The doctoral thesis of landscape geneticist Iris Reinula, "Genetic variation of grassland plants in changing landscapes" was awarded a mention in the National Contest for University Students of Natural Sciences in 2024. The thesis supervisor is the Head of the Pollination Ecology Workgroup, Associate Professor of Macroecology Tsipe Aavik.

The thesis confirms the importance of the genetic diversity of populations in the example of cowslips (Primula veris) and mountain clover (Trifolium montanum). It proves that the exchange of genetic information between fragmented populations is for the latter as a lifeline in the context of habitat loss. The study about Western Estonian cowslips showed that large open grasslands do not have a supportive effect on the genetic diversity of the cowslip. Rather, the genetic diversity of cowslips was greater in grasslands with more edges. The knowledge gained from the thesis helps spatial planning to avoid the genetic isolation of populations and is among the foundations of successful conservation work.

The National Contest for University Students aims to value research among students, to raise student activity, and to express appreciation to those who have achieved outstanding results in their work. The competition takes place once a year. Read more on the website of the Estonian Research Agency (in Estonian).

The new pollination ecology workgroup integrates the best knowledge about the relationships between plants and pollinators 

This academic year marks the beginning of a new working group that connects botanists and zoologists. The group led by Dr. Tsipe Aavik explores different aspects of interactions between plants and pollinating insects, conducts research at multiple spatial scales and uses a variety of research methods. 

The overarching aim of the pollination ecology workgroup is to understand how plant and insect populations, communities and plant-pollinator interaction networks respond to the loss and isolation of natural and semi-natural habitats. This knowledge is vital for predicting the future of ecosystems in the context of ongoing environmental change and for designing effective conservation and restoration measures. The main research topics of the group encompass plant-pollinator networks, genetic patterns of plants and pollination-related plant traits in ecosystems, which have experienced recent shifts in landscape structure and land use intensity. 

“In our group, we explore who interacts with whom—specifically, which pollinators visit which plant species, and what factors influence these relationship networks. We also continue landscape genetic studies to understand the genetic patterns of plants, which in insect-pollinated plants are largely shaped by pollinators. Emphasis is put on research on pollinators in Estonian agricultural landscapes, including the factors that affect their community composition and distribution, and the consequences for the well-being of wild plant species. Of course, we will also address the broader conservation context of the observed patterns,” says Tsipe Aavik about the group’s goals. “Citizen science will play an important role in the group—most of us have extensive experience with the cowslip campaign, which is very valuable for planning future research activities.” 

More information about the pollination ecology workgroup can be found on their website and in articles (both in Estonian) published in the university’s journal Universitas Tartuensis in August, titled “In the Footsteps of Charles Darwin with the Help of Citizen Scientists” (in Estonian) and “Report: A Paradise for Naturalists in Western Estonia” (in Estonian). 

Active students and postdoctoral researchers interested in joining the working group can contact them via email or phone. 

The new collaboration network aims to integrate knowledge of genetic diversity with conservation practices 

In October, a new network was launched within the framework of the European long-term intergovernmental collaboration program COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). This network aims to bring knowledge of the importance of genetic diversity into everyday planning and implementation of conservation activities. Tsipe Aavik, the head of the Pollination Ecology Workgroup and Associate Professor of Macroecology, represents Estonian researchers in the network’s management committee. 

The collaboration network called GENOA (Genetic Nature Observation and Action) continues the activities of the previous network G-BiKE (Genomic Biodiversity Knowledge for Resilient Ecosystems), and brings together conservation geneticists and conservation biologists, as well as conservation practitioners from approximately thirty European countries. Tsipe Aavik outlines the opportunities offered by the four-year cooperation network: "Over the next four years, scientists and practitioners will have ample opportunities to participate in various events, trainings, discussions, and conferences within the frames of GENOA. The network also enables the funding of short-term scientific visits on topics, which are related to achieving the goals of GENOA". 

“The range of topics addressed by GENOA is quite broad. The first of the network's five working groups focuses on empowering knowledge of genetic diversity in conservation policies. While the second working group works on the development of genetic diversity indicators, the aim of the third working group is to demonstrate how the preservation of genetic diversity contributes to the survival of both species and ecosystems. The fourth work package deals with promoting conservation genetics to a wider audience, and the fifth working group is dedicated to internal and external communication of the network.” 

A more detailed description of the GENOA network can be found on the COST website under the link 'Read the Action Description MoU'. 

To participate in GENOA's activities in one way or another, please contact Tsipe Aavik (tsipe.aavik@ut.ee). 

In June, the environmental program of Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) called Osoon visited the fieldwork of Pollination Ecology Workgroup. 

At the research sites in Kaseküla, Pärnu County, Marianne Kaldra, Iris Reinula, Tsipe Aavik, and Virve Sõber explained why the size and connectivity of semi-natural grasslands— our exceptionally diverse habitats—have declined over the past hundred years and how such fragmentation affects plant species, pollinators, and their interactions. 

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