthesis). This project was recently funded by the Marsden Fund (2019-2021) and is in collaboration with Murray Cox (Massey), Dan Sloan (Colorado State University), and Doug and Pam Soltis (University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History). We will soon be recruiting two PhD students to work with us on this project.
Phylogenetic systematics of Malvaceae
Malvaceae is a large angiosperm family that includes economically important species such as cotton and Hibiscus. We are working on generic level phylogenies for different groups in tribe Malveae, which is the largest in subfamily Malvoideae, as well as tribe Hibisceae. Our focal genera are those from Australia and New Zealand (Asterotrichion, Gynatrix, Hoheria, Lawrencia, Plagianthus, and Hibiscus) and South America (Acaulimalva, Nototriche, and Tarasa). We are using molecular phylogenetic approaches to understand species relationships, biogeography, and character evolution within these groups, as well as using these phylogenetic frameworks to revise taxonomy when needed.
Evolution and conservation of native New Zealand flora
The New Zealand flora is incredibly diverse and unique with a high proportion of endemic species. Many of these species are endangered or threatened because of historical loss of native habitat. In collaboration with Vaughan Symonds (Massey) and Alastair Robertson (Massey), we are studying the population and conservation genetics of these native plant groups. Some of our focal genera include Dactylanthus(Mystropetalaceae), Fuchsia (Onagraceae), Korthalsella (Viscaceae), Myosotis (Boraginaceae), Selliera (Goodeniaceae), and Sophora (Fabaceae). Most of these projects have been conducted by MSc and PhD students.
Thematics
Resource Development and Management
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Biological Sciences (060000):
Epigenetics (incl. Genome Methylation and Epigenomics) (060404):
Evolutionary Biology (060300):
Genetics (060400):
Host-Parasite Interactions (060307):
Phylogeny and Comparative Analysis (060309):
Plant Biology (060700):
Plant Systematics and Taxonomy (060310)
Keywords
Phylogenetic systematics
Polyploidy
Genome evolution
Taxonomy
Research Projects
Summary of Research Projects
Position | Current | Completed |
---|---|---|
Project Leader | 3 | 19 |
Current Projects
Project Title: Getting the balance right: How do allopolyploids successfully integrate interspecific nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes?
Date Range: 2019 - 2023
Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand
Project Team:
- A/Pro Jennifer Tate - Project Leader
- Emeritus Professor Prof Murray Cox - Team Member
Research Outputs
Journal
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Lockhart, P., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Joshi, P., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Lockhart, P., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Joshi, P., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Joshi, P., Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Journal article]Authored by: Tate, J.
Book
[Chapter]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Chapter]Authored by: Tate, J.
Conference
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Tate, J.Contributed to by: Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Roskruge, N., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Tate, J., Vignes, M.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Marshall, J., Tate, J., Vignes, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Tate, J.Contributed to by: Tate, J.
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Robertson, A., Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Robertson, A., Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Joshi, P., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Robertson, A., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Tate, J.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
Other
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Symonds, V., Tate, J.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Tate, J.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Sehrish, T., Tate, J.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Tate, J.
Teaching and Supervision
Teaching Statement
120.101 (Biology of Plants)
120.303 (Plant Biodiversity)
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
Position | Current | Completed |
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Main Supervisor | 4 | 4 |
Co-supervisor | 1 | 5 |
Current Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
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Sophie Newmarch
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Doctor of Philosophy
Origin and diversification of Libertia (Iridaceae) -
Hannah Hodgkinson
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Doctor of Philosophy
Understanding methylation and allopolyploid sub-genome gene expression as an adaptive response to environmental stress in white clover -
Usama Mukhtar
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Doctor of Philosophy
Reciprocally formed Tragopogon allopolyploids and their diploid parents - a comparative study -
Wenliang Xu
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Doctor of Philosophy
Modification of MTT colorimetric bacterial assays and investigation of antibacterial compounds from selected Myrtaceae plants
Co-supervisor of:
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Simon Semese
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Doctor of Philosophy
Cultural & molecular characterization of traditional kumara (Ipomaea batatas) and taewa (Solanum tuberosum) in Aotearoa (New Zealand) as an insurance policy for food security
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
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2023
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Weixuan Ning
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Doctor of Philosophy
Phylogenomics and Evolution of Polyploid Azorella (Apiaceae) in New Zealand -
2023
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Sidra Hussain
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Doctor of Philosophy
Evolution of Cytonuclear Coordination in Tragopogon (Asteraceae) Allopolyploids -
2020
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Oiwodu Ehoche
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Doctor of Philosophy
Assessing the Potential of Genomic Selection to Improve Yield and Persistence in White Clover -
2014
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Tina Sehrish
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Doctor of Philosophy
Polyploid Genome Evolution
Co-supervisor of:
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2024
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Ling Hu
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Doctor of Philosophy
Rhododendron taxonomy and diversity of ex situ collections for conservation: (subsection) Maddenia species as a case study -
2021
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Sofie Pearson
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Doctor of Philosophy
Detection of loci associated with water-soluble carbohydrate accumulation and environmental adaptation in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) -
2019
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Kay Pilkington
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Doctor of Philosophy
The genetic architecture of the divaricate growth form: A QTL mapping approach in Sophora (Fabaceae) -
2017
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Jessica Prebble
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Doctor of Philosophy
Species delimitation and the population genetics of rare plants: A case study using the New Zealand native pygmy forget-me-not group (Myosotis; Boraginaceae) -
2014
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Amir Sultan
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Doctor of Philosophy
Systematics, Biology and Ecology of New Zealand's Pygmy Mistletoes (Korthalsella : Viscaceae)
Media and Links
Other Links
- Lab webpage - Tate lab webpage