Chris Roh ’12, now an assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has led new research into the mechanics of how dandelions release and retain their seeds. The work began when Roh noticed his toddler’s interest in dandelions and began questioning why some seeds released before others and why some needed more force to release.

Roh and his colleagues studied the fluid dynamics of seed dispersal in dandelions and found that the plants respond to wind direction during seed release, a process known as abscission. The research shows that dandelions have structures that make it more difficult for seeds to release under unfavorable wind conditions. Jena Shields, a Ph.D. candidate in Roh’s lab and the first author on the paper, explained that the moment of seed release is crucial to a plant’s reproductive success.

This study builds on previous research indicating that wind-dispersed plants control seed release based on factors like humidity and wind strength. The findings may offer insights into seed dispersal mechanisms in other wind-dispersed plants, such as lettuce and cotton.

More details about the study can be found at Cornell University’s news website.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Ithaca, NY

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