This new feature will spotlight the research programs of R-RN participants, with a goal to build a thriving collaborative network of Rhododendron Scientists. Our first Spotlight features Dr. Gluzar Khan.

Dr. Khan's main research interests are to access the forces responsible for both the micro/macro-evolutionary levels, define the “Designatable Unit” or DU with evidences within the endangered/threatened species, and to develop first-draft management guidelines for populations/species facing rapid climate changes. Dr. Khan brings critical population genomics, landscape genomics and species distribution modeling approaches to his projects, to achieve a variety of objectives. We spoke to Dr. Khan about his research background, and his interest in expanding his collaborative projects in Rhododendron.

Dr. Khan's interest in Rhododendron is grounded in his previous work in Brazil on deeply assessing hybridization & introgression, and their effects on the conservation in some microendemic species of genus Melocactus (Cactaceae). In addition, Dr. Khan was involved in assessment of genetic erosion in Pilosocereus aureispinus, an endangered species consisting of only three populations, and in investigating taxonomic challenges posed by naturally fragmented system in P. jauruensis. He also contributed to review IBD (isolation by distance) and steps to be considered in a conservation guidelines setting. Similarly, during his doctorate (2011 to 2015), Dr. Khan contributed towards the questions on how the uplifting and climatic changes at Qignhai Tibetan Plateau shaped genetic diversity since last 2 million years.

Now, Dr. Khan is working in IBU (Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences), university of Oldenburg, Germany. This effort is focused on preparing a proposal to work on the cradle vs museum hypothesis of montane biodiversity, and one publication is already in the second round of review in American Journal of Botany available on bioarxiv, entitled, “Incongruent phylogenies and its implications for the study of diversification, taxonomy and genome size evolution of Rhododendron (Ericaceae)”. In this very work, Dr. Khan and team has investigated the infrageneric phylogeny of Rhododendron, providing the broad coverage of representative species (22%) of all Rhododendron subgenera, sections, and most subsections to resolve to highlight areas of incongruence, finding merit in the recognition of the five major clades at the subgeneric level in the genus, but given the amount of incongruence a number of species cannot be confidently assigned to one of these five clades. They suggested that, genome-wide data will be necessary to assess whether these currently unassignable species are assignable to one of the five major clades or whether they are inter-subgeneric hybrids. Additionally, he is involved to find the genomic traces of the role of geographical vs ecological vs climatic challenges in shaping the gene-pool of genus Veronica at their Eastern European and western Asian distribution. Here also, Dr. Khan gained an interest in applying these skills further to the interesting biodiversity and evolutionary biology questions that can be addressed in Rhododendron.

The Rhododendron study system has immense potential to provide unique insight into the evolutionary processes that drive biodiversity, and Dr. Khan's work represents an exciting frontier in this respect. Dr. Khan is looking forward to identifying additional collaborators and projects in Rhododendron; click HERE to learn more about Dr. Khan's research program. 

“Colleagues are a wonderful thing – but mentors, that’s where the real work gets done.” — Junot Diaz

Rhododendron is one of the richest study systems in the world, ranging from horticulture and breeding, to conservation and restoration, to ecology and evolution, to medicinal chemistry and ethnobotany. In addition, Rhododendron’s popularity as ornamental and medicinal plants dates back over 500 years, highlighting their enormous potential to connect seemingly-distant problems like conservation and medicine, or gardening and climate change, to solve the big mysteries of how biodiversity arises, why it matters to humans, and how to preserve it.

For over 50 years, The American Rhododendron Society has served as a resource and a repository of Rhododendron expertise, with members eager to pass on their knowledge and support projects that preserve and promote the beauty and value of Rhododendron for the future.

So what's the problem? Quite simply, we need more people working on Rhododendron, there are just not enough hours in the day to address the amazing potential of Rhododendron as a study system. In addition, as people in the modern world have become more siloed into distinct professions, connections across generations and between scientists and the public need purposeful tending.  Lastly, conservation efforts deserve more attention, as native populations of Rhododendron are facing increasing threats from human development and climate change. 

The ARS-NextGen program is addressing these problems head-on, developing initiatives to involve the next generation in Rhododendron research and horticulture, creating educational content and opportunities that address a growing interest in biodiversity conservation, and fostering a multigenerational community of Rhododendron hobbyists and professionals to mentor the next generation of Rhododendron experts. Here again, we need more hands, and meeting this challenge is going to take creative solutions.

Now, ARS-NextGen is seeking scientists and teaching professionals interested to collaborate on developing activities such as:

• Including Rhododendron experts in your classroom as guest speakers or workshop presenters
• Establishing lesson plans centered around different dimensions of Rhododendron
• Engaging students in plant-centered community development projects
• Mentoring students in independent study projects on Rhododendron
• Advancing community-based research and conservation projects

Click HERE to learn more and get involved.