Acer VanWallendael

Assistant Professor of Horticultural Science

Bio

My lab explores the intersection of evolutionary genetics and weed science, using evolutionary concepts to improve weed management and studying weeds and invasive species as models for evolutionary processes. We combine ecology, evolution, and genetics to investigate large-scale ecological patterns and microevolution in plant populations.

We focus on crop-related weeds, comparing genomic and ecological traits between crop-weed pairs to better understand the evolution of weediness and domestication. A key current project examines proso millet (Panicum miliaceum), exploring genetic and phenotypic divergence between weedy and domesticated varieties.

We also study rapid weed evolution, investigating how large population sizes and strong selection pressures can lead to fast changes in weed traits. By monitoring these populations over time, we aim to detect significant genomic shifts before they become problematic.

Explore more on our Google Scholar.

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Areas of Expertise

• Genetics & Genomics
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Weeds & Invasive Species
• Fungal Microbiomes of Plants
• Polyploidy & Local Adaptation

Groups

• Academics 
• Appointment: Academics 
• Appointment 
• Discipline: Biotechnology / Genomics 
• Graduate Faculty: Breeding, genetics, genomics, and bioengineering 
• Faculty 
• Discipline: Plant Breeding / Germplasm Development 
• Research 
• Appointment: Research 
• Discipline: Weed Management